The Westford Wardsman, February, 1914
Saturday, February 7, 1914
Center. Miss Edith Forster chaperoned a party of fourteen young people in attendance at a performance of “The merchant of Venice” at the Merrimack Square theatre one day last week.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Wright, of Lowell, and two children were visitors for last Sunday at the parental home.
Mrs. Sarah A. Harris, who has acted as the late Miss Luce’s caretaker for some time, is spending a week in Nashua, N.H., for rest and change, after which she will be with Mrs. Helen K. Frost.
We often hear that extremes of weather are trying to the aged and infirm and during the recent cold spell O. A. [Alfred Oscar] Davis, the poultryman [on Leland Rd.], lost his old white China gander, which he had owned for twenty-five years. It is well known that geese often live to a greater age, but this one seems to the average person like a veteran. “Dad” was a wise bird and his master tells many interesting things concerning his sagacity. He was as dependable as any watch dog about the place and was never cross or quarrelsome. Mr. Davis has another interesting pet, a tame robin, which has been with him for six years. The robin has a cage, but is in no wise a captive. When allowed his freedom he will come tapping back to the kitchen window to be admitted, and when his master is in the house has the freedom of the room. Mr. Davis, who lives alone, makes great pets of his hens, geese, cats, squirrels, etc., and it is interesting to hear his accounts concerning them.
James Kimball, after his aunt’s [Miranda Luce] funeral, closed up the old Luce homestead [25 Main St.] and returned to Boston. This is practically the first time the house has been closed since Mr. Luce established a home for himself and his bride in 1828, a span of eighty-six years.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company held their regular monthly meeting with supper on Tuesday evening at the headquarters on Boston road. A fine oyster supper, under the direction of George E. Gould, was served, there being twelve present to enjoy it.
Mrs. V. C. Bruce Wetmore, of Nashoba farm [Concord Rd. at northwest corner with Hildreth St.] is at Poland Springs, Me.
Mrs. Natalie Sleeper Hartwell was in town on Saturday attending Miss Luce’s funeral, who was the friend and neighbor of her childhood and girlhood.
At the meeting of the Tadmuck club next Tuesday afternoon at Library hall, Miss Alice M. Howard will be in charge of the program with “Robert Louis Stevenson” as the subject.
Miss Hazel Hartford was hostess for a very pleasant party of about twenty young people at her home on Wednesday evening. Five tables of whist were enjoyed during the evening and later refreshments of ice cream and cake were served by Mrs. Hartford. Before adjourning to their homes the young people participated in some good singing.
The annual appraisal of property, and dinner to the town officers, took place last Saturday at the town farm. The appraisers found everything in excellent shape and well kept both outdoors and in, and a credit to the superintendent and matron, Mr. and Mrs. Barnes. The inventory taken showed a gain of several hundred dollars in the amount of property at the farm. There are five inmates at the present time. Fourteen sat down to the dinner served by Mrs. Barnes, which was one of the best.
One of the attractive events scheduled for next week are the high school dramatics given by the senior class next Friday evening in the town hall. The play is a three-act comedy-drama entitled “The teaser,” with a cast of seven characters. Dancing and the serving of refreshments will follow the play.
Funeral. The funeral services of Miss Miranda G. Luce were held from her late home on last Saturday afternoon at two o’clock. A large group of neighbors, friends and relatives gathered to pay a last token of respect to her who lived among them for her entire life time. Rev. David Wallace was the officiating clergyman, reading from the scriptures, and with sympathetic prayer concluding with the reading of a beautiful poem, “He giveth his beloved sleep.” Miss Edna Ferguson sang two beautifully rendered solos, “O love that will not let me go” and “The Lord my shepherd is.” The beautiful floral offerings that surrounded the casket were as follows:
Calla lilies, Mrs. A. P. Warren and Miss Mary G. Stevens; spray of pinks, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Day; wreath, roses and pinks, Mrs. Hiram Whitney; large spray of tulips, Dr. and Mrs. O. V. Wells; large spray of roses, Mrs. Dorothy Sleeper Hartwell, Mrs. Natalie Sleeper Hartwell and Walter Sleeper; spray pink carnations, Mrs. Augusta Prescott and family; large spray of calla lilies, Union Congregational church; spray white pinks, Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Boynton, Medfield; sprays of white carnations, Mr. and Mrs. Sherman H. Fletcher, and Mrs. Sarah A. Holloday; spray red roses, Mr. and Mrs. George T. Day and Miss Emily F. Fletcher; large spray of yellow jonquils, Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth; spray of tulips, Harwood L. Wright; large spray of pink carnations, Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Houghton.
The bearers were Houghton G. Osgood, Arthur E. Day, Charles O. Prescott and Samuel G. Humiston. Interment was in the family lot in Fairview cemetery. David L. Greig & Son were in charge of the funeral arrangements.
Birthday Party. Mrs. Ralph [Lizzie] Bridgeford invited a company of friends one evening last week to her home in honor of her mother’s birthday, Mrs. John Felch. It was Mrs. Felch’s seventieth anniversary and the event was a pleasant one for her. One mammoth bouquet of seventy carnation pinks was sent from one of her daughters, Mrs. Nellie Hinton, of Chicopee Falls, and two other handsome bouquets were received from other children. A shower of pretty postal cards, over fifty in number, was another pleasant feature and there were other pretty gifts. Mrs. Felch is the proud mother of eleven children, all of whom are living. A sister, Mrs. Cheever, was with her to assist in celebrating her birthday. Mrs. Felch enjoys very comfortable health. Refreshments were served by Mrs. Bridgeford during the evening. It was a coincidence of the gathering that Mrs. Frank C. Wright, one of the guests present, was also observing a birthday anniversary.
About Town. Marshall’s hall at Westford Corner is getting to be one of the live oases of the town. It was dance night at the corner again last Saturday evening and those who love this form of expressing life were right there with well fitted feet for well fitted music by the Crescent orchestra, Walter Steele promoter and prompter. Lowell, Chelmsford, South, North, East, West and Center, Forge Village, Graniteville and scatterings of Westford were part of the proceedings. Adjournment until this Saturday evening, same hall, music and general hurrah for Westford Corner and the compliments of the early pussy willows.
Oak hill is still a lively business factor. Business boom and social boom and this earthly part of Westford is well balanced. The Fletcher-Leahy Company have a large contract at Jefferson and William J. Donnelly, Robert Gunston, Frank McGlinchey, Peter George will be a part of the essentials of skilled labor in fulfilling this contract.
The pussy willows, the woodchuck and the robin are out in their spring dress. Lookout there now you Mr. Early Man of the Stony Brook valley, or somebody will be springing early peas into the ground. Yes I know he lives in Graniteville postoffice address for early peas, New Jersey February planting. That beats the game of St. Patrick’s day in the morning planting potatoes.
The W.C.T.U., with the president, Mrs. Janet Wright, presiding, held a food sale on Wednesday afternoon at the residence of J. Henry Colburn. This food sale was on the Main street. Plans were discussed for holding a public temperance rally sometime prior to the annual town meeting, which occurs on the third Monday of March.
Mrs. S. L. Taylor and Mrs. Amos Polley accompanied Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher in his auto trip to Littleton on Wednesday evening, where he gave in open meeting before the grange his stereopticon “Views of Panama canal” and other environments of that now prominent earth spot.
The Fortnightly club held a disappointment meeting (very rare it ever holds such) last week Friday evening, owing to a disappointment in securing a suitable [magic] lantern for exhibiting the views of Panama canal by Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, which has been so favorably advertised wherever given. The club is not void of endeavor for a future attempt. The next meeting will be held at the Wright schoolhouse, Groton road, on Friday evening, February 13. The writer has accepted an invitation to debate with somebody, don’t know who (V. T. E. perhaps) on a subject don’t know what. Will have to rely on the old prophecy “It shall be given you in that self same hour what ye shall say.”
George Howard, of Bound Brook, N.J., has returned to that place after spending several days at the home of Samuel L. Taylor.
Houghton G. Osgood, one of the large apple growers on Francis hill, has bought a gasoline power sprayer with which to teach the enemies of the apple tree how to be more economical in their food supply, not so much as relates to the high cost of living as it does to the cost of having their living so high up.
Robert Prescott, a youth of front rank ideas, who farms on Francis hill, and resideth on Tadmuck hill, has constructed an irrigation water tower and tank by which to live and let live without rain. He has extensive plantings of raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches and now and then a pumpkin that would like a drink of water oftener than once in three months, such as was passed around the past few summers. He raised fine flavored peaches last season.
Death. Mrs. Eliza V. Whitney, widow of the late Sidney Whitney, died at the home of her son, Edmund B. Whitney, Brookside, Sunday night, aged seventy-four years. She had been a long and patient sufferer for two years from internal cancer. She was a native of Lowell, but had lived in Westford most of her life. Necessity and the trials of misfortune crowded her life with continuous industry and the discipline of courageous submission. At all times midst the unusual burdens of her lot could it be said “She eateth not the bread of idleness.”
She is well remembered in town as the niece of the late Edmund Barton. She leaves two sons, Edmund B. Whitney of Brookside and William C. Whitney of Chicago; two grandchildren and a brother, Frank C. Burnham, of Lynn.
The funeral was held from her home at Brookside on Wednesday afternoon. Rev. Lyman B. Weeks, minister of the Unitarian church, conducted the service and paid an eloquent and just tribute to her courageous and industrious life. The bearers were Fred L. Fletcher, George O. Spalding, Charles S. Edwards, [and] Samuel L. Taylor. The arrangements were under the direction of David L. Greig & Son, undertakers. Burial took place in Fairview cemetery, where rests the kindred dust of her English ancestry.
Among the noticeable display of flowers were a pillow from Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Whitney; spray of pinks and narcissus, Mr. and Mrs. Norman Phillips; pillow, brothers and sisters (Whitney); spray of white pinks, a friends; spray of pinks, a friend.
Highly Honored. The old adage, “No great loss without some gain,” has been fulfilled in the city election of Boston. At a recent meeting of the city council it was voted to establish a city planning board to consist of five members, one of which must be a woman. Mayor Curley has named as one member of the board Ralph Adams Cram, who is president of the Boston Society of Architects. He is a member of the firm of Cram, Goodhue & Ferguson, of Boston. The degree of doctor of letters was conferred upon him by Princeton university in 1910, being supervising architect of the university. He has won many notable competitions, being successful in the rebuilding of West Point military academy, the cathedral of St. John in New York, the Suffolk county courthouse in Boston and many other notable structures.
He was born in Hampton Falls, N.H., December 16, 1863, and since his eighteenth year has been engaged in architecture. He is well remembered in Westford, where his father, Rev. William A. Cram, was minister of the First Parish Unitarian church from April, 1872, until April, 1876, a period of four years, and pleasantly and noticeably remembered was Ralph, a bright, methodical boy of nine years with a decidedly orderly trim to his individuality. The future renowned architect was all hidden there in the genial precision and decision of his early life. The writer [Samuel L. Taylor] recalls with clearness the wholesome, healthy boy of nine years with regularity of attendance at church and Sunday school. It is not easy to realize that by the changeful law of evolution he has now become the prominent architect and has passed the half century notch in the measurement of time. Such, however, is the fulfillment of the gospel of evolution as honestly earned and fearlessly proclaimed by his father from the pulpit of the old First Parish church.
Ralph as a boy inherited by the law of natural transmission a fortune in a rugged, wholesome personality and his Westford friends are proud of him.
Thursday evening Mr. Cram gave an illustrated lecture in Boston public library on “Style in American architecture,” pointing out some of the monstrosities and the various styles.
Successful Affair. The town hall was the center of a variety of social life on Friday evening of last week under the auspices of the Alliance of the Unitarian church. This was the Mrs. Eben Prescott evening, who planned the program and prepared the environments, and the universal testimony declared was a satisfactory success in pleasure and profits. Over 250 were pleased with Richard H. Baldwin, of Somerville, eleven years old, who stormed the audience to the applause point in two select readings. “Red Acre farm,” in three acts by twelve young people of the primitive M.E. church, Lowell, also delighted over 250 people. There has been but one opinion in regard to the play—“it was first rate,” and there are no minority reports to be heard. Between the acts Percy A. Yarnold, with Miss Hazel B. Hartford as accompanist, sang a tenor solo, this also meeting with the applause approval. The Crescent orchestra, always good, was accorded the same ditto of approval that charged the evening as they led off for dancing from 10:30 until one.
Mrs. Prescott in charge was assisted by Mrs. Cc. A. Hamlin, Miss Mary Moran, Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth, Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Mr. and Mrs. J. Willard Fletcher, A. W. Hartford, and Clyde and Lucinda Prescott. The ushers were the Misses Gertrude Hamlin, Marjorie Seavey, Hazel B Hartford and Gladys Fletcher.
Forge Village. The Daniel Gage Ice Company commenced cutting ice on Forge pond on Monday with a large force of men and put in a good day’s work. They had to give up on Tuesday, however, as the weather was so warm operations could not continue to advantage.
Over fifty people from here took in the play “The merchant of Venice” at the Merrimack Square theatre last Saturday.
“Go-to-church Sunday” will be observed at St. Andrew’s church on Sunday. Service will be held at 4:30 in the afternoon and everyone is welcome.
There were no sessions held in Cameron school on Monday, it being visiting day for the teachers. Miss Eva F. Pyne visited the schools in Dorchester; the principal, Miss Letitia V. Ward, visited in Malden and Reading; Miss Mary Garvey in Lowell, and Miss Abbie M. Blaisdell visited in Malden and Reading.
On last Monday morning a Polish mix-up took place on Pine hill, in which four women settled a dispute. One woman was seriously injured and another also received injuries. The husband of the injured woman attempted to interfere when he was beaten by the other three women. Warrants were issued for the following: Antonie Bilble [Bilida?], assault on Katherine Verybay [Voropay?]; Andre Verybay, assault on Mrs. Bible. Office John Sullivan took charge of the crowd and all were summoned to appear in court at Ayer on Saturday morning. Should the woman’s injuries prove fatal they will be tried on a more serious charge.
Death. George Blodgett, one of the oldest and most respected citizens of the town, died at his home early Sunday morning at the age of 87 yrs., 2 mos., 6 days. Although Mr. Blodgett has been in failing health for some time, he was able to be about the house, and retired as usual on Saturday night feeling very comfortable. The end came during his sleep, he dying as he had lived—quietly and peacefully.
He leaves to mourn his loss one son, William G. Blodgett; a granddaughter, Miss Della Blodgett; a brother Josiah, of North Westford, and one sister, Mrs. Jeptha Wright.
Mr. Blodgett was born on November 26, 1826, in the north part of the town and spent his early life on the farm. On July 4, 1851, he married Ann Maria Frederick and one son was born to them, William G. Blodgett, proprietor of a grocery store in Graniteville. Shortly after their marriage they removed to Graniteville, Mr. Blodgett being employed by Abbot & Co. Later he came to this village [Forge Village] and worked for the same company. He died in the home he resided in for over forty years.
Six years ago he retired from work, after having spent forty-one years in the employ of Abbot & Co.
Mr. Blodgett’s father [Jacob Blodgett, 1800-1881] was one of the leading workmen in the building of Bunker Hill monument [1827-1843]. Relatives of both Mr. and Mrs. Blodgett served in the war of 1812. Mrs. Blodgett died a little over a year ago after being an invalid for many years.
The funeral services were held at his home on Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock and many relatives and friends were present. Rev. A. Earle [Earl] Kernahan of the M.E. church, Graniteville, conducted the services. A quartet from the church composed of Miss Madeline Holland, Miss Alice Gilson, Albert Blanchard and William DeRoehn sang “Rock of ages,” “Beautiful isle of somewhere” and “Peace, perfect peace.” The casket was surrounded by many beautiful flowers, which showed the esteem in which he was held. The bearers were John Carmichael, John Edwards, Elmer Nutting and John Spinner. Burial was in Fairview cemetery. Undertakers David L. Greig & Son had charge of arrangements.
Graniteville. The members of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., have appointed a committee to have charge of the gentlemen’s night to be held after the regular meeting that will be held on Tuesday evening, February 10. At that time the members of Court Graniteville, F. of A., will be special guests, and as the long list includes several others, the lady Foresters will make special efforts to have this the social event of the season. A fine entertainment is now under preparation and the ladies promise to provide an excellent luncheon. The whole affair will be complimentary on the part of Cameron Circle and it goes without saying that the invitations will be in great demand, as the affair promises to be highly enjoyable.
The many people from here who attended the public installation and banquet held under the auspices of Court Wannanlansit [sic], M.C.O.F., in town hall, North Chelmsford, on last Sunday afternoon were highly pleased with the excellent floor work as performed by the degree staff from Court Salve Regina, of Dorchester, and the banquet was all that could be desired. The installation ceremony was certainly very impressive and the fine work of this young women’s degree staff was keenly appreciated by the large number present.
Mrs. W. H. Sherman, who has been quite ill for the past few days, is now convalescent.
The members of the Holy Name society of St. Catherine’s church will meet in the church after second mass on Sunday.
All the schools were closed here on last Monday for what is termed as the teacher’s “visiting” day, and all the teachers took advantage by spending the day at some of the schools in the nearby cities and towns.
The new firehouse is now practically finished, the workmen being engaged in doing the extra finishing on the interior. It is expected that the furnishings for the meeting-room will be placed in the building as soon as the necessary arrangements are made.
P. Henry Harrington, the well-known contractor, is now spending a few days visiting with relatives and friends in Schenectady, N.Y.
William Willis and Joseph Provost, two of Graniteville’s oldest residents, are confined to their respective homes with illness.
Judging from present indications it looks rather doubtful about harvesting the annual crop of ice at Forge pond this season. Workmen made an attempt there this week, but owing to the mild weather the work had to be given up for the time being.
M. [Michael] J. Rafferty, of Boston, has been stopping at the home of his parents [Thomas & Mary A. (Elliott) Rafferty] in West Graniteville the past few days.
Saturday, February 14, 1914
Center. The Arthur E. Day household is quarantined on account of their little four-year-old son Norman, who has scarlet fever. Mrs. Emma Day has also recently been on the sick list.
The choir and members of the C.E. society of the Congregational church held an enjoyable supper and social at the church on Friday evening of last week. Supper, singing and games with Mrs. Wallace in charge were the features of the evening.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth has been enjoying a visit during the greater part of this week with Mrs. Joseph R. Draper at her home in Auburndale.
Mrs. Edwin Howe, of Nahant, has been a recent visitor at Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fisher’s.
Complain of Service. The report as published in the Lowell Courier-Citizen of a hearing before the Lowell Board of Trade of complaints about trolley car service in Lowell is interesting reading for patrons of the Lowell & Fitchburg electrics for the loudest complaints seemed to concern the Middlesex street cars which the Lowell & Fitchburg patrons have to use to get into Lowell and home again. Lowell people complained of having to stand because the seats were all occupied by suburbanites. We can weep in sympathy for we know how it feels, having rode on our feet (what time we could keep off of other people’s feet), swinging from straps, (if lucky enough to get a strap), clear to the jumping off place, while we watched the Lowell people drift out of the seats as they arrived at their street corners. We hope we won’t have to reach too great an old age before some sort of arrangements may be perfected by the two railway companies to better conditions.
Tadmuck Club. The program of the Tadmuck club on Tuesday afternoon at Library hall was most enjoyable and of genuine literary merit. The subject for the afternoon was “Robert Louis Stevenson,” and was in charge of Miss Alice M. Howard. Miss Howard read a finely prepared paper, giving with most sympathetic interpretation the life story of this lovable and brilliant author. Assisting Miss Howard in the program were Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth, who read from “A child’s garden of verse;” Mrs. Goldsmith H. Conant reading “The lantern bearers;” bits from his writings, and Miss Mabel Drew extracts from his letters. A pleasant feature was the distribution to each member present [of] a fine likeness of Stevenson. At the close of the program all felt a renewed admiration for the genius and optimism of this gifted man.
At the business meeting the president, Miss Loker, paid loving tribute to the memory of the late Miss Miranda G. Luce, who was always an interested and helpful member. New members just welcomed into the club are Mrs. Edwin Amesbury, Mrs. Harry N. Fletcher and Mrs. Thomas Denio.
Death. It brought sadness to all hearts when the untimely death of Mrs. Albert W. Heywood was announced on last Sunday. Mrs. Heywood died at the Lowell General hospital, where she underwent an operation for appendicitis about two weeks previous to her death. She had rallied well from the operation and all were pleased with encouraging reports, when unfavorable conditions developed and she failed rapidly in spite of all skill and care could do until the end came.
Henrietta McDougal was born in Westford on February 9, 1890, and all her life had been spent here, receiving her education in the public schools of the town and at Westford academy. On April 20, 1910, she was united in marriage with Albert W. Heywood, and to them two little daughters, Alice and Dorothy, have been born. She leaves to mourn her loss besides her husband and two children, her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Alec McDougal; a brother, Allister McDougal, and an aunt, Mrs. John Feeney, and to these grief stricken relatives the sincerest sympathy of the community goes out.
The funeral was held from the parental home on Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock, Rev. Lyman B. Weeks being the officiating clergyman, who spoke wise and tender words of sympathy and paid loving tribute to the deceased as a faithful and loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. Mrs. H. M. Seavey and Mrs. C. A. Blaney sang two beautifully rendered selections, “Shall we meet beyond the river?” and “The christian’s good night.” The bearers were Robert Prescott, John Feeney, jr., J. H. Fletcher and H. D. Wright. Interment was in Fairview cemetery in charge of David L. Greig & Son.
There was a profusion of beautiful floral offerings bearing their sincere messages of sympathy as follows:
Pillow of roses inscribed “Wife,” Albert W. Heywood; wreath of roses inscribed “Daughter,” Mr. and Mrs. A. McDougal; pillow of roses and lilies inscribed “Sister,” Allister McDougal; wreath of pinks, Mr. and Mrs. John Feeney and son; wreath of sweet peas and lilies, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Pyne and Miss Eva Pyne; wreath of pinks and roses, Mr. and Mrs. T. Sullivan and family; wreath of violets and roses, overseers and friends of Graniteville mills; wreath of pinks and orchids, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Cameron; wreath of pinks and calla lilies, S. H. Fletcher and family; spray of violets and pinks, E. M. Abbot hose company; wreath of roses, Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Tuttle; basket of sweet peas, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Carver; spray of violets and jonquils, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Abbot; sprays of jonquils, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hartford and Miss Hazel Hartford, Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth and Roger, John M. Fletcher and Miss Eva Fletcher, Mrs. Lizzie A. Hamlin and daughter, Miss Mary E. Moran, Mr. and Mrs. A. A. Hildreth; sprays of tulips, Mrs. Isles and Miss Isles, Dr and Mrs. O. V. Wells, H. L. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. George Heywood, Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright and family; cluster of roses, Extension Service, Massachusetts Agricultural college; sprays of roses, Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Miss Edna Comins, of Amherst; sprays of pinks, Miss Mary E. O’Brien, William Sutherland and Miss Jeanette Sutherland, Mrs. Sarah Drew and Miss Mabel Drew, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Fletcher and Miss Gladys Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hildreth, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Wright and Mrs. E. A. Carter, Misses Alice and Jennie McDougal, Mrs. F. A. Prescott, Robert Prescott and Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Greig, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Brown and family of Lawrence, Mr. and Mrs. George T. Day and Miss Emily Fletcher, Mrs. Carkin and Warren Carkin, Mr. and Mrs. James E. Lyle of Lowell, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hamlin, Miss Mabel Prescott, Mr. and Mrs. Gurney and family of Lowell, Mr. and Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher and John, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitney, Hosmer children, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bannister and Miss Frances Bannister, Frank Johnson, Miss Edna M. Smith of Ayer, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Sutherland and family, Mrs. Fifield, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Miller, Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Millis, Frank A. Wright; spray of tulips, Archie McDougal.
About Town. James A. Graham, a veteran of the civil war and a former resident of Westford, died at his home in Newton Upper Falls, recently, aged seventy-three years. He was one of forty-three men who enlisted in 1861 in Company C, 16th Massachusetts regiment, under Capt. Leander C. King. He was in several severe engagements, one of them being at Farrow Oaks, Va., and the seven-days’ retreat. He was also a member of the signal corps for two years. He was employed at the Abbot Worsted Company, Graniteville, at the time of his enlistment. J. Everett Woods and Wesley O. Hawkes of the Westford Veterans’ association represented the association at the funeral in Newton on last week Wednesday. Mr. Graham was well-known by the veterans in town and was a frequent attendant here at Memorial day exercises.
In listing the symptoms of spring as given last week the writer omitted to list a large black snake seen in West Chelmsford last week during the soft ice unpleasantness of that week. Black snakes are more scarce this week and ice not so scarce.
The next meeting of the grange will be held on next week Thursday evening. “Experiences and experiments on the farm 1913” will occupy part of the time.
The Lowell W.C.T.U. held an “inspiration meeting” with neighboring unions at the Y.M.C.A. rooms on Thursday afternoon at two o’clock. The speakers were Mrs. Ella A. Gleason, vice president-at-large of the Massachusetts W.C.T.U., and Mrs. Augusta Brigham, secretary of the Middlesex county W.C.T.U. The unions invited were Westford, Pepperell, Dracut, Lowell and Ayer.
Rev. C. C. Hiller was a guest of George F. Snow at West Chelmsford on Monday. Through Mrs. S. L. Taylor Mr. Hiller sent his regards to his Westford friends. He attended the funeral of Paul Quist, having been the officiating clergyman at the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Quist a few years before [Sept. 24, 1902 in West Chelmsford]. [Rev. Charles Cotesworth Pinckney Hiller (1867-1953) was pastor of the West Chelmsford M.E. Church (1901-1903) and in 1903 he accepted a joint assignment to the Graniteville M.E. Church and the Union Congregation Church at Westford Center (1903-1905)].
The board of registrars of voters will hold the first meeting of the season of 1914 at the town hall on Monday evening, February 16, at 7:30.
Pomona Grange. The last meeting of Middlesex North Pomona grange at Lowell last week Friday was one of the fullest meetings in point of attendance and fullest in point of program and rapid firing since the Pomona celebrated its birthday. The forenoon was largely given over to the discussion of “Railroading by government ownership.” Robert Marden, editor of the Courier-Citizen, opened the discussion at a lively pace, followed by others at a gallop pace. The firing was rapid and riddling and government ownership was badly defeated. The afternoon went several points better for enthusiasm. Hon. Edward Fisher, of Westford, delivered an address on “Our new currency bill.” It was one of the clearest and best addresses ever delivered before this Pomona grange. It was a fair and impartial analysis of the bill and revealed in a clear and comprehensive manner the business methods of our national banks. It is the first time the writer ever got an inside peep into these methods. The only regret was one of lack of time for questions. Had there been time there was a storage battery loaded ready for firing.
Our new currency bill will prevent future financial panics and also prevent Wall Street money centers from being a controlling influence. Both nature and history slam-bang the door in the face of such a hope. It is hoped Senator Fisher will appear oftener before Pomona granges. Some of the insides and outsides of Beacon hill 1914 would be tillable soil for future sowing. Humorous readings, humorous songs and a description of the Isle of Pines by Boston eyesight followed the currency bill.
Graniteville. Miss Issie Parker, principal of the Sargent school, and her father, Frederick J. Parker, custodian of the building, have been confined to their home by illness during the past few days.
The Gage Ice Company, of Lowell, are now busy harvesting their annual crop of ice at Forge pond. Several men from this village are at work there.
The deepest sympathy is expressed for Albert W. Heywood, of Westford, in the death of his wife, who died at the Lowell General hospital on Sunday, February 8.
Death. Joseph Provost, an old and highly respected citizen of this village [Graniteville], died at his late home here on Thursday, February 5, aged 86 yrs., 9 mos. He had been employed by the Abbot Worsted Company for many years, but retired from active labors some few years ago. He leaves to mourn his loss three daughters, Mrs. [Mary] Rose Hemen [Hemans], Mrs. Fred Defoe, Miss Josie Provost, and two sons , Fred and Henry Provost, all of this village.
The funeral took place from his late home on last Saturday morning at 8:30 o’clock, and was well attended. At nine o’clock a funeral mass was celebrated in St. Catherine’s church, Rev. Edward C. Mitchell being the celebrant. The regular choir was in attendance and under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley, organist and director, sang the Gregorian chant. At the offertory the “Pie Jesu” was sung and as the casket was being borne from the church the “De Profundis” was sung. There were many beautiful floral offerings. The bearers were Joseph Wall, James O’Brien, Charles Couture, David Tonsignant, William J. Healy, Thomas Ledwith. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
A Pleasing Affair. The members of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held a largely attended and interesting meeting in their rooms on Tuesday night. Much business of importance was transacted and the new officers having been legally elected were duly installed by Mrs. Julia B. Wall, grand trustee of the executive council, as follows: Mrs. B. Healy, c.c.; Miss Martha Doucette, s.c.; Mrs. Edith M. Brooks, rec. sec.; Mrs. Elizabeth Harrington, fin. sec.; Mrs. Julia B. Wall, treas.; Mrs. Almon Benson, r.g.; Mrs. W. J. Robinson, l.g.; Miss Eugla Mattson, l.g.; Mrs. Ruth Jones, o.g.; Mrs. Hannah Harrington, Mrs. Ella Healy, Mrs. Mary Payne, trustees.
After the meeting the rest of the evening was given over to “gentlemen’s night,” the festivities opening with a whist tournament which was much enjoyed. The following persons were declared the winners: Gent’s prize, a handsome pack of playing cards, won by William Buckingham; ladies’ prize, a leather card case, won by Miss Rebecca LeDuc; consolation prizes were won by Miss Alice Harrington and F. Russell Furbush.
After the whist tournament an excellent supper was served by the ladies, the members of Court Graniteville, F. of A., being special guests. The supper was all that could be desired and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. After supper, was served informal card games were enjoyed.
The whole affair was a great success and considered one of the greatest social events of the season. The affair was very largely attended, many being present from Forge Village and the immediate vicinity. The ladies deserve great praise for the able manner in which this affair was conducted and in making this, their first “Gentlemen’s night,” such a grand success.
Forge Village. The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held their regular meeting on Thursday afternoon in Recreation hall.
Mrs. George O. Jackson is ill at her home.
Go-to-church Sunday was very appropriately observed at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday. A very large congregation was present. The pastor, Rev. Williston M. Ford, gave a most interesting sermon, having for his topic the subject, “Why we should go to church every Sunday.” In the absence of the organist, Miss Sarah Precious, Fred Naylor presided. Mr. Naylor is a player of ability and pleased all his hearers. On next Sunday afternoon church services will be held at 4:30 o’clock. Sunday school at 3:30.
Two of our well-known ladies are to soon join the ranks of matrimony and the best wishes of their many friends are extended them. Miss Nellie Orr, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Orr, is to become the bride of Bert Little of Ayer, this month [Feb. 25]. Miss Margaret Smith is to wed one of our young men, James Kelley [Feb. 10]. They will make their home in this village.
The Misses Sarah and Edith Precious, Emily and Bertha Collins, visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. August Meyers of Boston on Saturday and Sunday. Mrs. Meyers was formerly Miss Elizabeth Bennett of this village.
It is expected that all the ice-houses of the Daniel Gage Co. will be filled by the end of this month. Owing to the storm and the warm weather of last week, the ice cutting was delayed, but a good crop is to be harvested, however.
The case of Veryboy [Voropay?] vs. Bildie [Bilida?], which was to have been tried in the district court at Ayer last Saturday morning, was postponed until Saturday, February 21, owing to the illness of Mrs. Veryboy, who is in a critical condition as a result of a fight between several Russian women a week ago. However, the constable here, Officer John Sullivan, has been ordered to bring them to court on the 21, even if an auto has to be obtained to carry those unable to go by [trolley] car.
Dear Teacher. Thou bright, brainy, self-poised thinker, V. T. E., who resideth in Littleton, the best I have ever had since the teaching days of the late, lamented Delacey Corkum, of Billerica. I plead guilty to being a stupid and backward scholar and not able to keep up with my class. Now will you work the law of favoritism just long enough to gravitate me into a class by myself and allow me to take my accustomed place at the foot of the class? Thank you. Now I feel that I shall be the bright scholar of my class.
Since the last lesson you gave me on “Government ownership of railroads” I sailed for Denmark and studied your lesson there. Now Denmark, as you must know, is a very large place, nearly as large as the whole county of Aroostook, Me., and the population about as large if you include the mosquitoes in the census. Very large place as you see as compared with the United States, almost as large as a pinhead, not quite so large as that, but I couldn’t think anything smaller unless I resorted to the microscope to discover something.
Dear teacher I have been having a delightful time riding in the cars here in Denmark. But hold on Mr. Conductor, pull that bell cord quick! I want to get right off, regardless of how I will alight, feet first or head first, for my teacher in America has openly charged me with “This is the third time you have slandered labor.” Now dear teacher, let us see where we are at and what we are at and perhaps a brief chemical analysis of your scholar might explain your charge.
Born to influence and wealth, plays hide and seek with the select four hundred of New York and the high brow, blue blood skyscrapers of Boston. If by accident he shakes hands with a laboring man he immediately cleanses himself with the advice of old, “Shake off the very dust off my feet.” Such condensed is the chemical analysis. I refer you to your townsman, Rep. Charles A. Kimball. He has known the animal many years. Here is the slander text and all the other slander texts were the children of this one, “Give us of your brains for we are not sufficient to success.” This decree is based upon the eternal decree of the universe from which there is no appeal or modification. There is no such thing as “equals” in the law logic of Nature and any attempt of man to legislate in or coax it in by the higher laws of love has been, is now, and ever will be “World without end,” and attempt to “Reap where thou has not sown and gather where thou has not strewn,” and Nature will have nothing to do with such a system of agriculture, either in vegetable or man life.
The variations in the degrees of wealth from J. Pierpont Morgan to the pauper is due to this same law of Nature which cannot be repealed and which can be read in all forms of life and Nature hoisted the sign ages ago “Equals not tolerated.” She might add with propriety at the present time “Call at the next door to Nature.”
The new freedom administration at Washington is trying to down Nature by the new currency bill. Oh yes I see they are trying to prevent money from gravitating to those who have the brains and skill to make the law of gravitation work and who have gathered their present millions by brains and gravitation, and when I see the Wilson administration upsetting the law of gravitation by which the earth turns on its axis once in twenty-four hours, and swings around the sun once in 365 days without dashing into other business than its own, then and not until then shall I expect to see this or any other administration devise a bill in direct violation of the decrees of the universe that will prevent the individualisms of the Morgans from reaping the harvest of their capacity to sow and the individualism of the pauper to reap the harvest of their capacity to sow, and likewise all other individualisms between these two extremes.
Oh why are you giving us reserve banks to try and equalize to some extent wealth. Might as well try and establish a reserve bank of brains and try and get your brains to the individual without the law of gravitation. Money will gravitate by the established order of the universe to where there is already money. It cannot be made to gravitate to incapacity and poverty, and all the team work of the present administration cannot change the working of this law. “Like gathers like” and let no concert of men be saucy enough to say it is not so. Brains gravitate to brains and not to a vacuum. This universal law expounded by one of old “Give us of your oil for our lamps have gone out” is still the law that evolves in modern life all grades of financial output from millionaire to pauper.
To illustrate this law just squint with me to a few cases out of millions. A young man of temperate habits was left a good farm and money. His money and farm was under his management gravitating towards other people’s money and ability. Getting discouraged he decided to go into the cemetery and go to mixing dust. His successor, fresh from mill life, is managing the same farm, to all appearance, clear to the wide-open doors of the savings bank for deposits only. Both were farming under the same poverty, tariff laws and restrictions. Both had their finances crippled by the infamous gang of Morgans and a still more infamous gang of monopolies and trusts, the same rain cloud, sky, sunshine and soil.
Now the measurement in the difference between failure and success in this case is by the law that goes teasing about, “Give us of your ability for we are not sufficient unto these things.” This difference in success is by the working of that eternal law by which we “move, live and have our being.” That sets up a Morgan and sets down a pauper and the sooner we recognize this law and cease our impossible reserve banks remedy and our equally self deceptive illusion that these inequalities can be cured by government the sooner we shall behold the law that leads up to our troubles as of old. So now and ever thus: “You cannot make grapes of thorns nor figs of thistles.”
Upon this great law (I rest my case without argument) I remain an uncompromising fixture. Neither can I recant from the principles of law though charged with “slandering labor.” If I have done such I have done it by exactions of this law and neither the love of money, office or friendship or the fear of scare-crows would induce me to recant in favor of governmental remedies as against the law of “the survival of the fittest.”
Now dear teacher I have not recited nor got them ready to recite some of the lessons you gave me in December. Next time I will try and have them ready for reciting. But for this time let me tremblingly say, Yours for the unstifling decrees of a government higher up than Washington, D.C.
–Samuel Law Taylor.
P.S. You can see how I came to talk so much about Law. I have got lots of it in me and I think lots of it, and I am trying to make everybody else see it and think lots of it.
–S. L. T.
Ayer
District Court. The cases resulting from the Polish row at Forge Village, which were continued until last Saturday morning, were again continued for two weeks as two of the important principals are still confined to their beds as a result of the beating which they received. Up to date eight complaints for assault and battery have been issued and there may be more before the trial.
Saturday, February 21, 1914
Center. Misses Gertrude and Julia Fletcher entertained a large group of friends with a delightful valentine whist Saturday afternoon of last week. Many of the pretty conceits of St. Valentine were observed for the afternoon. Partners were chosen by matching heart valentines, hearts only were trumps, and in many ways the party had its pleasant individual features. Owing to the storm a few of the guests were unable to be present, but seven tables of whist were enjoyed. The first prize was won by Mrs. W. E. Wright, and was a beautiful Japanese lacquer treasure box with lock and key. The second prize, a pretty book of valentine sonnets, went to Mrs. O. V. Wells. Miss Eva Fletcher received the consolation prize, a pretty boudoir cap. Delicious refreshments were served at the close of the game.
New telephones installed this past week are Mrs. Mary E. Calvert 5-9 and Joseph E. Sargent 55-4.
Miss Willette Craig, who made many friends here while at work compiling vital statistics recently, was in town one day this week calling on friends.
Mrs. Peter Clement is seriously ill at her home in the care of physicians and nurse, having sustained a stroke of paralysis.
During one of the recent severely cold days the Westford relatives received a letter from Miss Mary Morin in Corona, Cal., telling of being under the trees gathering oranges and of hay making in progress on the ranch. Certainly a pretty strong contrast.
Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth are in New York on a combined business and pleasure trip.
Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher has been visiting relatives in Boston during part of this week.
Word has been received from Mrs. M. J. Wheeler in Denver, Col., that she has had the misfortune to fracture her left hip. The accident happened while coming down stairs. Everything possible is being done for her comfort and safety and she is resting as comfortably as possible.
Miss Edith Forster is substituting for Miss Parker at the Graniteville school.
Mr. and Mrs. H. Bert Walker of Waltham are visiting at Mr. and Mrs. George Walker’s. The former is convalescing from a recent illness.
Miss Helen Jones and Mrs. Sarah Francis of Lunenburg were recent guests at the Congregational parsonage, coming to attend the academy dramatics in which Miss Pauline Wallace scored such a commendable success.
Moreland Wetmore, the eleven year old son of Mr. and Mrs. V. C. Bruce Wetmore, met with a serious accident the first of this week while skeeing [sic]. He was thrown and landing on a rock was badly hurt. He is under the care of doctors and a trained nurse suffering from internal injuries.
Norman Day, the little four year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Day, who is sick with scarlet fever, is reported as having thus far a normal case of the disease.
The Ladies’ Missionary meeting of the Congregational church held its regular monthly meeting with Mrs. L. W. Wheeler on Wednesday afternoon. “Medical Missions” was the subject of the afternoon and Mrs. Wheeler read a paper on the subject supplemented by Mrs. Wallace, Mrs. Roudenbush and Miss Loker. There was a good attendance and at the close of the program tea was served.
The men of the Congregational church are planning their annual social for next week Friday evening. There will be a supper and St. Paul M.E. choir of Lowell in charge of Mr. Pickens will give a recital. The men of the congregation are making a very decided effort to make this event the same success as last year.
The storm decidedly upset church services last Sunday. At the Unitarian church there was no service and at the Congregational church a group of about twenty all told held a service in the vestry.
Mrs. Gilmer Stone is spending the winter weeks with his [sic] sister and niece, Miss [Ida] Leighton and Miss [Eleanor Louisa “Nellie”] Fletcher.
Snowbound. It has been a very genuine winter the last week or more with extreme temperatures and the two snow storms one following the other, making the worst snow storm the branch line electrics have had to cope with in its history. In spite of the hardest kind of co-operative work between Supt. Cushing and the selectmen, Road Supt. McDonald and many helpers nothing like schedule time was resumed until Wednesday, making four days of interrupted service. The snow was over a foot on the level and the drifts were many times that in many places. Many of the townsmen entered into the work of shoveling the tracks clear of snow and worked like heroes until it was done. During the extreme cold last week temperatures of eighteen and twenty, and even twenty-five below zero were quoted. Every household had its individual problem of keeping warm and keeping freezable things from disaster. The school sessions have been badly interrupted and it goes without saying that it has been a tough proposition for the R.F.D. men, the milkmen and all others who have to be out and meet the weather as it comes.
Dramatics. The three-act comedy-drama, “The teaser,” given by the academy pupils last week Friday evening at the town hall proved very successful. The large audience was quick to accede to the young players not only the sympathetic appreciation usually extended where all are well-known, but a very just recognition of a most commendable presentation of each part. The choice of the play was most fortunate, being more graceful and natural in action than many such productions. The same home-like family living-room served for the three scenes and special electric lighting for the evening added much to the effectiveness. The plot of the play centered around the investment in a large slice of shares in the Teaser mine, which after a long time became valuable just when they could do the most good. It would be unfair to discriminate among the young players each balanced the others so well in their respective parts which were as follows: [a space was left in the column to add the names, but they were not added].
Woven into the play was some excellent singing by a chorus of young men as follows: Arthur Walker, John Greig, Frank Johnson, Charles and Edward Roby, with Miss Hazel Hartford as accompanist. Between the acts Miss Hazel Pond and Morton Seavey sang with charming effect.
Dancing was enjoyed after the play with Marion Blodgett at the piano and Arthur Blodgett, violin. Refreshments were served in the lower hall in charge of Mrs. Emily Blodgett. The net proceeds of the evening were about forty-five dollars.
About Town. The West Chelmsford Debating society has arranged for a change of social diet which will be served on Wednesday evening, February 25, at the usual Historic hall. The following is the proposed lay out to come to a try out: Lecture by Henry A. Smith of Lowell on “Practical principles of life insurance,” followed by local talent in the humorous farce, “In want of a servant.” Inspiring music will thrill and fill the bill. This entertainment is free.
The Chelmsford Trio, of West Chelmsford activities, will size up the third of social dances at Marshall’s hall, Westford Corner, on Saturday evening, February 21. Opening time, 7:30; quitting time, eleven, at which time the last electric car will leave for the surrounding towns. The Crescent orchestra of North Chelmsford. Westford and other music realms will yank out much Yankee music.
Mrs. Fred L. Fletcher, of Main street, in company with Daughters of Veterans, attended the dedication of the monument to the army nurses which took place last week Thursday in the Hall of Flags at the Statehouse, Boston.
George Dunn, well-known in Brookside and other villages besides, has been spending his vacation amidst the rural friendships of his early home at Brookside. Some are no more, some are newly listed.
Elmer E. [sic, H.] Whidden, of the corner of the same name, Groton and Oak Hill road, has fulfilled his engagement as engineer for the Boston Ice Company at North Chelmsford. His successor, Ernest Bridgeford, will work the throttle that gives the ice a boom except in price.
Among the other unmentioned symptoms of spring the Prairie farm has spring chickens coasting on these beautiful February snows.
The [Joseph E.] Sargents, living on the Edwin Heywood farm on the Chamberlin road, are under quarantine on account of diphtheria. The oldest daughter thus far is the only pronounced case.
John Flynn is ill at his home on Pigeon hill, Stony Brook road.
The third farmers’ institute in the winter series under the auspices of Middlesex North will be held on Friday, February 27, at the town hall, Billerica. The forenoon address will be given at 10:30 by Prof. Orion O. Morton, of Amherst Agricultural college. Subject, “New movements in education.” Dinner by the ladies of Billerica grange. Music and after-dinner speaking. Afternoon—Prize speaking by the children of the grammar and intermediate grades from Billerica, Dracut, Chelmsford, Tewksbury, Wilmington and Tyngsboro. Electric cars leave Merrimack square ten minutes past the hour and every fifteen minutes.
Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher and Mrs. Fletcher bid a short adieu to their handsome, modern home on Oak hill last Saturday and journeyed towards Panama canal and the delights of absence from snows and zero weather.
While the Stony Brook valley has been shivering with the heat fifteen below zero, John A. Taylor writes to the Stony Brook valley from North Dakota that the heat had been trying to rise from forty-one below zero, but was unable to rise on account of the frost.
The snow plow on Sunday cleared the snow from Brookside to Westford as far as the farm of Charles W. Whitney, where it collided with a plank. Shovels and the electric car did the rest of the collision.
Unreported at the time of its freshness and seasonableness was the birthday anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Banister and Miss Frances Banister, the oldest daughter, which occurred on Tuesday, February 3. Considering the triple nature of this event a surprise party celebrated the event at the Banister homestead. In part, those present were Mr. and Mrs. J. Willard Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. Merwin Steele, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Bridgeford, Mr. and Mrs. William Green and many others whose names have slipped upon an icy memory.
Oscar R. Spalding has nearly finished the lumber lot of Frank D. Lewis in Groton. The mill will then be moved to a large lot near Minot’s Corner, west of the residence of Carver Symmes on the Carlisle road.
Successful Event. With zero weather and blow ye snow the Benevolent society of the West Chelmsford village church started out to transact business last week and did it just as though zero had gone a summer vacation to the north pole. Mrs. Samuel Naylor had charge—enough said. Weather don’t count as an obstruction against such expectations as are looked for from the experiences of previous leadership. The entertainment was Lowell talent. Miss Orpha Hutchinson, as reader, responded to encores. Miss Etta Thompson sang “The rosary” and “I hear you calling,” and responded to the hand clapping. The Hayden quartet of young men sang three selections and then sang three more. Mr. Hanson and Mr. Johnson sang solos together that were fine. Miss Hattie Snow and Mrs. John J. Quessy had charge of the department of aprons and Miss Margaret Reid led the candy procession. Those who assisted the efficient Mrs. Naylor were Mrs. F. E. Bickford, Mrs. G. H. McGregor, Mrs. George Billson, Mrs. Mallalieu, Miss Emma Brown. Main street, Westford, was efficiently represented by the Greigs, the promoters of the Fairview farm. Brookside and the hamlet of Oak hill, Lowell, North Chelmsford and other inhabitants whereabouts were a liberal part of those pleasantly hit with a benefit.
Fortnightly Club. The Fortnightly club held its last meeting at the Wright schoolhouse, Groton road. Plans had been laid for an elaborate and varied program for last week Friday evening, but owing to the icy nature of roads and paths some who were the program slipped down; others slipped up. This shortened the itemized program to one item: Resolved, “That wealth has a greater influence than character.” Horace E. Gould opened for the plaintiff and contended that wealth was chief of supplies for influence. The Old Oaken Bucket farm, by telephone invitation, was present and went gunning for character and thought he brought down some game, but the vote on the merits of the question showed a unanimous vote for wealth as the most influential factor. On the merits of the arguments the vote was a tie. The writer is satisfied to win a tie vote in this most emphatic dollar age. After the debate, time not yet having been called, orders were adopted looking towards gunning in any direction. A youth immediately shouldered a musket and aimed a ten-minute assault and battery on “Our new currency bill.” He retired without causing any financial panic in Wall street or any other street and finished gunning by trying to shoot up for the benefit of the club the recent well-aimed, trained farmers’ institute at Littleton. The next meeting will be held on Friday evening, February 27. A minstrel show is being rehearsed and if not ready for that evening something else will.
Starts for the Canal Zone. Past Deputy Grand Masters Herbert E. Fletcher and Louis C. Southard, representing Grand Master Johnson, sailed from New York on last Saturday to deliver the charter issued to Canal Zone Masonic lodge at Ancon.
The city which they will visit adjoins Panama, which has already a lodge, known as Sojourner, that was started under the regime of Grand Master Benton during his prolonged tour to that region and Chile. At that time he was accompanied by the deputy grand master, who was Mr. Fletcher, and he, too, took part in the ceremony. The deputation will be joined by Past Grand Warden James M. Gleason and Past Master Leonard B. Nicholas, who will proceed by another steamship, and the trip will occupy several weeks.
Anniversary Celebrated. Mr. and Mrs. John E. Ward, former well-known residents of the rocky, northern part of Westford, celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of their marriage on last Saturday evening at their home, 140 Middlesex street, Lowell. It was a severe drifting snow storm when they were married fifteen years ago and severe drifting snow storm at this anniversary celebration. J. B. Ward and Edward Heath, of Westford, with phonograph; T. J. Knight, the magician; Mrs. B. P. Allen, in song, and Joseph Mahoney, as reader, all of Lowell, furnished entertainment. Many valuable presents aside from the entertainment were part of the evening’s congratulations. The invited guests were Mr. and Mrs. Matthew F. Downs, Mrs. Abbie Downs, Miss Mary Eddy, Mrs. Rose Shugrue, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Couture, of Westford, and Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Connell and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Snow, of Tyngsboro and Mrs. Ida F. Shaw, of Andover.
Cost of High Living. Frank C. Miller, the Cooledge [sic] farm farmer, visited his henhouse early on Tuesday morning after the snow blow and discovered a hen badly lacerated. He looked for rats, cats, etc., but no one of them pleaded guilty by mark or teeth or track, but in looking roofward he discovered a small owl, about the size of a dove. Said owl had attacked the hen, and getting bewildered the hen laid down instead of laying eggs and took the rest of her punishment which sent her into the obituary column. Mr. Miller, with the aid of a small stick, rapped on the head of the owl for information as to why he did thus. Receiving no answer he turned him over to Miss Emily F. Fletcher, the taxidermist of the town, for further questioning. On the same morning another owl was found in the henhouse on the Old Oaken Bucket farm living on poultry at twenty cents per pound. The proprietor would like to have preserved him, but alas, those sharp claws, to say nothing about upper and lower jaw, and the dead hen, did not make it seem very safe like preservation scheme. The owner after calling in wisdom as a councilor decided to allow the owl to enjoy life and depart.
Graniteville. The month of February has certainly been furnishing us with a branch of the genuine old-fashioned New England winter and the storm of Saturday was the worst that has been experienced here for years. The snow was heavily drifted in places and the townsmen were out in force breaking the roads. Sunday was a clear day and it looked as though we would have good weather again, but Monday’s storm was another bad one and most of the work went for naught for the roads were heavily drifted again.
Owing to the funeral of Fred J. Parker there was no session held in the Sargent school during this week.
Miss Edith Forster of Westford has been teaching in Miss Parker’s place at the Sargent school during this week.
Death. Frederick J. Parker, an old and highly respected resident of this village died at his home on Sunday, February 15, after an illness of five days of pneumonia, aged 75 yrs. 6 mos. and 20 days. His death came as a severe shock to his many friends. He leaves one daughter, Miss Issie A. Parker, principal of the Sargent school here.
The funeral took place from his home Tuesday afternoon and was largely attended. The services were held at the house and were conducted by Rev. A. Earle [Earl] Kernahan. Mrs. Kernahan sang two solos very effectively and Mr. and Mrs. Kernahan sang a duet that added greatly to the solemnity of the service. There were many beautiful floral tributes. The bearers were W. C. Wright, William Gordon, J. B. Carmichael, David Shattuck. The body was taken to West Chelmsford and placed in the tomb there.
Forge Village. The sympathy of the village is extended to the bereaved family and other relatives of Mrs. Henrietta MacDougall Heywood of Westford, whose untimely death occurred last week at the Lowell General hospital.
On last week Thursday the children of Cameron school held special exercises in commemoration of the birth of Abraham Lincoln.
Ice cutting was again suspended last week owing to the very severe weather. A high biting wind and extremely low temperature made it impossible for the men to do the work. At the residence of John Edwards one day the thermometer registered at 21º below, while on Thursday in one place the 28º below zero mark was reached.
Dr. Hoban of North Chelmsford took Mrs. Antonio Bilide [Bilida] to St. John’s hospital last week.
The annual concert of the Groton School orchestra which was to have been held at Recreation hall Monday evening was postponed on account of the severe snow storm. It is hoped that it will be held in the near future.
On next Sunday services will be held at St. Andrew’s mission at 4:30.
The many friends of William Leahy of Ayer, manager of the Daniel Gage Ice Co. in that village, are pained to learn of his serious illness at his home. It is hoped that favorable reports from his bedside will be heard soon.
Ayer
Patriotic Observance. George S. Boutwell W.R.C. [Women’s Reserve Corps] observed the birthdays of Washington and Lincoln on Tuesday evening by a special program in charge of Mrs. Lucie S. Richardson, patriotic instructor. Interesting sketches from the lives of these great men were read and patriotic music was rendered throughout the evening. A drill arranged by Mrs. Bessie M. Crawford, a special feature of which was the draping and decorating of the presidents’ portraits, was given by the following members: Mrs. Bessie M. Crawford, Mrs. Evelyn N. Cunningham, Mrs. Etta Craig, Mrs. Leona Yates, Mrs. Jessie M. Crawford, Mrs. Juliette L. Kidder, Mrs. Blanche L. Waterman, Mrs. Emma M. Wood [wife of J. Everett Woods of Westford], Mrs. Josie Hatch, Mrs. Ida C. Boutwell, Mrs. Juliet Everett Allen. Governor Walsh’s Lincoln day proclamation was ready by Mrs. Richardson.
Saturday, February 28, 1914
Center. Mrs. George W. Heywood, who has been pretty sick with bronchitis and over fatigue, is resting more comfortably. The same competent nurse who took care of Miss Julia Fletcher through her serious illness last year is caring for her.
The holiday was a quiet one in town, although a number of households entertained guests over the two days. A good representation of the younger set went to Littleton to the dancing party. John S. Greig took over a party of fourteen and others going in their own conveyance made about twenty in all. The R.F.D. men must have enjoyed their well-earned holiday, the Sunday and Monday making quite a bit of vacation after the strenuous work they have had to do recently.
Postponements have never been the policy of the Tadmuck club, but the meeting this week, owing to inability to secure the desired speaker, was postponed until next week Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 at Library hall. The last in the series of the academy entertainment course has also been postponed until March 6.
Sunday evening, at the Congregational church, the subject for the service was “Temperance” and a unique presentation of a court of justice was given by the following young men: Otis Day, Paul Locklin, George Perkins, Edward Blodgett, Leon Hildreth, Bertram Sutherland, Clifford Woods and Henry Sears. John P. Wright and W. J. Rafter followed with addresses. A good audience was present.
Some of those who enjoy winter out-door sports have made the most of the good snow-shoeing afforded by the last snowstorm.
At the next meeting of the grange the entertainment will consist of “An old maids’ convention.” Plenty of fun and a good attendance is hoped for; also the grange members are planning a dance to be given on Friday evening, March 13. There will be good music, tables of whist, refreshments and a good time generally. The proceeds will be for the State Grange Educational Aid Fund.
The Edward Fishers are planning to move back into the house recently vacated by them on Depot street.
One of the firemen did not get so exhausted after the recent fire but what he has sent in the following “After thoughts”: “How soundly some people slept. How one’s rubber boots were all at home. How welcome Mr. Abbot’s hot coffee was for the men. That a curfew bell was not needed to send the ‘girls’ home—Jack Frost attended to it, and the boys were glad when they could follow. Are your chimneys sound? Two fires in three days due to defective chimneys are a warning and its no joke running to the neighbors at night in your night ulster.”
E. J. Whitney, inspector of meat, reports that there has been slaughtered in town for the year ending February 1, 670 veal, 318 swine, 44 cattle and 10 lambs. Nine veal, 9 swine and 4 cattle have been condemned and disposed of to the rendering company as unfit for human food.
Fire. With a temperature of six or eight below zero an alarm of fire was sounded not long after midnight on Wednesday morning. It proved to be the home of Senator Edward Fisher and his family, one of the most centrally located houses in the village. It was the most disastrous fire the town has had for a long time culminating in the almost total destruction of one of Westford’s historic old houses.
When the fire was discovered it had gained such headway that the rooms were so filled with smoke that the family were very fortunate to escape with their lives. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher’s little five-year-old daughter Esther has recently been ill with a serious throat trouble, but was much better. At the time of the fire her parents were aroused by her coughing and hurried to her aid. This was a most fortunate alarm for the dense smoke caused the coughing and in a very short time after the rooms were in flames. Mrs. Fisher and her two little daughters made their escape scantily clad to their nearest neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Abbot, who have extended to them all every possible kindness.
The fire caught near the furnace, in all probability from a defective chimney. Mrs. Isles was effective and efficient at the switchboard at the central office, and aided by the church bell soon rallied the members of the fire company and all the other able-bodied fire fighters in the village. Capt. L. W. Wheeler was the first member of the hose company on the scene, soon followed by three others with the hose reel, permitting two lines of hose to be quickly playing on the fire. In a few minutes the hose wagon appeared and a third line of hose was quickly in commission. A message was sent to Graniteville for more hose and answered by Capt. John A. Healy and several men of the Graniteville hose company. This Graniteville delegation deserves great credit for their work.
In spite of four streams of water the fire stubbornly persisted until after the roof fell in, then it was possible to get the water more directly on the flames and by most persistent work on the part of the men the flames were checked, and when the sun rose the fire was practically out.
The ell remains intact. The walls of the main part of the house are still standing, but the interior is a tangled mass of charred wreckage. The house, which was owned by John C. Abbot, was fairly insured through H. C. Church’s office of Lowell, and Mr. Fisher’s personal property was insured through Capt. S. H. Fletcher, of Westford.
The fire fighters were at a great disadvantage from the alarm being when all were asleep, the deep snow was a heavy impediment and the below zero temperature encased the men with ice, and the ruins the morning after were a mass of ice. In spite of their difficulties valiant work was done and Capt. Wheeler wishes to thank Asst. Engineer Sutherland, Capt. Healy and every worker for their splendid work.
The alarm came just after the time for the nightly turning off of the electric lights, but they were soon turned on again and greatly aided the fire fighters. Earlier in the night there had been much wind but this had fortunately died down, lessening the danger to the nearby large barn and the adjacent old First Parish church. Mr. Fisher’s first care after the safety of his family was the removal of the town records to Mr. Abbot’s house, Mr. Fisher being the town clerk and always having the best interest of this town at heart like the good citizen that he is.
This house was one of the landmarks of the village, being over one hundred years old, and in the days long gone by was a well-known tavern called in the latter of those days the Butterfield Tavern. Later it became the home of Esquire John Abbot, and after him his son, John W. P. Abbot, and after him of Abiel J. Abbot, president of the Abbot Worsted Company, who some years ago moved to his present residence. After which for a few seasons Miss Kate Hamlin conducted a summer boarding-house for a time. It had been vacant a few years until a few months ago when Senator Fisher established such a pleasant home therein for himself and family.
Some household furniture was saved, mainly the contents of the dinning-room, but much of the clothing, furnishings, etc., were destroyed. These latter included many fine antique pieces which Mr. Fisher had collected with most discriminating care.
The fine old house, which was pleasing from any approach, is a distinct loss to the town; also, to its owner, and to those occupying it. Its spectacular destruction is naturally the absorbing topic of the week.
Death. George Washington Heywood, more familiarly known on the street, in social and business life, and in rare good friendship as plain George W. Heywood, died at his home on Main street, Westford Center, Friday morning, February 20, aged eighty-four years after a lingering illness of several years. He was a native of Westford, the son of Levi and Martha (Keyes) Heywood and was born at the old Peletiah Fletcher place on the Lowell road. He was one of the older scholars of the old Stony Brook school and the writer recalls a term at school with him in those good old-fashioned days of the district school with men-grown boys as scholars. He afterwards attended Westford academy when William Cushing (1811-1895) was principal (1847-1850). In rare good judgment he served the town for several years as one of the selectmen. He was elected a member of the legislature from this district in 1868 on the democratic ticket, the district being strongly republican, which is evidence of the confidence of the people in his native ability. He was one of the original members of the Spalding Light Cavalry, afterwards Troop F Cavalry. When this was disbanded he became a member of the Cavalry association.
In 1849, with others, he went to California and saw much of the world and some of its gold. After several years he returned and in 1860 he married Elizabeth Fletcher, who died several years later. He married for his second wife Mrs. Mary Cushing. Three children were born to them, Elizabeth C. and Albert W., and Lewis [Levi], who died in his infancy. In 1861 he purchased the old saw and grist mill at Westford station of Stewart P. Wright. In 1868 he took in as a partner William H. H. Burbeck under the name of Heywood and Burbeck, continuing in business for over a quarter of a century, when it was sold to Mr. Marden and thence to George C. Moore, the present owner.
Mr. Heywood had unbounded faith in the people. His hand was always extended to the deserving poor and to those temporarily in financial trouble he always acted as the financial Samaritan. In business life he had no “gold bricks” for sale or “get rich quick” schemes to advocate or trade off. His business dealings were always “Yea, yea, and nay, nay,” and his words and his conduct balanced. He was a life-long defender of the principals of Jackson and Jefferson and loyal through all discouragements and defeats, and when at last he beheld these principals victorious in the nation in 1912 then could he say as was said of old “Now Lord let thy servant depart in peace.” [Luke 2:29]
Named as he was after the “father of his country,” it was fitting as well as singular that his funeral should take place on Washington’s birthday, Sunday, February 22. A large gathering of his relatives and old friends gathered in loving tribute to staunch life. Rev. Lyman B. Weeks, of the Unitarian church, conducted the services and drew a clear picture of the balances by which the departed had so courageously and honestly rounded out his life with his fellow men. William North lodge of Masons of Lowell, of which he was a member, were represented at the funeral.
The deceased leaves besides his wife, two children, Albert W. Heywood and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth. The bearers were Hon. Edward Fisher, Donald Cameron, Andrew Johnson, Harwood L. Wright. Burial was at Fairview cemetery, the Masonic burial service being conducted by the delegation from William North lodge.
On Saturday afternoon Mrs. Esther Taylor Snow [Westford Academy class of 1897], of West Chelmsford, entertained very pleasantly at her home a small coterie of her classmates at Westford academy, Mrs. Harriet Sargent Hildreth, Mrs. Gertrude Craven Elliott and Mrs. Edith Normington Reed. There were also present Miss Lottie L. Snow, Mrs. S. L. Taylor, Mrs. W. R. Taylor, Mrs. George Howard and Master George Taylor Howard. As the guests arrived Master Stanley Law Snow stood in the porch waving a welcome with a flag. Appropriate to Washington’s birthday a Washington pie was served, decorated with candied cherries and miniature flags. The favors were silk flags and tiny hatchets and were distributed by Master Perry T. Snow. The sympathy of this circle of friends went out to their classmate, Mrs. Elizabeth Heywood Hildreth, whose father died the day before.
When it comes to chickens as symptoms of early spring Sebastian B. Watson has the Prairie farm and all other farms without a prairie all frozen out, having 150 chicks out with the weather below zero. Seventy-five of them are over two weeks old. The brooders are out doors and blanketed with two feet of snow to keep the heat from freezing.
About Town. The residence of Harry L. Nesmith in Parkerville had an attack of fire on Monday which melted the snow off the roof and the icicles off the eaves and did $200 worth of other damage, fire and water. The water was badly distributed by the Edward M. Abbot hose company of Westford Center, who responded with warm enthusiasm and chilly water.
Joseph H. Boardman, the milk contractor, of Somerville, was in town last week and meeting his old raisers and searching for others. The result of this visit seems to indicate that he has bought quite a quantity of milk for a year to be delivered at Westford station commencing the first of March. Besides Westford he has bought several dairies in Littleton to be delivered at Forge Village.
The burning of the old Abbot homestead on Wednesday morning shortly after midnight seems like the passing away of an old-time friend. In the olden days of the First Parish church, then the only church, this was the town and church tavern, and thither resorted in leadership good old ministers and not many paces behind in goodness good old deacons.
The next meeting of Middlesex North Pomona grange will be held at Odd Fellows’ hall, bridge street, Lowell, Friday, March 6. The lecturer’s hour forenoon and afternoon will be in charge of the officers of the State grange and the State Board of Agriculture and the Agricultural college. Forenoon, “Home and its surroundings.” Afternoon, “The farmer and the farm.” The state lecturer has arranged the program for this meeting. It is planned as an agricultural rally to which he urges in a pleasant way everyone to be sure and come.
The twenty below zero mark cracked out lots of early chicks at the Frank E. Miller farm. This as an admonition of spring was days ahead of the same spring symptoms reported last week at the Prairie farm.
At a recent meeting of the registrars of voters the following meetings for registering voters were arranged for: Graniteville, Monday evening, March 2, Healy’s hall; Forge Village, Wednesday, March 4, Abbot’s hall; Westford Center, town hall, Saturday, March 7. The registrars met at Brookside on Friday evening, February 27.
At a meeting of the republican town committee on Thursday evening of last week Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher was elected chairman; Alfred W. Hartford, sec.; Julian A. Cameron, treas. At this meeting it was decided to hold a caucus to nominate candidates for town offices on Tuesday evening, March 3. The democrat caucus will be held in the town hall on Monday evening, March 2.
Master George Taylor Howard has been honored with a gold spoon from Camp Middleboro chapter, D.A.R., Bound Brook, N.J. His mother, Mrs. George Howard, is secretary of this chapter. The spoon is s regular D.A.R. spoon, on the upper part of the handle being the figure of a woman in “ye old time” costume, seated at the flax wheel. On either side are the words “Home, country.” On the back of the spoon are engraved the words “Presented by Camp Middlebrook [sic] Chapter, D.A.R., Master George Taylor Howard, January 4, 1914.”
Monday being a holiday, George Howard came Saturday from Bound Brook, N.J., and stayed until Tuesday at S. L. Taylor’s.
Another one of our townspeople enjoys the distinction of being an octogenarian. Mrs. [Fidelia L.] Delia Boynton, [widow of George P. Boynton,] at Chamberlin’s Corner, observed her eighty-fourth [83rd] birthday on February 24.
The next meeting of Westford grange will be held on next Thursday evening. The lecturer’s hour will present the humorous farce, “The old maids convention.”
Graniteville. Miss Alice Gower has recently returned from a brief visit spent with friends in Concord.
An article is to be inserted in the town warrant at the annual March meeting to see if the town will take action on installing electric lights in the buildings at the town farm. This appears to be a much needed improvement and it is hoped that it will receive a favorable vote. Another article is to see if the town will raise and appropriate a sum of money to repair that part of Broadway street in Graniteville between Healy’s hall and the C. G. Sargent machine shop. This is certainly a bad piece of road and should receive attention.
Henry Smith is on a brief business trip to New York and Philadelphia.
The cold weather still remains with us and the people are wondering when the cold snap is going to break.
Thomas J. Healy and Miss Annie Gower were married at a nuptial mass celebrated in St. Catherine’s church on Wednesday, February 18. The pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, was the officiating clergyman. The bride was attended by Miss Lena Healy, sister of the groom, and the best man was Francis Gower, brother of the bride. After a brief bridal tour Mr. and Mrs. Healy will take up their residence in Concord, where Mr. Healy is engaged in business.
Death. Thomas Couture, son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Couture, died at his home on North street, Wednesday, February 18, after a lingering illness, aged thirty-three years. Beside his father and mother he leaves to mourn his loss two sisters, Miss Nellie and Laura, and seven brothers—George, Joseph, Alexander, Louis, Alfred, Henry and Fred Couture. The funeral took place from his late home on Friday morning, February 20, at 8:30. At nine o’clock a funeral mass was celebrated in St. Catherine’s church by the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield. The regular choir was in attendance and under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley, sung the Gregorian chant. The funeral was largely attended. There were many beautiful floral tributes. The bearers were six brothers of the deceased, George, Joseph, Alexander, Louis, Alfred and Henry Couture. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
Loses Valuable Horse. George Wilson, of Forge Village, lost a valuable horse by a peculiar accident here [in Graniteville] last week Friday night. While driving his sister, Miss Bertha, Mrs. Kernahan and Percy Barnes to prayer meeting the sleigh overturned at the corner of Pond [now Church] and Broadway streets, throwing the occupants out into the snow. While trying to right the sleigh the horse reared up and when he came down became impaled on the picket fence nearby. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Barnes, while trying to help the horse out of its difficulty lost control of the animal and the horse freeing himself dashed madly away and never stopped running until it reached the stable in Forge Village. There it was found that the horse was in bad shape and after consulting with Mr. Wilson it was thought advisable to end its misery and so the horse was shot. The horse was a valuable one and Mr. Wilson deeply regrets the loss.
Forge Village. Miss Christine Lowther and brother Frank visited Mr. and Mrs. Kaker, of Worcester, recently.
Mrs. Ernest Longbottom, of East Lexington, visited for a few days last week at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett.
Mr. and Mrs. Percy Hargreaves, of Beverly, were week-end guests of Mrs. W. A. Lowther.
Communion services will be held at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday morning. The vicar, Rev. W. M. Ford, will officiate.
Lenten services will be held at the mission on Thursday evening at 7:30 o’clock.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held their regular meeting last week at the home of Mrs. Bert Comey. Only a few attended on account of the storm.
The many friends of Mrs. Nelson Prescott will be pleased to learn that she has arrived home after an operation performed on her at the Lowell General hospital.
Wedding. A wedding of interest took place at St. Catherine’s church, West Graniteville, on last Saturday morning, when Miss Margaret Smith, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Smith, became the bride of James Kelley. Both are well-known young people of this village. The pastor of St. Catherine’s church, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, performed the ceremony.
The bride wore a travelling suit with hat to match. She was attended by her sister, Miss Sadie A. Smith, who wore blue. John Graham, of Canton, acted as best man. After the ceremony a wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride, at which a large number of relatives and friends attended. Many useful and beautiful presents were received by the newly-married couple.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelley will be at home to their friends after March 1, at their home on Central street.
Ayer
G.A.R. Sketches. J. Everett Woods enlisted at Westford on July 7, 1864, for 100 days in Company B, Sixth Massachusetts Volunteers, the company being in command of Capt. George F. Shattuck. He was seventeen years of age at the time. The regiment went to Arlington Heights, where it remained a month, going to Fort Delaware on the Delaware river, where he spent the remainder of his service in guarding rebel prisoners. The duty was very monotonous, most of the enlisted men preferring service at the front, so when the call came for reenlistment in the guarding of the prisoners none responded. Mr. Woods was mustered out at the expiration of his term of service on October 27, 1864. Mr. Woods is a past commander of the post.