The Westford Wardsman, February 26, 1916
Center. Mrs. Burton H. Streeter of Cambridge is visiting her daughter, Mrs. J. Henry Colburn.
Whooping cough is prevalent among the children, the teachers at the Frost school reporting numerous cases. Fortunately the one case of scarlet fever with which Clarence Colburn is quarantined proves to be an isolated and mild case thus far.
The holiday [last Tuesday, Washington’s Birthday,] proved a quiet one in town there being no special observance of the day. The schools were closed and those residents going to Lowell and Boston each day to business enjoyed the day at home.
Mrs. Edward Fisher and two of the children are on the sick list this week with the prevailing colds.
The devotees of bowling, of which there is quite a contingent in our village, chartered the electric car Tuesday evening for a trip into Lowell for an evening of bowling. The plan was to meet the Chelmsford bowling team, but they failed to arrive and the Westford team made some good scores among themselves.
The Westford A.A. are planning their ball for March 7. The Salem Cadet orchestra with seven pieces is to be an attraction and the committee expect to make it the usual enjoyable event that it has been in seasons past.
The annual Children’s day in the Tadmuck club, which took place Monday afternoon at the Congregational church, proved a most delightful entertainment. It was to be regretted that the weather was so very wintry and that there was so much sickness, both reasons affecting the attendance. Miss Smith of the Frost school had the program in charge, assisted by Misses McCoy, Grant, Crocker and Wright. Many of the recitations and the music was in honor of Washington’s birthday. The school Victrola was used most effectively and the various exercises were much appreciated by the grown-ups. The next meeting, March 7, will be in charge of the art committee of the club, Miss Mary G. Balch, chairman. Miss Balch will give a talk on “Art in every-day life.” Every member should make it an object to be present at this meeting for the speaker is sure to give a capable address.
William E. Green continues to attend to the R.F.D. route until a permanent incumbent is appointed a little later.
The president of the Tadmuck club, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Mrs. L. H. Buckshorn and Miss Mabel Drew attended the mid-winter meeting of the State Federation of Woman’s clubs on Friday in Melrose.
At the Congregational church last Sunday Mr. Wallace preached a timely sermon on “Patriotism and religion” and at the evening service J. W. Rafter spoke on “Woman under paganism and under Christianity.”
The Ladies’ Aid society held an all-day meeting at the vestry on Thursday with a good result of sewing in charge of the directresses. A basket lunch with hot coffee was enjoyed at noon.
The concert given by the Boston university male quartet at the Unitarian church last week Friday evening proved a musical treat of real excellence and it was very much to be regretted that a stormy evening prevented a larger attendance. L. E. Baldwin was the first tenor; R. L. Hatch, second tenor; F. T. Haddock, baritone, and L. H. Lawton, basso and reader. Miss Julia H. Fletcher was the accompanist. Mr. Lawton’s versatility as a musician and a reader was much enjoyed.
Mrs. S. B. Wright was in attendance at the Middlesex-Worcester Pomona meeting in Littleton on Thursday.
A number of Westford children with their mothers or older friends plan to enjoy the children’s entertainment given at Masonic Temple, Lowell, on Saturday afternoon of this week.
H. V. and H. W. Hildreth plan to visit Leon F. Hildreth this weekend at Amherst Agricultural college, where the latter is taking the ten-weeks’ winter course.
Mrs. David Wallace gains somewhat with her siege of rheumatic fever and her many friends certainly wish for her a more speedy recovery.
. At the annual parish meeting of the Unitarian society Hon. Edward Fisher was chosen moderator, Abiel J. Abbot, clerk; Charles O. Prescott, col. and treas.; Abiel J. Abbot, Edward Fisher, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, parish committee.
Miss Jennie Durgin, who died in Los Angeles, Cal., last week, was the daughter of Lyman and Helen (McAlpine) Durgin and was born in Lowell, but the greater part of her life was passed in California. She leaves a brother, Walter C. Durgin, vice president of the Bank of California, Los Angeles. She was a niece of Hon. William T. McAlpine, of Lawrence, Alexander and John McAlpine of Cleveland, Ohio. Among her many cousins were Mrs. Helen C. Taylor, Miss Mary Vinton, Miss Susan M. Hannaford of Lowell, Miss Carrie Hopkins of Brookline and the Old Oaken Bucket farm folks, Westford. The funeral was from the Undertaking rooms of Young & Blake, Lowell, Monday afternoon, Rev. Allen C. Ferren conducting the services. Burial was in the Lowell cemetery beside loved ones of her youth.
William H. Cockroft has resigned as superintendent of Brookside mills, and Arthur Whitley, of Clinton, has succeeded him.
At a meeting of a sub-committee of the trustees of Middlesex-North to propose terms upon which they would hold the annual fair with the Lowell Driving club, it was unanimously agreed to hold to the same terms as in previous years—Middlesex-North pay the premiums [i.e., cash prizes] and the inviting party all other expenses, and give Middlesex-North 20 percent of all income over $200. This committee will meet the Driving club on Tuesday evening in Lowell to propose their offer. Tewksbury has a desire to have the fair.
A daughter [Catherine Louise] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Michael McGlinchey, Westford Corner, on Washington’s birthday [Feb. 22, 1916].
Next Thursday evening will be past masters’ night at the Grange and every past master will be present if possible. There will be a reader and violinist, and a “stew among the oysters.” At the last meeting Oscar R. Nelson appeared in the role of “musical interlocutor,” assisted by Supt. Henry Smith of Graniteville, who always keeps to the tune, the time and the key in his musicale. The Blanchard children did splendid and of Horace E. Gould could be said the same.
Martha Taylor Howard and son, George T. Howard, from Bound Brook, N.J., are visiting at the Old Oaken Bucket.
The weather measuring machinery at the old Capt. Peletiah Fletcher place [54 Lowell Rd.] measured 40 below freezing at Midnight Monday and 20 below freezing at sunrise.
Middlesex-North. Middlesex-North Pomona Grange held a field day meeting last Saturday in Odd Fellows’ hall, Lowell, with a fair attendance. The program was as follows: Welcome, Warren A. Sherburne, of Tyngsboro; response, Edward E. Chapman, state master; singing by the Grange, “America”; readings, Mrs. W. A. Sherburne, and John Flemings of Tewksbury. Dinner was called on the program by Tyngsboro Grange at 12:30. In the afternoon there was singing by the Grange, “Battle hymn of the republic”; address, “Markets and marketing,” Wilfred Wheeler, of Concord; song, Mrs. F. L. Roberts, of Lowell; address, “Health on the farm,” Dr. Simpson; song, Grange. It was a great mid-winter social.
The next meeting of Middlesex-North Pomona Grange will be held in Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridget street, Lowell, Friday, March 3. The morning program will consist of “The business hen—how to get her and how to keep her,” Harry Fox, of Dracut; “The story of the boy on the farm,” Mrs. Georg P. Greenwood, of Billerica; “The value of little things,” Mrs. Walter Holder, of Chelmsford; “Something interesting,” Mrs. Edwin C. Perham, of Chelmsford; afternoon—“Essex County Agricultural School and what it is doing for their boys,” Supt. Smith of the college.
Forge Village. Cameron school was closed Tuesday in honor of Washington’s birthday anniversary. Special exercises were held at the school on Monday.
The Young People’s Social club held its regular meeting in Recreation hall on Thursday evening. Miss Edith M. Foster had charge.
William Burnett has received word of the death of his sister, Mrs. John Cornforth, of Coxwold, England, on January 31.
On Sunday an important meeting will be held at St. Andrew’s mission after services to determine the kind of pews to be installed in the chapel; also, to determine the cost of installing them. On last Sunday the services were conducted by the vicar, Rev. W. M. Ford, who preached a very forceful sermon on “Why people don’t go to church.” Mr. Ford is doing some excellent work in the parish and should be given the full support and strength of all his parishioners in his work. The largest class ever known in St. Andrew’s mission is now being prepared by Mr. Ford for confirmation which will be administered by Bishop Babcock on March 26.
John Merrick is ill at his home, suffering from the grippe.
Samuel Dugdale, overseer of drawing, fell from a ladder while putting on a belt at the mill of Abbot & Co., Wednesday.
John McNiff, while at work in the mill of Abbot & Co., wrenched his back and has been confined to his home since last week Thursday.
Master Everett Scott and his sister Eva have returned from a very pleasant visit spent with relatives and friends in East Pepperell.
Death. The many friends of little Joseph Cavanaugh, the youngest son of William Cavanaugh, will be pained to hear of his death, which occurred at St. John’s hospital early Sunday morning. The little fellow was taken to the hospital four weeks ago, suffering from blood poisoning in his foot, and although at first his recovery was expected, complications set in later, resulting in his death. Little Joseph entered Cameron school last September and up to the time of his illness had not been absent once. His lovable disposition made him a favorite with teacher as well as pupils of his class. He was five years old.
Besides his father, Joseph leaves six sisters and three brothers.
The funeral took place on Tuesday morning from his home at 10:30 o’clock. Masters John Mulligan, John Venu, James Hobson and Francis Daly acted as bearers. The casket lay amidst a profusion of the most beautiful flowers given by many friends and relatives. Interment was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
Graniteville. The many little friends of William Robinson assembled at his home on last Tuesday afternoon to join with him in celebrating his eighth birthday anniversary. The time was passed very pleasantly in playing games and other childish amusements and all had a very enjoyable time. Refreshments consisting of ice cream, cake and confectionery were served during the afternoon and little Willie received many pretty gifts from his numerous friends. About twenty children were present and the favors were Washington hatchets to the boys and small flags to the girls.
A daughter [Rita Elizabeth] was born to Mr. and Mrs. C. [Charles] E. Dudevoir on February 15 [Feb. 16, per 1916 Town Reports].
Edward Quinn, of Boston, has been a recent visitor here.
Miss Lillian Mae Moran, Miss Agnes Charlton, Miss Rachel Wall, Frank Charlton and Fred Defoe assisted at an entertainment that was given in North Chelmsford this week.
The different Lowell theatres drew a large patronage from here on last Saturday afternoon, the 12:30 o’clock electric car being so crowded that many patrons could not get on, so took the 1:05 train instead. The local station agent reports that more tickets were sold for Lowell on last Saturday than for any previous day for several weeks. It appears that the people are willing to pay the few cents extra for the added comfort and convenience.
Frank P. Hawkes, of Melrose, has been a recent visitor here.
The members of Cameron circle, C.F. of A. held a well attended and interesting meeting in their rooms on Tuesday evening with Miss Marion Lord, chief companion, presiding. Business of importance was transacted and many visitors were present from Stony Brook circle of West Chelmsford. After the meeting a social hour was enjoyed. A fine entertainment was given and refreshments were served. All had a thoroughly good time and felt well repaid for their visit.
Miss Lilly Mae Moran has recently returned from a brief visit spent with friends in Salem.
Death. Mrs. Katie Blanchard, wife of Lowell Blanchard, died at her home on Wednesday afternoon after a brief illness of pneumonia, aged 49 years, 7 months, 1 day. She leaves besides her husband, three sons, Walter, Albert and Roy Blanchard, and three daughters, Mattie, Myrtle and Jennie Blanchard, all of this village; also two sisters, Mrs. MacKretchie of Canada and Mrs. MacIves of Littleton, N.H., and two brothers, Malcolm MacDonald of Michigan, and Angus MacDonald of Canada.
The deceased was a woman of fine character and beloved by all who knew her. She was deeply interested in the M.E. church here and was always ready to do some kind and charitable act. The deepest sympathy of the community is expressed to the bereaved family in their affliction.
Funeral services will be held this Saturday afternoon at the home at two o’clock.