The Westford Wardsman, January, 1909

Saturday, January 2, 1909.

About Town. At a recent meeting of the Westford A.A., it was voted to hold the annual dance and all the social gatherings that cluster around such times on Wednesday evening, Jan. 20.  The Salem cadet orchestra [1] will furnish music, and that means that everyone who has life for the joyous at these times will be there.

Henry Barker of Quincy has sold his oak woodlot on Oak hill to F. O. Dutton of South Chelmsford.  This is the lot that took the owner and one of the assessors nearly a day to locate, for although close to the civilization of several active stone quarries, yet stone bounds to this lot were as scarce as in the great Sahara desert.

A revised and more detailed account of the recent sidetracking of a heavy freight at Brookside discloses the fact that the engine ran onto the Fletcher track for a carload of stone from H. E. Fletcher & Co. for the Boston and Maine railroad, for which they were in a hurry; that after returning to the main track they left the switch open and ran with full speed onto the Fletcher track; that they were unable to back the train off; that they were delayed several hours waiting for help, and that the engineer was discharged by the management of the Boston and Maine railroad for carelessness in running over an open switch.

How did you enjoy trying to reach Taylor’s corner on a recent evening, starting from Graniteville and going by way of the rapid transit main line to North Chelmsford, and finding that they had decided to wait an hour while they cut out a trip?  Well, if you don’t feel like answering, let me ask the mill help at Brookside, who shivered in the cold.  But of course they can stand this, but they are such precious, tender mortals they can’t stand a six-cent fare.

At the last meeting of the grange it was unanimously voted to invite the Middlesex North agricultural society to hold a farmers’ institute here during the winter.

At the Unitarian church Sunday, Dec. 20, everything was Christmas—decorations, song, prayer, and sermon, and the Sunday school after the usual devotional exercises and believing that “faith without works is dead,” decided to infringe upon the long established ordinary, and proceeded to exemplify the Santa Claus act on the principle that the Sabbath was made for man.  Rev. B. H. Bailey proceeded to interpret all good messages from books, stories, anecdotes and the leaves of memory, and in this entertaining vein led on to Christmas greetings.  All in the Sunday school had an individual remembrance, and many of those long shut in by sickness from the social sunshine of life were remembered, regardless of church affiliations, as well as some who have to be cared for by the guardian ministrations of the town farm.

Renne Dezile, who has been suffering from unaccountable blindness for nearly two months, is gradually recovering his eyesight, being able to walk about unaided.  He has been under the treatment of specialists from Lowell.

Anna O’Brien, the youngest daughter of James H. O’Brien on the Stony Brook road, who recently underwent a surgical operation on the throat, has had a relapse as a result of taking cold.  No serious results are anticipated.

Wallace Johnson has been harvesting ice on the wing, as it were, between freezing and thawing, having filled the icehouses at Westford center with ice nine inches thick from Burgess [i.e. Burge’s] pond.  The icehouses at the pond are not yet ready for ice, nor the ice for the houses.

Gerry Decatur, principal of the grammar school at Graniteville, who has been spending these vacation days in familiarizing old associations, sprang a surprise by starting out one day and visiting home.  This was one of those vague possibility visits, but offset by a strong element of improbability; hence the great surprise.

Wm. P. Proctor of Dunstable has purchased a large tract of woodland on Oak hill of Noah P. Shepley of Chelmsford, and is coming the cordwood act on it.  At the rate that recent years with fire and axe have witnessed the depleting of this once unbroken forest, it would not be inappropriate to change the name from the oak that has become invisible to the rock that has become visible.

The Fortnightly club of North Westford will hold a debate at the Wright schoolhouse, Friday evening, Jan. 9, on the subject, “Resolved that small fruit farming is more profitable than market gardening.”  For the affirmative, Horace E. Gould, S. L. Taylor; negative, Hiram Dane, J. F. Chandler.

Carloads of folks (electrical “Equity” ones) went to Lowell the days and evenings of the play, “The merry widow,”[2] given at the opera house the early part of the week, just as though there were not such widows in Westford.  But then, distance and enchantment, you know, are sometimes easily tickled.

Exercises.  The Stony Brook school with its usual aptitude and inherent intuition for observing the anniversary advent of the comprehensive life, gave the salutary Christmas exercises at the afternoon session of the school, Friday, Dec. 18, with all the usual skyrocket brilliancy.

Edward Read acted as toastmaster for Santa Claus and had his dispensations so well tabulated that everyone felt that they were a notable factor in the celebration, and the harvest from the Christmas tree was the condensed act of reaping what had been sown there, being no “grapes of thorns,” or “figs of thistles,” [3] because the law of nature is not crossgrained in the discipline of the school.  There were recitations by Arthur O’Brien, Edith Lumberg, May and Alice Watt, Olive Anderson, Earl Swanson, Elinor Read; quartet singing, Margaret O’Brien, Toy Anderson, Carl Strandburg, Wallace Watt, and an abundance of appropriate evergreen songs by the whole school.  The teacher, Miss Anna Mellen, who has had charge for many years, has got the working efficiency of the school itemized principles of first foundations, and Santa by way of his toastmaster, and he by way of others, had remembrances for value received.  Although the day was one of Emerson’s “Announced by all the trumpets of the sky arrives the snow,” [4] yet there were twenty-six visitors present.

Robert G. Patten of Amesbury, deputy tax commissioner, made an official visit to the assessors and collector last Saturday afternoon, to inspect the books and methods of the assessors and for a mutual exchange of ask and answer questions with the collector.  He had little criticism to offer other than what is common throughout the state, a conservative tendency to cling to old, accustomed methods long after the command has been given from the tax commissioners’ office to readjust in harmony with modern law and conditions.  But nowhere did he find any arrogant tendency in the direction of a Grompers [5] defiant attitude.  In his interview with the collector he was inclined to be scholar rather than teacher, after he learned that there were no uncollected taxes in Westford beyond 1907, while he made the startling statement that there were tax collectors in the state who had uncollected taxes back eighteen years.  Now don’t you want to start a fife and drum parade for a new tax collector in town?  The deputy had facts and figures relating to omitted taxes—those that are not discovered until after the rate is declared and cannot be assessed until December.  It is expected that omitted taxes in the state this year will be very near $40,000.  Of this sum over $10,000 is in Middlesex county. [6]  Of this sum, aside from a special bequeathment by way of the tax commissioners’ office, the town of Westford is credited with the sum of $28.24 omitted taxes assessed in December.

The assessors organization in the state at a recent meeting voted to introduce a bill into the legislature in favor of having the taxable year commence April 1, instead of May 1.

Forge.  A special musicale service will be given in Forge mission house next Sunday evening at seven o’clock in commemoration of the sixth anniversary of the vested choir.  The Sunday school will meet as usual at 3:30, but the afternoon service will be substituted by that in the evening.

Mr. and Mrs. Bennett and family of Bradford, England, arrived on the Ivernia last week Thursday and will make their home here.

Wm. C. Precious was taken very sick Tuesday night.  The physician was summoned and for a while he suffered intensely, but now seems a little better.

Mrs. Wm. Flanagan, who was seriously ill of pleurisy, is at time of writing somewhat better.

A complimentary ball will be given to the eighth grade degree staff by Joe Wall, on Saturday evening, Jan. 2.

Funeral services for Mrs. Ellen McDonald were held in St. Catherine’s church last Saturday morning.  A funeral mass was celebrated by Rev. J. J. McNamara.  At the offertory “Pie Jesu” was sung and at the close of the mass “De profundis” was sung by Miss Mary Hanley.  The bearers were Elmer E. Nutting, Francis Lowther, Edward T. Hanley, John Spinner, William Leahy, John Flynn.  Among the floral tributes were:

Large pillow roses, pinks and ferns, from her brother, Daniel Sullivan of Boston; large spray roses and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. John Sullivan; spray pinks, Eugene Simpson, Boston; spray carnations, Catherine Casey of Dedham; spray pinks and ferns, Miss Abbie Splain.

Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.

Death.  Mrs. Emily McDonald, widow of the late John P. McDonald of Freedom, Me., passed to the higher life early Monday morning, at the advanced age of 82 yrs. 11 mos. 19 days.  She has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Geo. O. Jackson, for a number of years.  She also leaves another daughter, Mrs. Barney Bryant of Newport, Me., two grandchildren and one great-grandchild; the latter she never saw, as it was born just a few days before her death.  Mrs. McDonald was a woman of very strong religious principles and she lived them.  Quiet and unassuming, she endeared herself to her friends, who will miss her.  The vacant chair will tell only too truly of one gone from the home circle.  The family have the deepest sympathy of neighbors and friends.  One look at the beautiful floral tributes told the story of the kindly feelings of friends.  Rev. C. P. Marshall spoke words of comfort to the bereaved family and friends at the funeral, which was held at the home, and the remains were taken to Freedom by her son-in-law, Mr. Jackson, where she was laid beside her husband in the pretty cemetery near her old home.  She was sick many months and a great sufferer, but she bore it all with great patience, and now is at rest where there is no more pain or sickness.

Graniteville.  A high mass was celebrated in St. Catherine’s church on Christmas morning by Rev. J. J. McNamara at 9:45 o’clock.  The full choir was in attendance and under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley sang the mass in the sixth tone by Dumont.  The Adeste Fideles was also sung, the solos being sustained by Miss Hanley and Robert J. McCarthy.  This mass was very largely attended.

Mr. and Mrs. William H. Wall of Lynn, formerly of this village, left Boston last Monday morning bound for San Francisco, Cal., where they intend to reside in the future.  Mr. Wall will join his brother, Fred, in ‘Frisco, who has been enjoying the beautiful climate of California for over a year.

Among the visitors noticed here during the holidays were Mr. and Mrs. Frank McLenna of Hindsdale, N.H., Thomas Payne, James Knox and friends from Beverly, James and Anna Harrington of Leominster, and A. R. DeRoehn of East Pepperell.

The annual Christmas tree exercises were held in St. Catherine’s church on Wednesday evening, Dec. 23, at 7:30, and were very largely attended.  A large tree had been tastefully arranged by the Sunday school teachers, and was loaded down with gifts for the children.  Through the generosity of the Abbot Worsted Co., who sent a substantial check, the Sunday school teachers were enabled to make a fine showing, both as to decorating and in the line of presents for the children, for each child received a pretty gift of some sort.  The parishioners of St. Catherine’s church are very grateful for the kind and thoughtful act of the Abbot Worsted Co.  All the children that took part did finely in their respective parts, which showed the result of their careful training under the direction of Miss Catherine Conley, who had entire charge, assisted by Miss Harriet O’Brien, Miss Fannie McCarthy and the other teachers of St. Catherine’s church Sunday school.  Joe Wall was the Santa Claus and kept the children in good spirits from start to finish.  Following is the program:

Song, “Adoration,” children; “While Shepherds’ watched,” Carrie Prinn; “Jesus, the beautiful child,” Louise Dupont, Alice Gower, Claire Payne, Laura McCarthy; “Christmas blessing,” Reymond [sic] Wall; “The little Lord Jesus,” Corinne Leclair; “Christmas,” Laura Couture; “Christmas wishes,” Helen Furbush; song, “Ring out ye bells,” by the children; “Santa Claus’s visit,” Gerald Defoe; “Christmas morn,” Alice Harrington Margaret Healy, Alice Heroux; “Charity,” John Payne; “Christmas greetings,” Josephine Soca; “A message,” John Provost, Freddie Healy, Willie Prinn; “Mary’s first lullaby,” Mary Provost; song, “The little babe,” children; ‘St. Nick,” Albert Reeves; “A desire,” Rachel Wall; “Christmas time,” Harold Connell; “To Santa Claus,” Leon Healy; “Merry Christmas,” Drena Gagnon; song, “The merry Christmas bells,” by the children.

Christmas tree exercises.  The Graniteville M.E. church was filled to the doors Thursday evening, Dec. 24, when the annual Christmas tree exercises were given by the children of the Sunday school.  The genial superintendent, W. O. Hawkes, has been the prime mover in this affair and being aided by Mrs. Chas. H. Wright, who drilled the children, and Miss Emily Prinn, who had charge of the musical end of the program, the result was a success in every way.  The Sunday school children were handsomely remembered by the Abbot Worsted Co., who presented to Superintendent W. O. Hawkes a substantial check to be used for presents for the children.  Mr. Hawkes turned the money over to a committee composed of Mrs. W. C. Wright and Mrs. L. A. Blood, who showed excellent judgment in their purchases, for it seemed that every child got just what he wanted and not one was forgotten.  The tree itself, which was a fine specimen, was the gift of J. Everett Woods.  Of course we all know that trees come from the woods, but it is not every Woods that is so generous with the output.  The good ladies of the parish assisted by the young men were profuse with the decorations, and under the soft glow of various colored lights the tree presented a beautiful sight and was loaded with good things.  The pastor, Rev. S. H. Armand, was remembered by his parishioners, a well-filled purse being his portion.  He thanked them sincerely in a few well chosen words, his remarks being thoroughly in accord with the Christmas spirit.

Walter Shattuck was a lively up-to-date Santa Claus, and although his beard got tangled up in the tree at one stage of the game it did not change his good nature in the least, and, besides, it pleased the children immensely.  The entertainment, as presented by the children, proved highly pleasing, which showed the results of their careful training under the able supervision of Mrs. C. H. Wright and Miss Emily Prinn.  Following is the program:

Opening recitation, “Greeting,” Walter Beebe; piano solo, Florence Wadleigh; recitation, Willie Counter; “Night before Christmas,” Addie Day; vocal solo, Leon Holland; duet and chorus, “Ring ye bells,” Bertha Wilson, Grace Robinson, Mildred Lorman, Alice M. Gilson; “Jes’ before Christmas,” C. E. Woods; nation song, “The star divine,” Maud Robinson, Martha Lorman, Madeline Holland; “Alaska Christmas candles,” Nettie Hanning; vocal duet, “Christmas bells,” Mildred Lorman, Alice M. Gilson; “Grandma’s Mistake,” Myette Blanchard; song, “When Santa Claus comes,” Maud Robinson; piano solos, Grace Robinson, George Wilson; scripture reading, Nettie Hanning, Madeline Holland, Maud Robinson, Alice May Gilson; recitation, “Under the star,” Freddie Robinson; dialogue, entitle “Christmas,” by the following seven girls: Florence Wadleigh, Martha Lorman, Alice May Gilson, Grace Robinson, Nettie Hanning, Maud Robinson, Madeline Holland.

Center.  There was a large family gathering at the home of J. H. Decatur on the Lowell road Christmas day.  There were sixteen at the dinner table—John M. Decatur, Mr. and Mrs. James Frazer, Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright and three sons—Frank A., Sidney W. and Warren E., the latter with his wife, Thomas Frazer, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Decatur and master Charles Henry Decatur, Henry from Lowell, Albert W. Decatur and Mrs. Noyes and Hazel.  There was a Christmas tree for the children.  Mr. Decatur, owing to two paralytic strokes, has been an invalid for the last seven years and for the past two or three years confined to the house, and this was a notable event in his quiet life, debarred from its former busy activities.

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright’s two little daughters, Frances and Alice, are still in quarantine with scarlet fever with a trained nurse in attendance.

Chas. L. Hildreth, who has been so ill for so many weeks, is much improved and enjoyed seeing visitors on Christmas day.

Frank C. Wright and Samuel H. Balch, the R.F.D. carriers, who covered their routes on Christmas day carrying the Christmas mail, had New Year’s day to themselves.  No mail was delivered on either route that day.

Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Spaulding entertained a large family party on Christmas day.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Wright and son Livingston of Quincy spent part of Mr. Wright’s vacation from teaching at N. H. Wright’s.

The H. V. Hildreths spent several days including Christmas with the F. A. Hildreths in Malden.

The increased use of the library by the children has made it desirable to have a room arranged especially for them, as is common in the larger libraries.  The former reference room has been chosen for this purpose and will now be devoted to the children’s use.  A large number of juvenile books will be placed there.  In the reading room shelves have been added for the reference books, so that this part of the library’s usefulness need not suffer by the change.  It is expected that the new arrangement will be finished before the schools open.

May E. Day is at home from her first Christmas vacation at Mt. Holyoke college.

Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Osgood and Miss Ida Trask enjoyed Christmas with Mr. and Mrs. Lyman E. Wilkins at their Cambridge home.  Miss Florence Cass of Boston was a Christmas guest at her sister’s Mrs. A. H. Sutherland.

Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Harmon have closed their home on the Littleton road and have gone to spend the next two months in Lowell.  They left behind them in the parsonage barn their faithful family horse to be used and cared for by Mr. Marshall.  This will enable him, not to mention the lady of the parsonage, to get about more conveniently for a time among their widely scattered parish.

Congregational.  The annual Christmas tree exercises for the Sunday school at the Congregational church were held at the vestry on Christmas eve.  Owing to considerable sickness among the children, the exercises were expected to be of a simple character, but they proved with all their wealth of glad Christmas spirit to be most enjoyable to old and young, and much to the credit of Supt. and Mrs. H. G. Osgood.  A stereopticon entertainment in charge of Mr. Marshall came first, depicting scenes from the childhood of Christ; also, pictures illustrating the story of Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and lastly that poem dear to the heart of every child, ‘Twas the night before Christmas, [7] was read by Mr. Marshall and pictured on the screen.  A duet “O little town of Bethlehem,” was beautifully rendered by Mrs. Charles H. Colburn and Mrs. Edna L. Ferguson.  There were recitations by Elizabeth, Rachel and Jennie Kimball, Althea Symmes and Elinor Colburn, after which Santa Claus appeared and dispensed gifts and boxes of candy to all from the well-laden tree.  Last but not least was the presentation to Mr. and Mrs. Marshall of a purse of forty dollars.  The vestry was effectively trimmed with evergreen and red Christmas bells.

The evening service at this church last Sunday was largely attended and somewhat unique in character.  It was a question box meeting.  A good list of questions upon various subjects that had previously been solicited and gathered by the prayer-meeting committee were answered at more or less length by the pastor with characteristic good sense and comprehension.  Miss Edna Ferguson sang a solo, “Abide with me.”  At the morning service the Christmas musical program of the previous Sunday was repeated by a full choir under the direction of choir leader, Miss C. S. Atwood.

[1] References can be found to the Salem Cadet Orchestra as early as 1878, and the orchestra played in Essex and Middlesex Counties, as well as in Boston. The Salem Cadets, or Second Corps of Cadets, was founded in 1785 as an officer’s training corps. They served in the Civil War. Today they are Battery B of the 101^st Field Artillery of the Massachusetts National Guard.

[2] This operetta, composed by Franz Lehár (1870-1948) with librettists Viktor Léon (1858-1940) and Leo Stein (1861-1921), was first performed in Vienna in 1905. It was translated to English by Basil Hood (1864-1917) and became a sensation in London beginning in June 1907. Henry Wilson Savage’s (1859-1927) production of this light opera was performed at the Lowell Opera House on Dec. 29-31, 1908, after tremendously successful runs in New York and at the Tremont theater in Boston. The Lowell Sun called it the “biggest hit in stage history.” (The Lowell Sun, Thurs., Dec. 24, 1908, p. 3.)

[3] Matthew 7:16. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? (KJV)

[4] This is the first line and a half of the poem “The Snow-Storm” by Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), published in 1841.

[5] This is probably a reference to Samuel Gompers (1850-1924), the powerful American union leader who founded the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and served as its outspoken president from 1886 until his death.

[6] These figures should be $40,000,000 and $10,000,000. See About Town for Jan. 16, 1909.

[7] Clement Clarke Moore’s (1779-1863) famous poem about Santa Claus, also called “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” was written in 1822 and was first published in 1823. His father, Benjamin Moore, Bishop of New York, officiated at the inauguration of George Washington.

Saturday, January 9, 1909

About Town. At a meeting of the selectmen Saturday evening plans were arranged for soliciting subscriptions in aid of the sufferers from the earthquake in Italy, [1] and in accordance with this plan a notice was read at the Unitarian church last Sunday calling upon all to “cast thy bread upon the waters” [Ecclesiastes 11:1]. Mr. Bailey emphasized this new bank account that humanity is called upon to deposit for in a clear and eloquent summing up of first foundation principles.

There is a trembling, anxious timidity by relatives and friends of Allan Craven, who went to southern Italy and has not been heard from since the earthquake. He and all the family will be well remembered as they lived in Graniteville many years, where his father [Edward Craven, 1840-1903] was superintendent for the Abbot Worsted Co.

Mrs. H. G. Good has been contracted in her usefulness by contracting a cold. She is much better and the contract will soon be declared null and void. As most troubles have an accomplice to help accomplish, it might be remarked that into the shed of this same house a skunk invited himself. He had odor for every one whether they wanted it or not; he had odor for the milk that was in the shed. The owner pointed to the door by which he came in. The skunk took no hint, but pointed at the owner, and got the best of the points. After having won all points in generalship he took his own advice and left for a moonlight stroll to bestow his liberality on the unwilling elsewhere.

John Greig, John A. Taylor and W. R. Taylor made the mud get a move on last Tuesday evening, when they attended the dance at Chelmsford.

Elizabeth Kittredge was in town Sunday from Vassar college.

The secretary of the board of selectmen is authority for the statement that a ten-cent fare will be charged from Westford center to Brookside and all intervening points, said ten-cent fare to go into effect in the twinkling of an eye. As reported, it went into effect Wednesday, Jan. 6. Not having any ten cents to spare to ride on such an arbitrary, unjust discrimination, can’t say from a personal trial trip whether the date is right or not. If it is, how strangely hurried to start in the middle of the week and not start with a new week, or month, or new moon, or eclipse of the sun, or some other natural phenomenon. And the last car to be discontinued. A ten-cent fare for some folks and a five-cent fare for others, all on the same line as per franchise. Never heard of such a financial scheme before. Out of whose head was this scratched? There can’t be much left in it.

Someone not knowing manners or the rules of ordinary etiquette entered the house of Mrs. George Drew on the Boston road [2] during last week, by smashing in the shed door, making a general assortment of the valuables belonging to the house, and escaping without detection. The house was unoccupied, Mrs. Drew being with her son in Connecticut.

Miss Belle Walker, who likes a good time and knows when she has it, and knows when other people have it, gave one of her old-time Stony Brook cheery greetings at her home on Main st., Wednesday evening. Among those present was her sister, Mrs. Clara Littlefield of Fitchburg.

Mr. and Mrs. John Greig observed the fiftieth anniversary of their marriage on Tuesday, Jan. 5. They were remembered by Mr. and Mrs. John Feeney with fifty pinks and a freezer of icecream. Others remembered them in spirit, having more spirit on hand than anything else. They have hosts of friends for their genial, social ways and success in business.

There will be a social and supper in the Unitarian vestry Tuesday evening, Jan. 12, in charge of Mrs. John Feeney.

A Pleasant Gathering. In accordance with old associations, and to renew old association, a large company of neighbors, including some who in point of distance must be tested as neighbors by the ancient standard, “And who is my neighbor,” [Luke 10:29b ] gathered at the home of John McMaster on the Chamberlain road on New Year’s night. It was a merry reminiscence of the bygone school days when Mr. McMaster was one of the boys in the snowball brigade and other frolicsome collar and elbow, foot and arm exercises that were not laid down among the essentials by the teacher or committee at the Stony Brook school. There were recitations by a few, singing by more than a few, and lots of listening by everybody. When these exercises displayed symptoms of insufficiency, then ice cream was introduced as a reserve force. It had power where “Music hath power to soothe the savage breast,” [3] didn’t quite do that thing. It was a generous hospitality, well appreciated; it was New Year’s day; it was Mr. McMaster’s birthday sixty-seven times.

Forestry. Quite recently representatives of the department of state forestry were in town looking for encouragement under the new forestry law, whereby waste land is deeded to the state, the same to be devoted to the encouragement of forestry by the application of the most scientific methods, under supervision of the state forestry. At the end of ten years, if desired, the land will be deeded back to the owner for four or five dollars an acre, or such other sum as is necessary to reimburse the state. As an object lesson to the public on forestry, land on the main traveled road is preferred. Here, then, is an opportunity for the individual to lower his taxes and at the same time increase the value of taxable property, as well as the higher aspect of screening nature from too much bush and brier landscape. As an encouragement to this new forestry movement, Oscar R. Spaulding, chairmen of the selectmen, has donated a tract at the corner of Plain and Stony Brook roads. This is thankfully commendable and ought to be contagious, for of the 19,000 acres in the area of the town, [4] it is quite clear to the open and unbiased vision that altogether too large an acreage has been allowed to indolently drift into barberry, huckleberry, alderberry bush forestry. Nature has been persistent in teaching us the law of conservation, as well as landscape gardening, and we have been equally persistent in getting and reciting our lesson, with a match in one hand and an axe in the other. Is it any wonder that “the old oaken bucket, the iron bound bucket, the moss covered bucket that hangs in the well” is yearly gaining in the duration of time that it is lowered for water and returneth dry? Forest conservation and water conservation are very close relatives by natural law, or else history and facts have made a mutual agreement to tell a falsehood.

Center. Mrs. Rachael Dupee [nee Conant, second wife and widow of George Briggs Dupee (1820-1881)], aged eighty-nine years, died at the home of her grandson, Walter D. [Dupee] Falls, in Lowell, last week Wednesday morning, after a long and painful illness. The funeral was from the home of her grandson, Friday morning, and interment was in Fairview cemetery, Westford. Mrs. Dupee formerly resided in Westford and was loved and respected by all who knew her.

Miss Lula A. L. Hill has been spending a few days with Mrs. George E. Gould. Miss Hill is one of Boston’s long experienced school teachers, having taught fully twenty-five years.

Walter J. Merritt was summoned last week to Arlington by the sickness and death [Dec. 28, 1908] of his mother, Mrs. Robert S. Young [nee Emily Keith], from pneumonia. The funeral was held Wednesday from her late home in Lowell.

Leon F. Hildreth has been a victim of grippe and under the doctor’s care this week.

Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher had for a guest last week Friday Daniel Miles of Winchester, N.H., who is a brother of Gen. Nelson A. Miles. [5]

Rev. C. P. Marshall has been appointed by the selectmen treasurer of the Italian relief fund, and all who will help in this worthy cause, be it little or much, are requested to leave their contribution at the parsonage or at Wright & Fletcher’s store. About forty dollars have thus bar been collected.

The annual church meeting of the Congregational society will be held Monday, Jan. 11, at two p.m. It will be preceded by a dinner and rollcall at twelve o’clock, and the gathering will be addressed by Rev. B. [Benjamin] A. Willmott of Lowell.

On Wednesday, Jan. 11, at two o’clock, at the new schoolhouse, there will be a Turner art exhibit of fully two hundred subjects. The teachers and pupils will receive all the parents and friends who come. A tea will be served and they will be made most welcome. A small admission will be charged, which will be used to procure pictures for the new building. At a recent meeting of the school committee it was unanimously voted to call this the Wm. E. Frost school. Hearty thanks were returned to Mrs. J. C. Abbot for her generosity and kindness in providing hot soup or chocolate to accompany noon lunches of the children who come in barges and are away from home a good many hours.

Death. It was a shock to the community last Saturday when word was received from Bolivar, Tenn., of the death of Prof. Thomas R. Frost, one of our native Westford boys. Tom, as everybody knew him in his home village, was the second and youngest son of the late Wm. E. Frost and Helen K. Frost, who, with an older brother, survives him. He was educated in the village school and Westford academy, where he was graduated in the class of ’95, under the tuition of his father, who was the beloved and respected preceptor of that institution for thirty-three years. After graduating, his decided talent for music was cultivated and he received a thorough musical education and was considered one of the finest pianists and organists in this locality. After his graduation he took a year’s post-graduate course and then studied music in Boston, after which he was instructor in music for two years at Rio Grande college, Ohio, [6] after which he lived abroad with his mother for two years, where he studied under the best masters of Europe and enjoyed the privileges of all that was best in musical circles. He spent this last summer at his home in Westford and at the opening of the fall term of schools went to Bolivar as instructor of music in St. Catherine’s school. [7] The dispatch which came to Westford read as follows:

In an effort to get relief from insomnia, T. R. Frost, professor of music in St. Catherine’s school here, took some chloral [8] today and after being aroused from a sound sleep of several hours, dropped dead as he was preparing to take part in a New Year’s musical function.

It seems he had not been well for several weeks and had been receiving medical care for heart trouble. The body arrived in Westford Wednesday evening and burial will be in Fairview cemetery.

Mr. Frost was a member of Caleb Butler lodge, F.A.M., in Ayer. Besides his widowed mother he is survived by a brother, Francis, who is a journalist living abroad. He is at present in Paris as correspondent of the New York Herald. Mrs. Frost has the sincere sympathy of the entire community in her sorrow, this being the second sudden death in her family circle in a comparatively short time.

Club. The Tadmuck club held one of its successful and profitable meetings on Tuesday afternoon at library hall and demonstrated once again the ability within its own membership. “Book reviews,” was the subject of the afternoon, in charge of Mrs. Helen K. Frost, Miss Ella Hildreth and Mrs. Winthrop Wheeler. Of course Mrs. Frost could not be present, but she had previously prepared her paper and it was ably read for her by Mrs. B. H. Bailey. Mrs. Frost’s choice of book for review was “Religion and medicine,” by Drs. Worcester and McComb, [9] who are at the head of the well-known Immanuel church movement. It was a most wise and interesting treatment of a timely subject. Mrs. Wm. A. Woodward substituted for Mrs. Wheeler with a paper entitled “The moral influence of diet.” It was thoroughly bright and original and was listened to with much pleasure. The last speaker of the afternoon, Miss Hildreth, had chosen that attractive book, “The last of the plainsmen,” by Jane [sic, Zane] Grey, [10] and to all who love the beauties of nature and the dumb creatures (and who does not?) it was exceedingly interesting. A letter was read by the president from the Littleton club, inviting her and one other member to their approaching guest night.

At the next meeting of the club Miss Elizabeth Richardson of Nashua will be the speaker, the subject being Dr. Grenfell’s work in Labrador, [11] of which she has personal knowledge. Furthering a pleasant interchange of courtesies between the Littleton club and this one, it was voted to invite a delegation from there to this next meeting. A tea will be served by the hospitality committee. The secretary was instructed to send Mrs. Frost a letter of sympathy for her recent grief and bereavement.

Graniteville. Miss Nora Sullivan and Miss Murphy of Marlboro, who attended the entertainment last week Friday evening, were week-end guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Healy.

George Espie of Fitchburg has been a recent visitor at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wall.

At the 9:45 o’clock mass in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday a collection was taken for the Italian sufferers.

Many people from this village attended the dance for the eighth grade degree staff in Abbot’s hall, Forge Village, last Saturday night. The affair was a success in every way, many being present from surrounding towns. The Westford grange orchestra furnished music for dancing, and at intermission refreshments were served.

The entertainment and social dance held in Healy’s hall last week Friday evening, under the auspices of court Westford, M.C.O.F., was a great social and financial success, the affair being largely attended. The entertainment, though but a few days were given to its preparation, was of high order, the best of local talent being very much in evidence, assisted by Miss Nora Sullivan, the well-known elocutionist of Marlboro. This is Miss Sullivan’s second appearance here as a reader, and she sustained her reputation as an elocutionist of rare ability. Miss Ruth Furbush was heard in a pleasing piano solo, and the singing and reading of the Misses Grace and Maud Robinson was well received. Robert J. McCarthy, the well-known tenor soloist, gave one of his popular selections, while the singing of Miss Rebecca LeDuc, who has a soprano voice of excellent range and sweetness, made a decided hit. Mrs. O. A. Nelson told of “The trip to Boston,” in her usual captivating manner, and was obliged to respond to an encore. Omer LeDuc, although young in years, handled the bow like a veteran, his violin solo proving extremely popular. Leon Holland’s baritone solo was all that could be desired, and a fitting closing to a well-selected program. After the entertainment dancing was enjoyed until 11:30, with a short intermission, during which refreshments were served in the lower hall. The whole affair was very enjoyable and is only the forerunner of many entertainments planned by this popular organization during the winter. The committee in charge was Mrs. Julia B. Wall, A. R. Wall, Miss Laura Healy, assisted by other members.

Forge. The Amazon march performed by the eighth degree staff in Abbot’s hall last Saturday evening, under the direction of Joseph Wall, was enjoyed by a large audience. There was dancing afterward, music being furnished by the Westford grange orchestra.

The anniversary services, held at St. Andrew’s mission last Sunday evening, attracted a large audience. The reading of Pilgrim’s Progress by the vicar, Rev. T. L. Fisher, and the special music by the choir made the services of unusual interest.

The ladies’ sewing circle met with Mrs. Geo. L. Sanborn Thursday afternoon.

The supper given last week, under the auspices of the L.S.C., was quite successful. They are hoping to have another in the near future.

The many friends of Mrs. Wm. Burnett will be pleased to know that she is improving, although rather slowly, at a Brookline hospital, where she went for special treatment two weeks ago. Mrs. John Connell is also improving slowly, but is not able to sit up as yet. Her operation was quite a serious one.

Mrs. Richard Schendler of Norwood, R.I., is visiting her father, Amos Angel, for a few days.

Walter Bennett and daughter Ruth of West Townsend and Archie S. Bennett of Somerville, were week-end guests of Mrs. Harriet E. Randall.

Miss Alice L. Prescott has returned to her school in Ashland, N.H., after spending the holidays with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. N. L. Prescott.

A large spray of white narcissus and maidenhair fern, tied with purple ribbon, was unintentionally omitted last week in the list of flowers sent to the funeral of Miss Ellen McDonald.

[1] At 5:20 a.m. local time on Dec. 28, 1908, Europe’s most powerful earthquake, estimated at 7.5 on the modern Richter scale, struck the Messina Straits separating Sicily from the Italian peninsula, accompanied by a 40-foot tsunami. The cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria on opposite sides of the straits were 90% destroyed, along with many smaller towns, with losses estimated at 60,000 to 200,000 lives.

[2] 70 Boston Road, now the Coldwell Banker office.

[3] a quotation from William Congreve’s 1697 play, “The Mourning Bride.”

[4] Westford contains a total of 31.3 sq. mi. (20,032 acres) of which 30.6 (19,584) is land and 0.7 (448) is water.

[5] Nelson Appleton Miles (1839-1925) was a clerk in a Boston crockery store when the Civil War began. He enlisted in the Union Army in Sept. 1861 and soon became a lieutenant in the 22^nd Massachusetts Infantry Regiment. He rose through the ranks, ending the war as a major general of volunteers. He was wounded four times and received the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Chancellorsville (May 1-3, 1863). He subsequently served in the Indian wars (1874-1890) and in the Spanish-American War (1898), when he served as Commanding General of the U.S. Army (1895-1903).

[6] Now Rio Grande Univ. in Rio Grande, Ohio, the college was founded in 1876 primarily to train Baptist ministers and later focused on teacher training. It ended its Baptist affiliations in the early 1950s. In this same time period Bevo Francis scored an NCAA record 113 points in a basketball game against Hillsdale College.

[7] St. Catherine’s School for Girls in Bolivar offered a 4-year course for girls. In 1915 it had about 60 students.

[8] Chloral hydrate was used as a sedative for the treatment of insomnia in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. When mixed with alcohol it was used to prepare a Mickey Finn or “knockout drops.”

[9] Religion and Medicine, The Moral Control of Nervous Disorders was published in 1908 by Elwood Worcester (1862-1940), Samuel McComb (1863-1938) and Isador H. Coriat (1875-1943). The book supported the Emmanuel Movement, which began at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Boston in 1905 and which recognized the value of body, mind and spirit in the treatment and healing of illnesses, particularly functional nervous disorders, including alcoholism.

[10] Zane Grey (nee Gray, 1872-1939) was an American author best known for his many adventure novels about the Old West. The Last of the Plainsmen was published in 1908.

[11] Sir Wilfred Thomason Grenfell (1865-1940), MD, was an English medical missionary to Labrador and Newfoundland where he served the coastal inhabitants and fishermen. He built several hospitals and with time his mission expanded to schools, an orphanage, and social work projects. See www.grenfell-properties.com

Saturday, January 16, 1909

About Town. At the last meeting of the grange it was voted to invite the next farmers’ institute to meet at Westford on Wednesday, Jan. 27, and chose L. W. Wheeler, S. H. Balch, and S. L. Taylor a committee of arrangements. The ladies’ degree team were appointed as a dinner committee. The grange band will furnish music and several out-of-town speakers are expected to respond to some interestingly hot toast in an after-dinner roundabout. There will be two subjects, one for the forenoon and one for the afternoon, speaker and subjects to be announced.

At a special meeting of the selectmen Monday evening to draw jurors for a murder trial [1] to be held at Lowell, Amos B. Polley, Alfred Hartford and George A. Kimball were drawn.

Henry B. Read, who has been on the retired list without pension, suffering from a mild form of volcanic eruption after the nature of Job of old, is out of all danger from the lava. Many thanks to the doctor who didn’t come and the medicine he didn’t take.

Horace E. Gould reports having seen and heard a robin redbreast last week Thursday morning, and the weather nearly to zero. We know it is said that the early bird catches the worm, but what worm is fool enough to be out that early and in zero weather. This with the whip-poor-will that was heard last week makes one feel like grabbing right hold of the plow handles. But then, why hurry; some folks haven’t their corn husked yet. Hold on there, you plow handle men, and let folks catch up.

It has been said of old, “With all thy getting get wisdom”. [2] Now to modernize this a little and read it right into the public mind, with all thy forgetting don’t forget the dance of the large proportions and tiptoe head music by the Salem cadet band, to be given in the town hall Wednesday evening, Jan. 20, under the controlling stimulus of the Westford A.A., that knows no defeat when ball-playing is their opponents’ trouble. That there will be no weak places in this their annual dance to a finish, needs no argument. It is characteristic of their individual constitutions.

There will be a special meeting of the cavalry association at the association building this Saturday afternoon.

The family of Hon. H. E. Fletcher are having their share of colds, if they go by shares. On the list are Mrs. Fletcher, two boys and one girl, and to encourage the thing along and make it a kind of wholesale affair, the hired girl has concluded to join the list. Dr. Wells is trying to lessen the list, with Miss Mary Moran as nurse assistant.

Sociable. As usual the Unitarian society had a successful entertainment and supper in the vestry of the church Tuesday evening, under the management of Mrs. John Feeney. Good management always catches the public, and they were out for a good time, and none of “Heralded by all the trumpets of the sky arrives the snow,” [3] including hail and rain for weather, had the effect to house everybody away from this well-planned and executed sociable. The supper was one that everyone naturally fell in line with, and there is no need of arguing the case. The entertainment was also of the same nature, and to mention it proves it, and that can stand alone without argument. The program was as follows:

Singing by quartet—Mrs. Seavey, Miss Effie Bennett, Miss Anna Drew, Miss Eva Fletcher; piano duet, Julia Fletcher and Gertrude Hamlin; violin solo, Walter Steele, piano accompaniment, Gladys Fletcher.

As fortune teller Mrs. Carrie Woods was certainly trimmed, both as regards costume and also with that more difficult adornment, the knack of entertainingly knowing how. Rev. B. H. Bailey came his usual star act story-telling feat to help the financial harvest along thirty dollars.

Center.—The art exhibit of the Henry K. Turner company of Boston at the new Center school Wednesday afternoon was very much of a success. There was a good attendance of interested parents and friends to inspect the fine array of copies from the works of famous artists in a great variety of subjects. The different classes, with a desire to make the financial result as good as possible, had candy, popcorn and cake for sale, and a pretty tea was served to the guests. This was presided over by Mrs. A. W. Hartford and Mrs. Wm. L. Woods.

Mr. and Mrs. Fred L. Snow are moving from Lowell to their summer home, North Westford. Mr. Snow is planning for a rest from business for the next three or four months, and with Mrs. Snow will take some trips. One is planned to Quebec, and others to interesting places.

Mrs. B. H. Bailey was summoned to Dedham this week by the very serious illness of a sister.

Miss Gertrude D. Fletcher is at home from a private hospital in Boston, where she underwent last week an operation on her nose and throat.

Mr. and Mrs. Virgil C. Mitchell at Minot’s corner have welcomed a little daughter into their home. [4]

The Edward M. Abbot hose company were guests by special invitation of the firemen’s company in Chelmsford, last week Friday evening. An excellent super and an evening of general sociability was enjoyed.

Grange. The first session of grange for the new year was a successful and enjoyable gathering. It was the installation service for the new set of officers for the year, the names of whom have previously appeared in this column. This work was done with much capability and dignity by Walter E. Morris of Billerica grange, assisted by Mrs. Lulu Hutchins of the same grange. The last part of the program was preceded by a supper in the lower hall, in charge of Edward A. Hamlin, who scored a real triumph in this line of effort. The secretary and treasurer rendered full reports showing the good condition of the order and further showing the accuracy and faithfulness of these two officers. The membership at present is just one or two short of the two hundred mark.

The newly-installed lecturer, Edson G. Boynton, announced that the next meeting would be a roll call, and that bright responses, preferably not too long, would be expected from each one present. He also said that the new programs for the year would be ready for distribution at that time.

The annual meeting of the Congregational church, with dinner and rollcall, was one of the most successful events of this kind that has ever been held. The pleasant weather made possible a good attendance of the members, and promptly at noon the company sat down to a good chicken-pie dinner, complete in all its appointments. This was in charge of Mrs. H. G. Osgood and a good number of helpers. Then came the rollcall by the clerk L. W. Wheeler, which was responded to with remarks, scripture quotations, etc., also from absent members substantial manifestations of their loyalty in money. The pastor then called on some of the guests, and S. L. Taylor and Fred A. Snow were listened to with pleasure, after which Rev. B. A. Willmott, pastor of the first Congregational church of Lowell, the guest of honor for the day, was introduced, and he gave an address, the truths of which will long be retained by his hearers. He made some comparison of the city and country church problems. He deplored the evidence of class spirit by the native New Englander toward the incoming foreigner. While recognizing the value of many other good things in the community, he made a sincere and earnest plea for the church first, and making the ministering to the spiritual its supreme function, thereby making strength along other lines an inevitable result. These and many other good points were covered with keen but kindly discrimination.

Adjournment was then made to the vestry below and after prayer by the pastor the business session was held. Reports from the various officers were given. The treasurer’s report showed all bills paid and a balance in the treasury. The members had well sustained their missionary obligations. The trustees reported various repairs for the year, the installing of town water in the church and parsonage, and also in the latter a new bathroom and a new range, and new shingles for the roof. Other material prosperity was the receiving during the year of two legacies, on of one thousand dollars and the other of three hundred. The following officers were chosen for the ensuing year:

Moderator, Rev. C. P. Marshall; treasurer, Miss L. B. Atwood; clerk, L. W. Wheeler; collector, H. G. Osgood; auditor, Augustus Bunce; historian, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler; trustees, Mrs. L. B. Atwood, H. G. Osgood, A. E. Day, D. D. Colburn, John P. Wright; supply com., Miss Loker, L. W. Wheeler, J. P. Wright, John A. Taylor.

The church mourns the loss by death during the year of Miss Rebecca E. Luce [died July 11, 1908], Mrs. Augusta Butterfield [Mar. 31, 1908], Mrs. Rachael Dupee [Dec. 30, 1908], Mrs. Annie Seifer [Feb. 16, 1908] and Miss Inez L. Burnham [Nov. 12, 1908]; also, the loss by removal from town of several families. After prayer by the pastor and the singing of the doxology the meeting adjourned, with the resolve that with continued unity and loyalty to make the coming year the best ever in prayer and work together.

Graniteville. All the newly-elected officers of court Graniteville F. of A. were duly installed by R. J. McCarthy, deputy grand chief ranger, on Thursday night. The following committee was appointed to make arrangements for a “smoker” to be held after the regular meeting, which will be held on Jan. 21, James R. Healy, F. J. Sullivan, Henry E. LeDuc. This affair will be for members only, and it goes without saying that there will be a full attendance.

Many people from this village attended the A.H.S. ball in Ayer last week Friday evening and had a very enjoyable time.

Friends of Samuel Boothroyd, who formerly resided here, and who left Providence, R.I., for the Klondike some few years ago, have received word recently that he is now located in Seattle, Wash., and is doing well. It appears that he was not very successful in the gold fields, but at present has a lucrative position and intends to visit his friends in the east during the coming spring. [5]

Miss Elizabeth T. Dailey, a former resident of this village, but who later resided in Lowell and Manchester, N.H., died at Lowell general hospital, where she had gone for treatment, on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 5, aged forty-four years. The deceased was a member of Court Westford, M.C.O.F., of this village. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Ella Murphy of Manchester, N.H., Miss Mary F. Dailey of Graniteville, and four brothers, Hugh F. of Leominster, George of Fitchburg, Daniel and Patrick Dailey of this village, as well as many relatives and friends in Graniteville, Forge Village, Lowell, and Manchester, N.H. The funeral took place from St. Joseph’s cathedral, Jan. 7. Burial was in Manchester, N.H.

Temperance Society. Several young men of this village assembled at Healy’s hall on Wednesday evening, Jan. 6, for the purpose of forming a permanent temperance society. In the absence of Joseph Wall, the chairman of the previous meeting, the meeting was called to order by the secretary, and C. H. McCullough was chosen chairman. It was voted to form a permanent organization to be known as St. Catherine’s temperance society and the following officers were duly elected:

James B. Healy, pres.; T. Alfred Hughes, sec.; Omer LeDuc, fin. sec.; James Spillane, treas.; Thomas Rafferty, jr., Henry Charlton, Thomas Boyd, trustees; C. H. McCullough, A. R. Wall, Thomas Hughes, com. on laws.

This committee will report at the next regular meeting of the new society that will be held in the same hall this week. It was also voted to hold meetings once each month until suitable quarters can be secured for the members to gather every night. It is hoped that all the young men of St. Catherine’s parish will take advantage of the opportunity and join this temperance society.

Installation. The officers of Cameron circle, C.F.A., were duly installed on Tuesday evening by the circle deputy, Miss Hannah Scully, assisted by the Ayer circle degree staff. The installation took place in Healy’s hall. Miss Margaret Murphy, who acted as marshal, assisted the circle deputy, while the following young ladies were members of the degree staff:

Susie Daffy, capt., Hattie Quinlan, Annie Daffy, Loretta McDonald, Mary Crowley, Gertrude Graves, Jennie Lambert, Maud Carney, Lillian Markham, Sophia Hubbard, May Connors, Kate McGuane, Margaret Supple, Mrs. Ida Cornelliere, pianist.

The floor work of the degree staff was unusually good and made a decided hit. After the installation a pleasing drill was given that was keenly appreciated. After the business of the meeting was finished refreshments were served, after which a short entertainment was given as follows:

Piano duet, Annie B. and Lena J. Healy; reading, Mrs. A. O. Nelson; song, “Heart of my heart,” Rebecca LeDuc; song, “Tipperary,” Catherine Rafferty, Ruth Furbush accompanist.

All the numbers were well received, special mention being made of the excellent reading of Mrs. Nelson and the sweet singing of Miss LeDuc. Dancing followed the entertainment, piano music being furnished by Ruth Furbush. The whole affair was very enjoyable and the members of Cameron circle are to be congratulated on the excellent and instructive entertainment provided for the society. Too much praise cannot be given to Miss Scully for being instrumental in bringing such a finely-equipped degree staff, and the kindness of the young ladies who participated will long be remembered.

Forge. The school teachers of this village held an art exhibit Saturday afternoon in Cameron school, which was largely attended by parents and friends. Candy and popcorn were contributed by the children and it found a ready sale.

Sunday, Jan. 17, will be observed by the Episcopal church here as missionary day for the Sunday school and church together. Services at St. Andrew’s mission will be at 3:45 instead of at the usual hour. The congregation will occupy one side of the church, and Messrs. Richards and Roosevelt will have charge of the Sunday school on the opposite side. There will be special music and Rev. T. L. Fisher will speak of good work done by the missionaries. The public [is] cordially invited.

Miss Emma Connell started for Pinehurst, N.C., on Tuesday, where she expects to remain for the winter.

We are glad to report that our sick at the hospital are improving. Mrs. Miller, who is confined to the house with an attack of bronchitis, with symptoms of pneumonia, is comfortable as can be expected.

Word has come to the many friends of Mr. and Mrs. M. [Michael] Bradley of Littleton of the death of their little boy [James Leo Bradley died Jan. 12, aged 7] after a brief illness.

Mrs. Nutting of West Groton is visiting her son, Elmer E. Nutting, and wife for a few weeks.

Frank Wilson has returned to Chicago, after spending the holidays with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Wilson. His wife and two children will remain east until spring.

The family of Thomas Long have moved to Lowell, although Mr. Long will work in this village for the present.

The ladies’ sewing circle met with Mrs. Geo. L. Sanborn, last week Thursday afternoon. Quite a number were present and Mrs. T. L. Fisher of Ayer met with them, showing much interest in the good work the circle is doing.

The Happy-go-lucky social club of this village held a social dance in Abbot’s hall last week Friday evening which was well attended. Music was by the Precious orchestra and all seemed to enjoy the evening. This was the first of a series to be given by the club.

The ladies’ sewing circle contributed quite a sum of money toward payment of the horse-sheds recently built in the rear of the mission house.

There has been fine skating on Forge pond during the week. Richard Edwards of Melrose, being the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Sanborn, availed himself of the opportunity of trying his skates Saturday afternoon.

St. Andrew’s guild held the first meeting of the year at recreation hall, Wednesday evening, Jan. 6. After the regular business was transacted the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:

Pres., Rev. T. L. Fisher; vice-pres., Mrs. R. D. Prescott; treas., Miles Collins; sec., Bertha Collins.

The musical event of the season in Forge will be the annual band concert, Wednesday evening, Jan. 20, in the mission recreation hall. The popularity of the Groton School orchestra, under the leadership of C. [Clifford] S. Griswold, will ensure an enthusiastic audience.

About Town. The summer music of the whip-poor-will was heard in the early twilight hours of Wednesday morning in the woods of Tadmuck swamp.

There was a large and interesting farmers’ institute held at Tyngsboro Wednesday, with a modern, up-to-date address on “Best methods of poultry management,” given by Rev. Wm. H. Davenport of Colraine, who is a success in the business. Keep your henhouses wide open in the winter time, was one radical point. Among those attending from Westford were L. W. Wheeler, S. L. Taylor, Otis and Albert Day. The next institute will be at Westford the last of January, the speaker to be announced.

The amount of new property found in town by the assessors working in conjunction with the state tax commissioner has been reported to this official as amounting to $94,637.00 and the tax that will be assessed upon it of $1324.93. This new property is wholly personal, consisting largely of shares of stock in business corporations.

It is not strange that in the hurry of a correspondent, or the hurry of the printer, a few ciphers do not figure in statistics. Thus last week in attempting to show the amount of omitted taxes in the state that had to be assessed in Dec. 1908, it is intended to read $40,000,000, and as printed it read $40,000; also, the amount in Middlesex county was intended to read $10,000,000 instead of $10,000. Reckon the correspondent ciphered himself as a cipher and thus valuations ran low.

[1] This was the trial of Napoleon J. Rivet who was indicted for murder in the first degree in the alleged murder of Joseph Gailloux. He was convicted and after an appeal was executed. The trial was reported daily in the Lowell Sun in late January and early February 1909.

[2] A reference to Proverbs 4:7, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” KJV

[3] This quote is taken from the first two lines of Ralph Waldo Emerson’s 1841 poem “The Snow-Storm”:

Announced by all the trumpets of the sky,

Arrives the snow…

[4] Ruth L. Mitchell was born in Lowell on Dec. 26, 1908, to Virgil and Alice Mitchell of Westford per the Massachusetts vital records.

[5] In August 1896 gold was discovered along the Klondike River near Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada. When news of the discovery reached the U.S. in July 1897 it set off the Klondike Gold Rush, fueled by high unemployment caused by the Panics of 1893 and 1896. Samuel Boothroyd and his wife, Fanny Gandy, both English, were married in Westford in 1881 and were living in Rampart, Alaska Territory, in the 1900 census.

Saturday, January 23, 1909

About Town. L. W. Wheeler, tax collector, recently sold at public auction for non-payment of taxes, a lot of land fronting on Cold Spring road belonging to Hiram Leland. The purchaser was Emery J. Whitney, who has thoughts of watermelon raising on this land. He has been advised that the soil is excellent for this branch of farming, and the market still more excellent, especially moonlight nights.

J. Frank Chandler, a member of Westford grange, was severely but not seriously kicked by one of his horses, the kick landing between the elbow and the shoulder. Dr. Sherman of Graniteville was summoned and found the flesh severely lacerated, but no bones broken.

John H. Keefe on Francis hill has sold very nearly all the standing wood on his farm to John J. Dunn of Chelmsford, who is busy making the wood take on a horizontal attitude.

Wallace Johnson is busy hauling and sawing lumber for his new icehouses. It is rumored by authority that has figured some that the houses will cost $1400.

The state inspector of barns, who lives in Concord, has been doing home missionary work in town quite recently. A local paper reports that there is a bogus inspector of barns who is a sleek article along the line of talk and a hypnotic on money matters. He certainly is no relation to the Concord variety who recently called at the corner of Lowell and Stony Brook roads, who came close to the border line of the deaf and dumb, but was intensely all eyesight and saw everything and much he didn’t see.

In the account of the Unitarian supper and social given last week, some charming parts of the entertainment of the evening were unintentionally omitted, or rather through incomplete knowledge of the program. The numbers unreported were a song by Lillian Sutherland; violin solo by Everett Miller, accompanied by Mabel Miller; duet, Annie Drew and Mrs. Seavey; song, Ruth Miller, accompanied by Mabel Miller. Among other features was the selling of jigsaw puzzles, in charge of Miss A. C. Abbot. The proceeds were thirty-three dollars, which goes toward improvements and repairs on the interior of the church.

Hon. H. E. Fletcher started for Washington, D.C., in the early twilight of the week on business.

The regular monthly sociable at the Congregational church will be held in the vestry Tuesday evening, Jan. 26, and will be in charge of Mrs. Clara Greig. This being so, no amount of evidence in rebuttal would be able to persuade the public but that this entertainment will be brightly pivoted on the most entertaining keynote of life when the humorous play, “How the story grew,” [1] is unraveled. In the cast are Mrs. Greig, Mrs. Woods, Mrs. Woodward, Mrs. Woodward [sic], Mrs. Knights, May Grant, Elizabeth Cushing, Ruby Carter. In addition there will be instrumental music and song music by those who have a song capacity, and refreshments for the weak and weary.

[Isaac] Whitney Hutchins, who died suddenly in Baldwinville last Saturday, was a native of Westford, the son of Eliakim Hutchins, the farm being located on the Concord road near Parkerville. He is a brother of Mrs. E. J. Whitney of Westford. He is also survived by three daughters—Miss Emma Hutchins of Baldwinville, Mrs. Chas. Allen of Lunenburg, and Mrs. Leon P. Alfred of New York city.

Daniel H. Sheehan, the cotton and cider manufacturer, with mills on the Tadmuck brook near the Lowell road, has taken a large contract for sawing lumber for Warren H. Berry of South Chelmsford. The lot is in Carlisle. When this is finished he has another contract for sawing in the town of Weston. Just who will superintend his cotton mills while he splits out sawdust and boards has not been named yet.

As national and state forestry is all the hurrah in these days of indiscrete hacking and chopping, and as the town of Westford owns about thirty acres that were willed to it for non-payment of taxes, why not will it to the state for a term of ten years and let the state forester come some of his object lessons in forestry on it. It is worth individual consideration as a sort of preparatory public consideration at the annual town meeting. Of course it will be turned down. The writer is not the originator of the town forestry proposition, but was first converted to it and as such he is acting as a sort of second lieutenant to lead off promulgating the new opportunity.

A fire of large proportions broke out in the new brick mill of George C. Moore at North Chelmsford Tuesday evening about 5:30. Although several fire companies from Lowell responded to the call for assistance and the fire was gotten under control, for some unknown cause it suddenly started anew and neither the Lowell department or the local fire department were able to cope with it and the mill was totally destroyed. The loss is reported at $700,000 with an insurance of $500,000. Mr. Moore will be remembered as the owner of a large mill in Brookside and other valuable property in town.

Theodore H. Hamblet of Brookside had seen the earth revolve on its axis and swing around the sun ninety years’ worth on Sunday, Jan. 10. He is still quick of speech and active of feet, and for rapid transit frequently easily beats the electric cars. Rising generations, behold what temperance in all things will do to preserve health and faculties to a useful old age, then go thou and do likewise.

The H. E. Fletcher granite company have just completed a contract for stonework for the United States government on the new treasury building at Washington, D.C. Among other furnishings were thirty stone pillars, thirty-two feet long, six by four square. Transportation to Washington required a car capacity of one hundred tons to transport one pillar. The Boston and Maine railroad have but three such cars and they were pretty busy about that time.

Institute. The Middlesex north agricultural society will hold its next farmers’ institute in town hall, Westford, Wednesday, Jan. 27. Rev. C. P. Marshall will give [the] morning address of welcome. The addresses of the day will be given by Prof. Clinton of the agricultural college at Storrs, Conn.; morning subject, “Maintaining soil fertility,” afternoon, “Rational use of commercial fertilizers.” Dinner furnished by Westford grange at 12:15. After dinner literary exercises, at which Rev. B. H. Bailey will act as toastmaster, and the following gentlemen are expected to respond: Hon. Frank A. Patch of Littleton, “Village improvement;” Geo. D. Forestall of Tewksbury, “The village postoffice;” C. A. Kimball of Littleton, “Modern education, compared with the little red schoolhouse;” Hon. H. E. Fletcher of Westford, “Legislative experiences,” and others if time permits. Mrs. Lillian Dodge Haskell of Lowell will entertain with humorous readings and the grange orchestra will furnish music. As this institute is comparatively close to the towns of Acton, Littleton, Groton and Pepperell, a large flow of soul from these places is expected, and the usual from other places who always attend.

Center. Mrs. John P. Wright and two daughters are visiting her parents at South Royalton, Vt. Owing to the unwelcome interruptions from scarlet fever, this is the visit that was planned for Christmas.

Misses Grace and Mary Burbeck have been guests for several days this week of their cousin, Mrs. O. R. Spaulding. Miss Mary is getting back to normal health from her twelve weeks’ siege of typhoid as well as can be expected.

The ladies’ degree staff of the grange held one of its well-attended degree rehearsals at the town hall Monday evening, working in some new features under the direction of Mrs. Fred L. Snow, in place of some of the features formerly used.

Mrs. H. V. Hildreth has been enjoying the week in Roxbury, the guest of Mrs. Nelly P. Draper. Mrs. Florence Isles has been acting as housekeeper during Mrs. Hildreth’s absence.

It was a small congregation that came out to the Congregational church Sunday morning. Owing to the storm Mr. Marshall’s exchange with Mr. Bouton, Chelmsford, was postponed and Mr. Marshall conducted a good service in his own pulpit, with the thought of attaining to our best possible selves for a subject. In the evening a few came out in the storm and the pastor gave a short talk on the first part of “Pilgrim’s Progress,” and a good sing was participated in.

Mrs. David L. Greig is busy with preparations for the social under her charge, which is to take place Tuesday evening, Jan. 26. A short play by home talent, with music and refreshments, will go to make up a pleasant evening.

Mrs. Caroline Atwood quietly observed the eighty-eighth anniversary of her birth at home Monday.

Chas. L. Hildreth, in his eighty-sixth year, has so far recovered from his recent illness as to resume some of his former busy activities in the care of his estate.

Albert D. Taylor came up from Boston to be present at the A.A. dance Wednesday night.

Miss Mary Morin, our village nurse, returned to her home Tuesday from H. E. Fletcher’s family, several of whose members have been visited by grippe.

Gilmer Stone, who has been seriously ill at his home on Main st. for the past two weeks, is somewhat improved at this writing.

Mrs. Lyman Smith has been very sick at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S. B. Wright, for the past two weeks, but is somewhat improved.

The thermometer registered eight degrees below zero Tuesday morning, the coldest thus far of the season.

The Spaulding light cavalry association held its regular monthly session at the association building Saturday afternoon and evening, Jan. 16. There was a good attendance of members from this and surrounding towns. At [the] business session Capt. S. H. Fletcher, president of the association, presided, with Lieut. Edward Fisher, secretary. At the close of the business meeting a luncheon was provided by John Feeney, quartermaster, which was much enjoyed, along with the sociability and reminiscences of old troop F, and camping days at Framingham.

Fully twenty-five dollars were netted at the picture exhibit held at the new Center schoolhouse, which will go toward the purchase of new pictures for the pleasant schoolrooms.

Lectures. The fourth lecture in the grange entertainment course took place at the town hall last week Thursday evening. It was thoroughly enjoyed by a good-sized audience, Rev. James D. Norcross of Jamaica Plain being the speaker of the evening, with “Glass eggs under wooden hens,” for a subject. He proved quite capable of keeping all of his audience interested from the time he began to speak until he finished, without one dull moment and with no adjuncts other than his own happy personality of bubbling good humor. It was a good place for the person who doesn’t laugh very often, and for the person who does, for that matter, for he could tell more funny stories in an hour and weave in more wholesome truths at the same time than any speaker it has been our good fortune to hear for some time. His combination of a wooden hen and glass eggs stood for a simile of utter worthlessness. It was a combination of which nothing would come. You couldn’t cook them into the delectable dishes that real articles would make. And just as little production of good in life were the idle hours on a human program, the unused dollar and the buried talent. It was a cheerful gospel of loving helpfulness that he preached.

Preceding the lecture the grange orchestra, which is improving all the time, gave some excellent selections.

In line with the commendable enterprises in the march of improvements which dominate many of our village enterprises is a new piano for the academy. The one now in use, which has served for so many years, is quite impossible as a producer of harmony and should be put on the retired list with due appreciation of the good it has done in its more palmy days. At a recent meeting of the trustees held in Boston, fifty dollars from the academy fund were voted toward the purchase of a new piano. Now the teachers and pupils are busy with plans to increase this fund. The first effort of this kind will be a valentine dance to be given in the town hall, Feb. 12. It is sincerely hoped that all will cooperate to make this aim for a reasonably good piano possible, for this present class and the classes that shall come after them.

Tadmuck. A good-sized audience of members and guests gathered at library hall Tuesday afternoon for the session of the Tadmuck club, and to hear Miss Elizabeth Richardson’s address on Dr. Grenfell’s work in Labrador. She gave an interesting account of personal experiences as a nurse in Dr. Grenfell’s hospital at Battle Harbor, and told many facts about these needy people on the bleak Labrador coast with their limited opportunities. She also enlivened her portrayal of the lives of these men, women and children with some bright spots, and at the close questions were asked and answered. The program was completed with a select reading by Mrs. Alice M. Lambert, after which a club tea was served and a social hour enjoyed.

Graniteville. Adeline Profeta [2] the twenty months old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Profeta of this village, died after a brief illness at the home of her parents on Thursday, Jan. 14. The funeral took place Saturday morning. The bearers were John Provost, John Healy, Francis Grover, Edward Healy. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery, undertaker J. A. Healy in charge. The death of this child was particularly sad, as she was a pretty little girl and the life of the household. The many friends of Mr. and Mrs. Profeta sympathize with them in their bereavement.

Fred R. Blodgett, of the firm of Blodgett Bros., milk dealers, has been confined to his home on Millstone road for the past few days with an attack of the grippe.

Many people from this village attended the Cameron circle, C.F. of A. dance in Forge Village last week Friday evening and had a very enjoyable time. The Westford grange orchestra furnished excellent music and at intermission refreshments were served.

There has been an unusual amount of sickness in the village of late, due no doubt to the changeable condition of the weather. The local doctor has been kept on the jump during the past two weeks.

William Marchoine, a soldier in the Italian army, who was stationed in the vicinity of Messina, at the time of the earthquake, has sent word to his parents in this village that he is alive and well, and considers himself lucky to be among those who escaped injury.

The committee in charge of the F. of A. entertainment and “smoker” that is to be given after the regular meeting next Thursday night have made the necessary arrangements and everything points to a very pleasant evening’s enjoyment. This affair will be held for the members of Court Graniteville only and it is hoped that all will take advantage of the opportunity to be present.

The Turner Art Co. held a public art exhibition in the Sargent school here last Saturday afternoon and the affair was an unqualified success. The pictures were very good and the variety excellent. The attendance was large and the following teachers were very attentive to the wants of the visitors: Gerald Decatur, Miss Issie Parker, Miss Frances Bannister, Miss Mary A. Dunn. A sale of homemade candies and popcorn was held, but the demand far exceeded the supply, and the entire lot was sold out in short order, due in a great measure to the hustling qualities of the teachers and the bright, active children who attended strictly to business. The proceeds of the exhibit will go toward a fund to buy suitable pictures to be hung in the school building. The opportunity is also open to any person so inclined to present some suitable portrait or picture to the school. [3]

Forge. The sixth social dance given by Cameron circle in Abbot’s hall, last week Friday evening, proved a very enjoyable affair and was attended by many from out of town. The grange singing orchestra of Westford furnished music for dancing. Refreshments were served during intermission. The following committee had charge of the affair:

General manager, Miss Dora LeDuc; asst., Grace A. Ledwith; floor director, Mary J. Sullivan; asst., Cora A. Shattuck; aids, members of the order.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mason spent a few days last week with Mr. and Mrs. John Lyman, East Dedham.

Mrs. John Connell returned to her home Monday from the hospital and is as comfortable as can be expected.

Mrs. Edwards is taking a large number of those working on the ice to board. Ice-cutting is going on at North Littleton and they will commence at Forge pond in a few days.

The Misses Theresa Lowther and Rachel Cherry were invited guests at the performance of “Cinderella,” given by St. Andrew’s choir at the vicarage in Ayer, last week Thursday evening.

The little son of Joseph LeCour [Lacourse] died quite suddenly Wednesday of pneumonia. [4] He took a severe cold a short time ago and it soon developed into pneumonia.

Wm. Hanley of Melrose was the guest of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. Hanley, a few days this week.

[1] This play by Mrs. O. W. Gleason was described as “An entertainment for Women’s Clubs in one act. Eight female characters. Costumes, modern; scenery, unimportant; may be given on a platform without any. Plays forty-five minutes. A very easy and amusing little piece, full of human nature and hitting off a well-known peculiarity of almost any community. Written for middle-aged women, and a sure hit with the audience.” See the booklet Humorous Monologues And Dramatic Scenes by Belle Marshall Locke and others (1907) available at books.google.com. It was released as a silent movie in 1911

[2] Name is given as Evelynn Profta on her death certificate. Her birth record gives her name as Adeline Profita, and she was born in Westford May 30, 1907.

[3] A similar “Art Exhibit and Bazaar” was held in the Fletcher School, Cambridge, Mass., on Oct. 23 and 24, 1906. “The exhibit comprised two hundred pictures suitable for school decoration, loaned by the Turner Art Company, while the bazaar consisted of a sale of all kinds of useful articles and refreshments. Admission tickets at ten cents each were placed in the hands of the children and the response of the people was surprising. This sale alone amounted to over one hundred fifty dollars… [which] enabled us to place forty-two new pictures in various parts of the building.” See the “City of Cambridge, Mass., Annual Report of the School Committee Prepared by the Superintendent of Schools, 1906” available at books.google.com

[4] This was Arthur Lacourse who died Jan. 20, 1909, in Forge Village per his Mass. death certificate. He was born in Fall River.

Saturday, January 30, 1909

Center. An important real estate transfer the preceding week was the sale of the Chas. H. Fletcher farm [62 Main St.] to Walter J. Merritt. This is one of the best farms in Westford. Mr. Merritt expects to take possession in the early spring. Mrs. Fletcher has reserved from the sale the lot of land west of the house.

Some members of the fire company were called Monday noon to the home of Mrs. Lizzie A. Hamlin to inspect some burning soot in the kitchen chimney. Neither the firemen nor the fire did any damage.

Oscar R. Spaulding lost a valuable horse from colic Monday.

The next meeting of the Tadmuck club, Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 2, will be held in the vestry of the Congregational church. Miss Emma E. Tenney of Littleton will give the story of Mendelssohn’s life and compositions, with selections. Mrs. Ada L. Webber of Littleton, who has sung so acceptably here before, will assist Miss Tenney.

Water Co. Of interest to all our residents are the doings of the Westford Water Co., the installing of whose plant has proved such a blessing to the three villages of our town the past year. The annual meeting of the stockholders was held at the residence of Julian A. Cameron, Saturday, Jan. 23. According to the report of the treasurer, Chas. O. Prescott, of receipts and expenditures, the finances of the company for the first year make a satisfactory showing, and this in view of two important considerations, the first being that in the installing of a plant of this kind the expenditures for the first year are fully as extensive as planned for. Enough money has been earned to pay all expenses and interest charges. The second thing to be taken into consideration is the very serious drouth of the past year, the most severe in many years, but the driven wells at Pine ridge have stood the tax upon them and with no diminution in the quality of the water, which as stated before in these columns, according to the analysis of state board of health, is the second best of any supply in the state.

The stockholders elected the following board of directors: Geo. T. Day, Capt. S. H. Fletcher and Chas. O. Prescott. Mr. Prescott was elected in place of Edmund M. Blake of Boston, the former promoter and manager of the company, who has gone to Idaho, where he is interested in an irrigation company. Mr. Blake has put much hard work into bringing the company to its present successful standing. Chas. O. Prescott was elected treasurer and clerk. After [the] meeting was adjourned the board of directors elected Geo. T. Day president, and Capt. S. H. Fletcher manager of the company, with A. H. Sutherland as engineer and superintendent.

At the present time there are 217 water takers and more will be added to the list in the spring. The outlook for the coming year is most excellent, as expenses will be reduced and the income increased.

Grange. Owing to the A.A. dance the preceding evening, the attendance at the regular meeting of the grange Thursday evening, Jan. 21, was a little less than usual, especially among the younger members. However, there was a good number of those who regularly attend. The newly-installed set of officers filled the chairs, with promise of good work for the year. Lecturer E. G. Boynton distributed the new programs for the year, with their cheerful red covers and well-planned possibilities within. It was annual rollcall night, when each member was called upon to respond with some contribution to the program, and an entertaining array of song, reading, speech, story and instrumental music was presented, among which Mr. Taylor made a plea in defense of the deer. Rev. B. H. Bailey gave some wise remarks on the sin of worry which so affects us all.

Previous to the rollcall past masters J. W. Fletcher, L. W. Wheeler and J. P. Wright were called forward and presented with past masters’ jewels. The presentation was made by Rev. B. H. Bailey with characteristic dignity and felicity. All responded appropriately. Mr. Fletcher was the first master fourteen years ago, and Mr. Wheeler succeeded him. In those early days these presentations were not customary as they became later, and it was thought best recently that all fare alike. Mr. Wheeler gave interesting reminiscences of the order in its early days, with its charter list of forty, against two hundred at the present time.

Notice was given of the meeting of the North Middlesex Pomona grange the first Friday in February at Oddfellows’ hall, Bridge st., Lowell. The master and lecturer are resolved to have the sessions of our local grange the present year commence and close promptly, and to strive for more dispatch in the transaction of routine business.

Recital. A most enjoyable and successful piano and song recital was given at the home of Miss Julia H. Fletcher by her pupils last Saturday afternoon. Parents and friends of the pupils were present and enjoyed the results of the faithful instruction given to the young people by their teacher. Each pupil gave two solo numbers and a duet, which gave a good opportunity to show the variety of work accomplished by them. Following is the program:

Duet, Lustspell overture, Gertrude Hamlin and Miss Fletcher; solo, “Around the Maypole,” Hazel Hartford; duet, “In a cosey [sic] corner,” Miss Hamlin and Miss Hartford; song, “My papa’s waltz,” Leon Hildreth; song, “Far away march,” Fletcher Abbot; song, “The echo” Leon Hildreth; song, “Thy blue eyes,” Miss Hamlin; song, “The sandman,” Fletcher Abbot; duet, “Little fairy waltz,” Fletcher Abbot and Leon Hildreth; song, “At evening,” Hazel Hartford; song, “Valse Gracleuse,” Gertrude Hamlin.

Dance. The mid-winter dance given by the Westford A.A. at the town hall on Wednesday evening of last week was an all-around success. The aim of this yearly concert and ball is not merely for the purpose of the money that can be realized, but for the social good time and reunion. The Salem cadet orchestra proved the usual potent factor contributing to this success, with its good concert from eight to nine and the music later that the light of foot love to dance by. A second factor was the pretty decorations. The stage was effectively draped with American flags, and the orchestra was partially screened with greenery, while the balcony and window outlines were softened with evergreen and hemlock boughs. Rugs, screens, and easy-chairs transformed the stage anterooms into comfortable resting places. A third enjoyable feature was the fine turkey supper with all its accompaniments. The following committees were in charge of the affair:

Music, A. W. Hartford, C. M. Trull, H. L. Wright, W. R. Taylor; decorations, C. A. Blaney, M.D., F. A. Wright, E. M. Abbot, Harry Hartford; supper, E. A. Hamlin, Edward Fisher, O. R. Spaulding, W. L. Woods, J. H. Fletcher.

The net proceeds were about eleven dollars, and the expenses one hundred.

Institute. January never furnished a better combination of weather and traveling than it did on Wednesday for a farmers’ institute at Westford, so that there was a large, perhaps record attendance, drawn by announcement of an attractive program, every item of which exceeded its promise. The extra traffic was met by more extra effort on the part of the electrics than was promised. At the dinner table the ladies’ degree team of Westford grange, who had that matter in charge, set a pattern that may well be the despair of any who might wish to exceed. After an address of welcome by Rev. C. P. Marshall of Westford, responded to by DeLacey Corkum of Billerica, the speaker of the day, Prof. L. A. Clinton, director of Storrs agricultural experiment station of Connecticut, was introduced. His morning subject was “Maintaining soil fertility.” After alluding to the depletion of soil fertility under much of our modern agricultural method, and thereby showing the vital need of conservation, he defined the term, as meaning that a fertile soil is one that has such a crop-producing power as to yield crops of profit. Such a soil must have a little soluble plant food, the right amount of moisture, such physical condition that the plant roots can readily penetrate it, be free from poisonous materials, as acidity, and for some crops must possess certain bacteria. Alluding to crop rotation he said that continuous cropping exhausts the humus in the soil, permitting it to harden, bringing about a wrong mechanical condition. In attempting to restore an exhausted soil the first thing is to test for acidity. If this is found, use lime. Next restore humus by stable manure or by green manures. [1] Drainage is important. Guard against washing and leeching by cover crops. The speaker found rye the best as it is more certain to grow than clover and can be sown much later. He scored the summer fallow as wasteful. Fall plowing he would permit only for special reasons, as on a hard clay soil, on land infested with grubs and wire worms, to save time of team in spring, or very late for quack-grass this last to be followed by thorough harrowing in spring, followed in early July by Japanese millet or some other heavy forage crop.

After dinner Rev. B. H. Bailey was as usual successful as toastmaster, calling upon ex-senator Frank A. Patch of Littleton to speak on “Village improvements;” DeLacey Corkum on “The best use of our institutes,” and C. A. Kimball of Littleton on “Modern educational methods as contrasted with the little red schoolhouse.” The institute was also entertained during the noon hour by readings by Miss Elizabeth Kepple, which were heartily encored, and by selections from the grange orchestra, which were also heartily encored.

Prof. Clinton then talked on “Rational use of commercial fertilizers.” He said the ready-mixed fertilizer sold on credit is expensive. Buy for cash; if you can’t, better buy a cultivator. To illustrate the need of brains on the farm he told of a man who applied lime with acid phosphate, thus spoiling the phosphate. Nitrogen, he said, is a stimulant fertilizer, promoting growth, but always delaying maturity of the crop. Phosphoric acid, on the other hand, hastens maturity. It, with potash, strengthens the stalk of the plant. He advocates spreading fertilizers broadcast, not in the drill. As for the sources of the three plant food elements he would obtain nitrogen from nitrate of soda if wanted quickly, but remember that cattle will eat it with deadly effect; other sources of nitrogen for later in the season. Phosphoric acid he would get first from acid phosphate, the bone, then basic slag; potash, first from the muriate [i.e., hydrochloride salts], then sulphate, then kainit [potassium salts]. For potatoes his formula is 250 lbs. nitrate soda, 250 lbs. acid phosphate, 100 lbs. muriate potash per acre; for corn, 150 lbs. nitrate soda, 150 lbs. acid phosphate, 50 lbs. muriate potash. For both crops add thorough tillage.

This institute adds one more laurel to the record of Geo. W. Trull of Tewksbury, chairman of institutes for Middlesex North agricultural society. He announced the next institute as at Dracut, Feb. 17, when Judge Lyman, who spoke so acceptably at Westford last winter, is expected. At Billerica in march he is preparing for another prize competition of children in speaking and of schools in singing. He also announced that Dr. Twitchell of Maine is to speak at town hall, Andover, Feb. 5.

Possibly some may wish to know how to test soil for acidity. If the inquisitive one is in a hurry about eating his “peck of dirt,” [2] and his tongue is sharp enough, he can taste the acid in some soils. Those who are more fastidious may put a handful of the soil under suspicion into a cup, deluge with water, and insert a strip of blue litmus paper costing a fraction of a cent. If after a few hours this turns red, the soil is acid. The litmus paper every physician has, or it can be had from some druggists.

About Town. The annual turkey dinner in connection with the appraisal of the property at the town farm will be satisfactorily taken care of Saturday, Feb. 6. The usual will be there; no need to invite them, save your postage stamps.

Of the three special jurors recently drawn from town the names of Alfred Hartford and Amos Polley were not called, and G. A. Kimball, whose name was called, was challenged by the defense.

The assessors will hold a meeting at the selectmen’s room Saturday evening, Jan. 30. As by vote of the town, the accounts close on Feb. 1, try and get in those little grievances at this meeting.

Obituary. Miss Sarah J. Taylor, who died in Lowell early Sunday morning, Jan. 24, was the daughter of William and Mary Exley Taylor, and was born in Lowell, Dec. 22, 1841, being one of a family of nine children. In the early spring of 1845 her father bought a farm and moved to Westford, and her early life was passed among the rural scenes of that picturesque town. She was one of the early scholars at “the little red schoolhouse,” in the palmy days of the old Stony Brook district. For the past thirty years she has been in the employ of the C. I. Hood Co. of Lowell. She leaves two brothers—Thomas E. Taylor of Woodsville, N.H., and Samuel L. Taylor of Westford; four nieces—Miss Susie M. Hannaford, Mrs. Carrie Taylor Carr, Miss Martha J. Taylor, Mrs. Esther Perry Taylor Snow, and two nephews—Wm. R. and John A. Taylor, besides numerous relatives in this country and Scotland. She naturally inherited a rugged constitution from her Scotch ancestry, and her sudden death from paralysis was a sad surprise to her relatives and friends.

The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon from the residence of her cousin, Mrs. Helen C. Taylor, in Lowell. Rev. C. P. Marshall of Westford expressed a fitting tribute for the occasion. Rev. Geo. C. Tomkinson of Lowell also took part in the services. George Drew sang, “Homeland,” “Sometime we’ll understand,” and “Lead, kindly light.” The display of flowers also contributed a silent but fragrant eulogy, and included a large crescent and lyre mounted on a base of Easter lilies, from her associates in the C. I. Hood Co.; large wreath from the laboratory of the same firm; pink carnations from C. I. Hood, and sprays from her many friends and relatives. As a further tribute to her long and faithful services the C. I. Hood Co. closed their place of business the afternoon of the funeral and a delegation followed to the grave. Burial was in Fairview cemetery in Westford, beside the kindred dust of relatives she loved so well. Rev. C. P. Marshall read the committal service and the bearers were the relatives—Thomas E., Samuel L., Wm. R. and J. A. Taylor.

Thus has closed the visible earthly career of a life that stood gallantly for truth and duty as it was revealed to her. Always the interesting character of decision, keenly as well as queenly choice in her friendships and environments, and the cheap dazzle of the street had no temptations. Under all storms optimistic, and sails rigged for a final safe voyage; submissive in trials, in the spirit of the poet—

I ask not that for me the plan of good and ill be set aside,

But that the common lot of man be nobly borne and glorified. [3]

Forge. The members of the Groton School orchestra, under the leadership of C. S. Griswold, musical director, gave their annual concert in recreation hall last week Wednesday evening. There was a large audience, many from out of town. After the concert supper was served to the musicians, after which there was a social with dancing. The affair was for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission. The proceeds were turned into the treasury of the mission.

The workmen all assembled Wednesday morning to commence cutting ice on Forge pond, but unfortunately something gave out in the boiler and the work must be postponed until later. Wm. Leahy has had charge of the icehouses at Forge Village for over twenty years, and also those at North Littleton, having been in charge before Miss Gage’s father bought the property.

Samuel Blodgett underwent a serious operation at the private hospital of Dr. Kilbourn in Groton Tuesday. At time of writing he was resting comfortably. He has been sick for many weeks and his friends hope that he will be much better.

Mrs. Chester Blodgett of the Ridges is slowly recovering from a severe attack of grippe.

W. C. Precious has had another severe attack of illness, but is better just now and it is hoped he will soon be strong and well.

Edmund Hunt is suffering from a sore hand, it becoming so bad that he had to call a physician to attend it.

Miss Lizzie Ward injured her finger while attending to her work in the mill last Saturday.

The many friends of Mrs. Wm. Burnett will be glad to know that she has left the hospital and is at her daughter’s, Mrs. Ernest Longbottom in Arlington, recuperating. She will be home as soon as her strength will permit.

The family of Wm. H. Bennett have moved into the house vacated by the Long family.

Social. The Congregational church vestry proved a pleasant place to be on Tuesday evening, when the regular monthly social was held. It was in charge of Mrs. David L. Greig, who always plans wisely and carries out accordingly. There was a musical program, including a piano duet by Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Boynton; soprano solo, Mrs. C. D. Colburn; piano solo, Hazel Hartford, and a solo by E. G. Boynton, after which the pleasing farce, “How the story grew,” was given by eight ladies. It was a convincing demonstration of the old saying that a story loses nothing in the telling, and conveyed the lesson of the necessity of accuracy in repeating statements. All sustained their parts well and the quaint costumes were much enjoyed. Following is the cast of characters:

Mrs. Brown, Mrs. D. L. Greig; Mrs. Bean, May Grant; Mrs. Green, Mrs. W. L. Woods; Mrs. Rice, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler; Mrs. Doolittle, Mrs. J. E. Knight; Mrs. Snow, Elizabeth Cushing; Mrs. Taylor, Ruby Carter; Mrs. White, Mrs. Wm. E. Woodward.

At the close of the play cake and coffee was served and a social hour enjoyed.

Graniteville. St. Catherine’s temperance society is now progressing finely, and already they have secured a suitable building situated on Fifth st., in which to hold meetings, and have had things arranged very nicely for the comfort and pleasure of its members. All the young men take a deep interest in the society, and as they are united in their efforts, they are bound to succeed.

O. A. Nelson, the well-known musician of this village, has recently purchased the fast-stepping trotter, Happy Jack, and intends to make the local horses “go some” in order to remain in the same class with him.

Many people here have taken advantage of the fine sleighing during the past week.

A daughter [Violet Ellison] was born to Mr. and Mrs. John Ellison on Wednesday, Jan. 20.

Court Graniteville F. of A. held a largely attended meeting in its rooms on last week Thanksgiving evening. Business of importance was transacted and three applications for membership received. After the business of the meeting was dispensed with a very enjoyable smoker was held, during which a short entertainment was given that consisted of the following numbers: Violin solos, Omer LeDuc; song, Thomas Hughes; phonograph selections, Hester McLenna; song, Henry LeDuc; harmonica solo, Charles Eaton; songs, Fred Defoe. Luncheon was then served and a large number sat down to the well filled tables. After the cigars were lighted Brother Timothy Sullivan of Marlboro, who was the guest of honor and an excellent entertainer by the way, gave several readings from the works of the late John Boyle O’Reilly, and other well-known authors, that were thoroughly enjoyed. Joe Hall read an original poem that made a decided hit, and James B. Healy was heard in an extract of Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech on the battle of Gettysburg. Edward Riney sang the “Low back car,” as only “Ed” can sing it, and A. R. Wall gave a short talk on the principles of forestry. J. H. Payne gave a whistling solo, and Drummond’s “Wreck of the Julia Plant” [4] was well spoken by G. P. LeDuc. Treasurer P. Henry Harrington was heard in a few remarks, and Chief Ranger Thomas Hughes sang a song of his own composition. All present entered into the spirit of the affair, and it was surprising what a great amount of talent was brought forward on this occasion. The committee who were responsible for the success of this affair were: James R. Healy, Florence J. Sullivan and Henry E. LeDuc. Great credit is due them for this able manner in which the arrangements were carried out, for it was surely an evening of rare enjoyment.

A special meeting was held in Healy’s hall on Friday evening, by the members of Court Westford, M.C.O.F., for the purpose of making arrangements for the coming public installation of its officers, which will take place the second Sunday in February. At that time the degree staff of Merrimac court of Haverhill will be present, also members of the high standing committee of Boston, and a great treat is in store for the members and friends of this popular organization who attend. As the hall is not large enough to accommodate all that would like to attend admittance will be by invitation of the committee in charge.

[1] Green manures are cover crops, like clover and vetch, that are grown and then plowed under and incorporated into the soil. They contain nitrogen-fixing bacteria that fix atmospheric nitrogen in a form that cash crops can use.

[2] This is a reference to the old adage that “we must eat a peck of dirt before we die.”

[3] This is from a prayer by the American poet Phoebe Cary (1824-1871).

[4] This is “The Wreck of the Julie Plante” by William Henry Drummond (1854-1907), an Irish born Montreal physician whose poems, like this one, were often written in French Canadien dialect.