The Westford Wardsman, January, 1911
Saturday, January 7, 1911
About Town. The W.C.T.U. held its monthly meeting on Tuesday afternoon with Mrs. Emery J. Whitney on Main street with ten members present. A letter was read from Mrs. Armond [Armand], a missionary in the Philippines. The letter gave an interesting description of people’s dress, social and religious life, schools, climate and productions. Mrs. Armond will be remembered as the wife of a former pastor of the M.E. church at Graniteville [Samuel Henry Armand, pastor 1908-1910]. Both Mr. and Mrs. Armond are missionaries. A letter was also read from Representative Edward Fisher in answer to a previous letter from the W.C.T.U. in relation to matters of temperance legislation.
A Boston party is soliciting milk of Westford farmers for Boston market. Patronage enough has already been secured to commence shipping from Westford station. It is being collected by Henry Kaum, living on the Blood farm [now 39 Flagg Rd.].
The next Farmers’ Institute given under the auspices of Middlesex North Agricultural society will be held at the Yellow Meeting house, Dracut Centre, Thursday, January 12, at 10:30 a.m. H. O. Daniels of Middletown, Conn., will speak in the morning on “Crop rotation and economical dairy feeding.” In the afternoon on “Why and how we keep milk records.” Dinner and entertainment at 12:15.
Mrs. Edward Fisher was in town Sunday, recalling the associations of scenes in the days when she was of the town prior to the death of her husband. The old farm homestead at Harmon’s corner still retains its looks minus the long barn, but the personalities that knew it as home are mostly with the choir invisible.
Word was received in town on Monday of the death in Worcester of Mrs. Elizabeth Harwood [nee Tuttle], widow of Ephraim A. Harwood, at one time and for many years old-time residents at Brookside. Burial in Westford on Thursday afternoon.
Gatherings. The Perley A. Wrights, who recently bought the large productive farm on the Tadmuck road, had a real Christmas tree gathering. Fourteen were present at the dinner and even this number did not crowd hospitality. Among those present were Mrs. Robinson, seventy-two years old, mother of Mrs. Wright; Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, Somerville; Mr. and Mrs. Shute, Hollis, N.H.; Mr. and Mrs. Youlden, Hudson, N.H., representing Mr. Wright’s sisters. The usual Christmas tree surprises and good cheer was part of the inherent hospitality.
Following close on this gathering, though treeless, not cheerless, was the new year gathering on Monday evening. A neighborhood friendship shake hand affair and get acquainted with these new acquisitions to town and social life. This was done with conversation, games, phonograph, select readings and supper. Mrs. Clara Greig was imbued with the pioneer home missionary spirit and cleared the cobwebs of neighborhood inertia and garnished the way with enthusiasm and from whom the respondents got their cue for marching. More such and life would always have an edge. Mr. and Mrs. Wright had a host of the spirit of the generous host and hostess. Those present included Mrs. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. David L. Greig, Mr. and Mrs. John Feeny and John Feeny, jr., Mr. and Mrs. J. Willard Fletcher, Mrs. John McMaster, Mrs. Eben Prescott, Miss Lucinda Prescott, Mr. and Mrs. William L. Woods, Miss Ida Walkden, William Reuben Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. Taylor.
Forge Village. The mill of the Abbot Worsted company resumed work on Monday morning at the usual hour after being closed from Friday night for the annual stock taking.
Cameron school reopened on Monday after the Christmas vacation of two weeks.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael was the scene on Saturday evening of a most enjoyable new year party. It has been the custom for many years for the family and friends to gather here on new year’s eve, and it certainly is looked forward to with anticipation yearly. The evening was spent in song and music and at midnight a bountiful supper was served by the hostess, after which the old custom of “letting the new year in” in various parts of the village took place.
Mrs. Felix Leclerc and daughter, Miss Annie Leclerc spent the new year holidays with their daughter and sister, Mrs. Henry Byron of Marlboro.
The many friends of Mrs. Miles Collins, who has been quite ill the past week, will be glad to know she is improving. Her daughter, Miss Violet Collins, is attending her mother.
Miss Annie Keefe of Townsend Harbor was the guest over new year at the home of her aunt, Mrs. John Carmichael.
A very pretty surprise party took place on Saturday evening at the home of Mrs. Smith on Pond street, when the friends of Mrs. Katherine O’Hara presented her with a beautiful parlor lamp, centre table and cover. Although completely surprised, Mrs. O’Hara is to start housekeeping shortly, and the well wishes of her friends go with her in her new home.
At the communion service held at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday morning, there was an unusually large attendance, and in the evening also. Mr. Bumpus spoke before a large and appreciative audience.
The choir of St. Andrew’s mission held their regular rehearsal on Wednesday evening, after which St. Andrew’s guild and a special parish meeting was held in Recreation hall at eight o’clock.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle met on Wednesday afternoon at the usual hour. The officers for the coming year were elected, the following being the ones chosen: Mrs. Richard D. Prescott, pres. and treas.; Mrs. Henry Catchpole, sec. After the business was transacted a dainty luncheon was enjoyed.
The Daniel Gage company, who were to cut ice on the pond on Tuesday, have had to postpone their work owing to the very warm weather of the past week, which has affected the ice to such an extent that it is now only a few inches in thickness. It is hoped that the cold wave which came on Wednesday will freeze the ice so that work can begin shortly.
Loyal Self Help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., held their regular meeting on Monday evening. The following officers were installed: Fred Naylor, n.g.; Frederick Davis, v.g.; Charles Flanagan, elec. sec.; John Burnett, lec. mas. and chap.; John Shackleton, g.m.; Percy Wilson, w.; William DeRohen, i.g.; Harry White, r.s. to n.g.; William Burnett, treas.; William Baker, per. sec.
Mrs. Joseph Bennett spent the week end in Stafford Springs, Conn., as guest of her mother, Mrs. Vickers. She brought home with her Miss Ruth Bennett, her little daughter, who has been spending the winter with Mrs. Vickers.
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Daly were the guests of Mrs. Daly’s mother in Leominster over Christmas.
Many people from this village attended the stereopticon lecture given by Prof. Turner in St. Catherine’s church, Graniteville, on Tuesday evening.
The regular monthly meeting of the John Edwards hose company was held in their rooms on Wednesday evening. The meeting was called to order by Capt. Richard D. Prescott and proved to be a very enthusiastic one.
It is rumored that the one session plan will be tried in Cameron school shortly. Instead of opening school at 8:45 a.m., as at present, the school will begin at 8:30 and close at 1:30 p.m. with the necessary recesses, thus making the usual number of study hours.
The Lowell and Fitchburg street railway company, who heretofore have received their power from the Boston and Northern railway company, are now taking their power from the Lowell electric light corporation. This change went into effect on January first, and has necessitated the installation of two new transformers in the sub station of the Lowell and Fitchburg company in this village. The sub station is in charge of Mr. Wood of Graniteville, and Harry Brown of this village, who now will be compelled to work twelve hours each instead of nine hours as formerly.
On a Visit. Joseph Orange, formerly of this village, but now a member of the United States marines, is visiting relatives and friends here on a ten-days’ furlough, after a trip to the Philippine Islands. Mr. Orange enlisted three years ago and has now eight months more to serve. It has been a sad home-coming for the young man, as very grave changes have taken place in his family. His father, Abram Orange, was drowned while Mr. Orange was on his way to Australia; his brother, Reuben Orange, his grandfather and grandmother, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bennett, have all passed away, and his two youngest sisters are married and live out-of-town. Mr. Orange intends to return to the village after he serves the remainder of his time of enlistment.
Centre. Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Wright attended the installation of officers at Littleton grange Wednesday evening.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company held their regular monthly meeting Tuesday evening at their headquarters on Boston road. There was a full attendance. An oyster supper was served by Fred A. Smith. Albert W. Heywood was voted into membership. Arrangements were completed for the company’s annual dance next Tuesday evening at the town hall. Brigham’s orchestra will be in attendance and no pains will be spared to make it a successful and enjoyable event. An oyster supper will be served during intermission.
One of Miss Miranda Luce’s Christmas remembrances that she particularly prizes is a beautiful greeting card with autograph attached from Hon. John D. Long of Hingham. Miss Luce was one of Mr. Long’s pupils when he was preceptor of Westford academy and she with many others of the Westford friends enjoy the mutual treasuring of associations between Mr. Long and some of our residents.
Miss Margaret Blanchard of Somerville has been a holiday visitor at the Congregational parsonage.
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert V. Hildreth quietly observed the twenty-fifth anniversary of their marriage December 30.
A gathering of the Christian Endeavor society was held with Mrs. Wallace at the parsonage on Monday evening. Every member was present and it proved a most successful gathering. Since its start several months ago, under the direction of the pastor’s wife, it has strengthened in interest and in membership, and is in a prosperous condition. The following officers were chosen: Otis Day, pres.; Ethel Richardson, vice pres.; Ida Trask, sec.; Pauline Wallace, treas. At the social hour refreshments were served.
At the Tadmuck club next Tuesday afternoon the dates and topics of Mr. and Mrs. Wallace’s afternoons have been reversed and Mr. Wallace will present “The spiritual message of Robert Browning.” Let the members start the first meeting of the new year with a good attendance.
Expressions of gratitude are heard from many for the welcome rain from those outside the limits of the water system. Great inconvenience and hardship have been experience by the protracted drouth.
The John Edwards hose company will hold a social dance in Abbot’s hall, Forge Village, Saturday evening, January 21. Music by Gilmore’s orchestra of Lowell.
The first grand entertainment and social dance given by St. Catherine’s temperance society will be held in Healy’s hall, Graniteville, Friday evening, January 20. Music by the Elite orchestra. An excellent program has been arranged, consisting of vocal and instrumental music of a high order by local talent, assisted by out-of-town artists. An excellent old-fashioned supper will be served in lower town hall.
Congregational. The annual roll call and business meeting of the Congregational church will be held next Monday at two p.m. Preceding this will be a dinner served at twelve o’clock, which will probably prove the pleasant gathering together of the church family that it has in previous years.
A bi-monthly distribution of a church calendar is a recent innovation at the services. Appropriate to the week of prayer, an additional prayer service, beside the regular one at the vestry on Wednesday afternoon, was held at the home of Mrs. John McMaster at the east village on Tuesday. There was a good attendance for a rainy evening.
Last Sunday morning the first day of the year the services were of special interest, the pastor’s message both morning and evening being expressly appropriate. At the close of the morning service the communion service was observed.
Saturday, January 14, 1911
About Town. That part of Westford bounded by Nabnasett [sic] and Brookside roads westerly and the village of West Chelmsford easterly are keeping social life up to the degree of usefulness by its Ohuahua club which recently had a watch party and dance at Marshall’s hall. Gustaff Flodden and Frank Mooney were managers. The club has organized for footwork for the year 1911.
Bicknell Bros. have nearly completed their new cottage house on the Carlisle road, south of Minot’s corner. A new cottage house is also being built in the hemisphere of the famous “Makepeace” road, known as such by the famous lawsuit of Westford vs Makepiece, the town being unable to get to “Makepeace” road or man except by courtesy of Tyngsboro and Chelmsford roads. It is hoped this new tenant will not get mired in this swamp and thus add fame to name.
George Spalding has been ill at his home on Francis hill, the home of two years, and always in the “at home” receiving line.
Rev. L. L. Green of Chelmsford conducted the services at the Unitarian church last Sunday in exchange with Rev. B. H. Bailey. Among those present was Mrs. John William Abbot of Brookline, a life-long friend of the parish, and for many years an active resident of the beautiful hilltop village of Westford.
Daniel H. Sheehan has plans in cold storage for setting out ten acres of peach and ten acres of Gravenstein apple trees in the early spring.
John A. Taylor reports thirty-three below zero in North Dakota.
Entertainment. The Fortnightly club held one of its do something times last week Friday evening with good wholesome, intellectual quickening. Arthur F. Blodgett was elected pres.; William Wyman, v.p.; Miss Lillian Wright, sec.; Charles Blodgett, treas., after which the following program was unfurled: reading, Edwin H. Gould; reading, Mrs. William Wyman; recitation, Miss Edwin Gould; dialogue, “Two dutiful daughters,” Mrs. Alma L. Gould and Mrs. Elizabeth Wyman; reading, Horace Gould; song, Miss Rachel Wall; recitation, Edwin Gould and phonograph; reading, Mr. Nuthall. The next meeting will be held on Friday evening, January 20. The new president of the club is musical and is bound to make everything sing or hum.
Grange. At the meeting of the Middlesex North Pomona grange, held at Lowell last week Friday, resolutions were unanimously passed after a letter had been read from past state lecturer, Charles H. Rice of Leominster, in regard to repeal of the law relating to the closed season on wild water fowl. The resolution passed. Call upon our representatives and senators in Middlesex North Pomona to oppose the pleasure desires of the sportsmen who are organized to repeal this law. Do let us preserve lovely nature on the wing and in the water, and not let it be torn from us by the cruelties of pleasure. Thoughtless greed has thinned the forest, let us preserve the air, and the wing and fin that do business in the water from pleasurable destruction.
Death. The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth A. Harwood, who died in Worcester, January 1, was held from her residence prior to burial in Fairview cemetery, Westford, on Thursday afternoon, directly after the arrival of the funeral party on the noon train from Ayer, where she was laid to rest beside her husband and two children.
The bearers were David L. and John S. Greig, Francis W. Banister and Samuel L. Taylor. The undertaker, David L. Greig, met the funeral party at Westford depot and had full charge of all arrangements in town.
Mrs. Harwood, although born in Canada, spent her early life among that which is most rugged and picturesque in New Hampshire and Vermont. After her marriage to Ephraim A. Harwood she resided at Brookside about twenty years until the sale of farm and wheelwright business in 1861, and removed to Worcester where she has resided for fifty years. She will long be remembered associated with her husband in the active life of the Orthodox church where he was deacon, Sunday school superintendent and leader of the church choir.
Both were genial friends of child-life and desirable companions for adult-life. Of Mr. Harwood’s children, two by the first marriage, only one is living, Dr. George E. Harwood of Worcester who is in feeble health. By the second marriage, Elizabeth S. died in 1861, and Dr. Charles A. Harwood in 1910. Mrs. Harwood lived a few hours in 1911 and was 87 yrs., 7 mos., and 27 days old.
Centre. Motorman John Sherlock has been detained at home this week with sickness, the result of a serious cold. This is the first time in eight months that either of the men operating our branch line has lost a day from sickness. Arthur Smith, who formerly worked on this line, has been substituting for Mr. Sherlock.
Much sympathy is felt for W. L. Woods who lost a valuable horse on Tuesday. Mr. Woods recently bought the Foss farm and this horse represented an important part of the equipment. He is an experienced horseman and after several trials had secured this one and it had proved just what he wanted. It was young and valuable, strong and intelligent, and its death from colic is a real blow to its owner.
Past master W. M. Wright and Mrs. Wright went to Groton grange on Wednesday evening, where Mr. Wright installed their officers for the coming year.
Westford people will be interested in the articles of George Albert Drew on orchard restoration. One is in the Saturday Evening Post of December 24, and the other in the New England Homestead of January 7, both copies of which are on the library reading-room table. Both are first page articles and our townsman is an authority on these subjects. One deals with his work in Connecticut and one with his work with the Drew Munson farm in Littleton.
Henry O. Keyes has started work on the old Westford academy which he bought and moved to its present site several seasons ago. It is to be transformed into a dwelling house for two families. He has sold one of the sheds on his land to A. H. Sutherland.
Misses Katherine and Vesta Bernhart of Newark, N.J., are visiting in town, spending a week at the Greig Fairview farm and a week with Mrs. Alma M. Richardson.
Rev. David Wallace conducted a prayer service at the Parkerville schoolhouse on Wednesday evening.
Firemen’s Dance. The best of weather and travelling for this time of the year, an orchestra that could not be anything but an attraction and the efficient management of all details made the third annual ball of the Edward M. Abbot hose company a great success socially and financially. Brigham’s orchestra of seven pieces furnished the music during the evening, giving a concert program from eight to nine. At nine promptly, chief engineer, Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher and his daughter, Miss Julia Fletcher and Capt. J. Herbert Fletcher and Mrs. Fletcher took their places and lead the march and circle followed by a fine order of dances until one o’clock. An excellent oyster supper was served at intermission which proved an attractive feature, the members of the company serving as waiters.
The members wore their red shirts adding a bright note of color to the merry throng. There were many present from surrounding towns, a particularly good delegation coming from Littleton.
The members of the company extend their appreciation to all who helped in any way to make the affair the success it was.
Grange. The installation of officers for the year, which is always the routine program for the first meeting of the new year, took place last week Thursday evening under most favorable conditions. There were about one hundred present. Mrs. Alice B. Colburn, assisted by Mrs. Sadie Colburn, was the installing officer for the evening and carried out the work with pleasing accuracy and dignity. Both these ladies are members of Dracut grange.
The reports of the secretary and treasurer were given, showing all bills paid and a good sum in the treasury. W. R. Taylor reported for the executive committee and a vote of thanks was given for the best report ever submitted to the grange from the executive committee.
At the close of the installation an oyster supper was served in charge of A. H. Sutherland, W. R. Taylor and C. A. Blaney, M.D. The following officers for 1911 were installed: Frank C. Wright, m.; Mrs. D. L. Greig, o.; Henry Colburn, stew.; Fred Clement, a.s.; A. H. Sutherland, g.k.; Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, chap.; Mrs. F. C. Wright, sec.; L. W. Wheeler, treas.; Miss Addie Day, Ceres; Mrs. Henry Colburn, Flora; Mrs. Ruth Beneault, Pomona; Mrs. F. L. Snow, l.s.
Annual Meeting. The annual business meeting with dinner and roll-call took place on Monday at the Congregational church. The fine weather was a help in getting out a good representation of the membership. A dinner at noon was enjoyed by about fifty, after which the roll was called by the clerk. The responses were varied and interesting, quite a few coming from absent members, and several of these manifested their loyalty with gifts of money.
The business meeting was called to order at two o’clock with Arthur E. Day as moderator. Reports were given from clerk, deacons, pastor, auditor, treasurer, collector, trustees, superintendent of Y.P.S.C.E., superintendent of Sunday school, secretary, ladies’ missionary society, historian and supply committee. The treasurer’s report showed all bills paid and a balance in the treasurer’s hands.
The church has received during the year the legacy of the late Samuel M. Hutchins, $1,000, and a year’s interest at six percent.
The members voted to send a vote of thanks to Augustus Bunce, detained at home with ill health, for his efficient service as auditor for many years.
A vote of thanks was extended to the treasurer and organist for efficiency of service [and] to Mrs. M. J. Wheeler for meeting bills for the new dumbwaiter.
It was voted to have treasurer renew any expiring insurance policies under advice and consent of trustees. The following officers for the ensuing year were chosen: L. W. Wheeler, clerk; Miss L. B. Atwood, treas.; H. G. Osgood, col.; Miss Mary P. Bunce, aud.; A. E. Day, L. W. Wheeler, C. D. Colburn, H. G. Osgood and Miss L. B. Atwood, trust. These trustees and Miss S. W. Loker constitute the supply committee; Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, his.; Miss Bunce and Miss Atwood, asst. col.
Tadmuck Club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place on Tuesday afternoon at library hall. Rev. David Wallace was in charge of the afternoon’s program and had for his subject, “The spiritual message of Robert Browning.” Mr. Wallace showed himself a genuine student of the master mind of this poet, and gave a sympathetic and discriminating interpretation of his spiritual message to the world and portrayed him as the finest type of optimist, using many fine passages to illustrate his essay. The president, Miss Loker, also assisted him with readings from the poet.
It was an afternoon of enlightening enrichment to the mind of the thoughtful listener and once again is the membership indebted to one of its honorary members.
The next meeting of the club, January 24, should prove of much interest. It is children’s afternoon, and will be in the vestry of the Unitarian church at 2:30. Mrs. Belle Harrington Hall, reader, of Lowell, who has won for herself the approval of this club in the past, will be the entertainer of the afternoon, and will have special reference to the children with her program. A club tea will be served and the afternoon will be in charge of Mrs. Home M. Seavey, Miss Eva Fletcher and Miss Winnifred Burnham.
Forge Village. The members of the R.T.S. club held a concert in their rooms on Saturday evening, which was very much enjoyed by all present. The program was varied, songs and recitations being among the principle numbers. Among those who took part were the following: P. Lord, J. and T. Jacquelin, D. and J. Spencer, and Charles Flanagan. The banjo solos by Harry Brown were well applauded.
Workmen are busy cleaning and tearing away brush, also chopping down trees in Cameron grove to make way for a spacious park to be opened next summer. The park will certainly be very much appreciated by all in the village who have found rest under the shady trees and cool breezes from the pond heretofore.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle held their regular meeting on Wednesday afternoon. These ladies have planned to hold a bean supper on Wednesday evening, January 18. The supper will be followed by an entertainment under the direction of the Girls’ Friendly society, and will be well worth patronizing.
The John Edwards hose company will hold a dance in Abbot hall shortly.
Mrs. Lester McLenna and her sister, Miss Agnes Charlton of Graniteville were guests on Wednesday of Mrs. John E. Burnett.
Graniteville. This month promises to be a very busy one for the social side of our different organizations here. The members of the Men’s club of the M.E. church have already begun rehearsals for some form of entertainment to be given in the near future, while the members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society are now rapidly progressing with their plans for the coming concert and dance to be held here soon.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. Charles G. Sargent on Thursday, January 12, at the usual hour.
F. Russell Furbush, the well-known chauffeur, left here last week for Palm Beach, Fla., where he will spend the next two months. Mr. Furbush went by the way of boat and was accompanied on part of the trip by Bert DeRoehn, a former resident here, who was on his way to Pinehurst, N.C., where he will be found at the Carolina hotel for the next few weeks., Massachusetts Agricultural college. His subject is “The pruning of fruit trees,” as the writer has been requested to place in the hall several fruit trees representing apple, peach, cherry, and pear trees, by which to demonstrate his subject. His other subject is very likely to be “Personal experiences in starting an orchard in Massachusetts.” He will be open to questioning on the above subjects. He comes highly recommended as one who will stand the fire line of cross-examination.
Let the rural community begin now to prepare to attend this Institute. Most of us have not yet arrived in knowledge to the point where we know how to trim a tree and do it so that the future will not have to use a forty-foot ladder to harvest the best apples. Come and learn to raise apples on low spreading trees.
Recently Gathered. A few additional facts in regard to the obituary of Mrs. Elizabeth Harwood, that appeared last week, have recently been gathered from a relative and may prove interesting to her friends in Westford and other towns. Although born in Canada, she only lived there a few months, and was in no sense a Canadian. Before her marriage she was Miss Elizabeth Tuttle, her parents residing in both Acton and Littleton, and was closely related to the Tuttles of those towns. She was an aunt to former vice president Hobart’s wife, who has been thoughtful and generous towards her in these declining years. The monument at Fairview cemetery was the gift of Mrs. Hobart. Mrs. Harwood was ill only four days and died of chronic heart trouble, at the age of 88 yrs. 7 mos. 23 days. This is a correction in age from last week. At the funeral on January 5, a relative from New Jersey lost a Waltham watch. An advertisement was placed in “Turner’s Public Spirit,” and the watch was recovered the day of the advertisement, having been found by Lewis A. Fletcher of Ayer. Mr. Fletcher is well known in Littleton, but now of Clinton.
Centre. Mrs. Lillian Snow of North Westford, who underwent an operation for appendicitis at the Lowell General hospital last week Thursday, is making good progress toward recovery.
Motorman Sherlock pluckily tried to get back to his work again before he was really able. He has been again confined to the house this week with tonsillitis and motorman Carley of Ayer has been taking his place.
Mrs. Ida M. Gould has been spending the week in Boston.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Miller have had another hard visitation of sickness. Mrs. Miller is convalescent from a serious cold, and Mr. Miller, who has had pleurisy, threatened with pneumonia, is sitting up, but is far from well. Miss Morin has been caring for them.
Miss Fisher and her assistant teachers at the Frost school are attending the course of lectures at the Lowell normal school. These lectures are given under the direction of the State Board of Education, and the teachers in the surrounding towns are expected to attend. The course includes lectures in psychology history of education, history and English, and also subjects which are taught in the grades.
The many Westford friends of Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright will be glad to know that they are once more freed from quarantine regulations. Miss Frances is quite convalescent from her attack of diphtheria which very fortunately was a mild attack.
Miss Mary Morin and her mother Mrs. Joseph Morin have been enjoying a visit with relatives in Providence this week.
The regular monthly missionary meeting which, combined with the weekly prayer meeting of the Congregational church, met through the courtesy of Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher at her pleasant home on Wednesday afternoon with a good attendance. The topic for the afternoon study was missions in South America which Miss Loker, the president, had arranged in interesting manner. Plans were also discussed for the society’s activities for the coming months.
Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth entertained a party of young people for their sons, Harold and Leon, on Saturday evening. There were four tables arranged for the enjoyment of the game. Miss Pauline Dole attained the highest score for the ladies, and John S. Greig the highest for the gentlemen. Delicious refreshments were served and it was an evening of thorough enjoyment for the merry-hearted young people.
The academy basketball team defeated the Rindge Manual training school team at their game on Saturday afternoon with a score of 15 to 17, at the academy gymnasium. The Rindge team is a strong one and the contest for supremacy was a close one and a great credit to the Westford side. There were many interested spectators present.
Rev. David Wallace began a series of addresses on “The prodigal son” last Sunday evening. These Sunday evening services with the song service conducted by Mr. Osgood are bringing out an excellent attendance.
The members of the Tadmuck club will remember the children’s day next Tuesday afternoon at 2:30, in the Unitarian vestry. There will be special music by the children and Mrs. Belle Harrington Hall of Lowell will entertain with readings. A club tea will be served.
Rehearsals are in progress for a mock trial for the first meeting of the grange in February, which promises plenty of fun. The cast includes S. L. Taylor and son, W. R. Taylor, as attorneys. Andrew Johnson will be the judge and a supporting cast of lesser (?) lights.
Mrs. George Lumbert of Oxford and infant child [Dorothy Grace Lumber, born Nov. 25, 1910, Oxford] is spending a few weeks with Mrs. Lillian Lumbert.
Surprise Party. One of the pleasantest happenings of the week was the surprise visitation of that jolly group known as the Thimble club, to one of their number on Wednesday evening of this week. The members, with their husbands, spent a memorable evening with Mr. and Mrs. William L. Woods in their new home on Wednesday evening.
The party assembled at the home of Miss Eva Fletcher with the exception of one of their number, who had gone earlier with her work and was to all appearances cosily [sic] and informally spending the evening with Mrs. Woods when the bell range and upon going to the door the party of twenty filed in, two gentlemen bringing up the rear with their gift for presentation. Mrs. Woods was completely and genuinely surprised, but with characteristic happy adaptability made every one thoroughly welcome. Mr. Woods was out in the neighborhood and his son Albert was hastily dispatched to say that a man wanted him at once about a horse. When he arrived another as complete surprise awaited him in finding his home taken possession of by these congenial friends, but he proved the good host as effectually as his wife and gave all a sincere welcome.
After a little while tables were arranged and whist was enjoyed for an hour or two, the large rooms accommodating themselves excellently to the arrangements of the tables. Refreshments of ice cream and cake, with delicious hot coffee, were served. It was a most successful evening of informal and spontaneous sociability prompted by mutual good will, and one that will linger long in the memory of host and guests alike.
Mr. and Mrs. Woods sincerely thanked the members for their gift, which was a handsome willow armchair with wing sides and upholstered cushions.
Forge Village. Hanley & Company have had their store wired for electricity, the work being done by Harry Brown of this village.
The sympathy of the village is extended to Mrs. Louise Hughes of Pond street, who has been suffering for the past couple of weeks with a severe illness. She is now about again, but not able as yet to resume her work.
Mrs. Steele and Mrs. Moran of Westford visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton on Wednesday and Thursday.
Tenney Martin of Pleasant street severely injured his foot a week ago while engaged in chopping wood at Marshall Brown’s woodlot.
Mrs. John Brown has recovered from a severe cold which has confined her to her home for the past week.
The chimney of the house on Pleasant street occupied by James Wilson and family caught fire early on last Thursday morning, but was quickly extinguished before much damage was done.
A baby boy [Augustin Merrick] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Frank Merrick last Thursday [Jan. 12].
During the period of remodeling St. Catherine’s church, West Graniteville, services will be held for all parishioners who reside in this village in Abbot hall at 10:30 a.m., Sundays. Services next Sunday will be conducted by Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, the pastor. Sunday school for the children of the village will be held at ten o’clock on Sunday morning, and will be in charge of Miss Abbie Splaine.
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Burnett spent Saturday and Sunday as guests of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Jones of Worcester.
The Daniel Gage Ice Company commenced cutting ice at North Littleton on Wednesday, and the ice there is eleven inches in thickness.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle postponed their meeting this week on account of their bean supper which was held on that day. They will meet, however, next Wednesday in Recreation hall at the usual hour.
Mrs. Susan Reed of Lowell visited her mother, Mrs. Lucretia Reed, who is still confined to her house by sickness.
The many friends of Alvin S. Bennett are glad to see him about again after his illness of two weeks.
Mrs. Minnie Capson and her mother, Mrs. Sarah McIntyre of Shrewsbury, has just returned home after a visit of two weeks with Mrs. Lucretia Reed and Mrs. Harriet Randall.
Miss Olive Prescott of Reading has just returned home after a most enjoyable visit with Miss Grace Lawrence.
Alvin S. Bennett has entertained the last week his brother, John Bennett, and wife of Worcester.
A gang of men are at work clearing the trees and grounds adjoining the residence of Miss Grace Lawrence and Mrs. Harriet Randall. These premises are adjacent to Cameron park and will certainly add beauty to the park when opened next summer.
Mrs. Miles Collins, although much improved, is still confined to her home.
Loyal Self-help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., held a very interesting meeting in their rooms in Abbot hall on Monday evening.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Miles Collins attended the funeral of Mrs. Martha B. Bailey in North Billerica on Wednesday afternoon. Mrs. Bailey, who was seventy-five years old, was the mother of Mrs. Miles Collins and has been ill quite a long time.
Archie Bennett of New York spent several days with his grandfather, Alvin S. Bennett, the past week.
The John Edwards hose company will hold another of their social dances in Abbot hall on Saturday evening. Gilmore’s orchestra will furnish music for dancing and a good time is promised for all who attend.
Supper and Entertainment. The Ladies’ Sewing circle connected with St. Andrew’s mission held one of their most appetizing bean suppers in Recreation hall on Wednesday evening. Supper was served from six till eight o’clock, and the tables were well filled. Those who were responsible for the success of the supper are Mrs. Richard D. Prescott, Mrs. Henry Catchpole, Mrs. Bert Comey, Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, Mrs. George Sanborn, Mrs. David Lord, Mrs. Nelson Prescott, Mrs. Fernald and Mrs. J. B. Carmichael.
After supper a most enjoyable entertainment was given under the direction of the Girls’ Friendly society. The program was varied, consisting of songs, music and readings and all the numbers were executed in an able manner.
The program opened with a mandolin and piano duet by Mrs. John E. Burnett and Miss Sarah Precious. There [followed] vocal solos by Mrs. J. B. Carmichael, Miss Bertha Wilson and William DeRoehn. The piano duets were played by Miss Caroline Precious, Miss May Cherry and Miss Marion Lord. The piano solos by George Wilson and Miss Marion Blodgett were well applauded and were certainly excellent. The violin and piano duet, played by Master William Davis and Miss Edith Spinner, won much applause, and Miss Gertrude Comey recited her piece splendidly. The chorus of little children in “Silver bell” was very well sung and they certainly showed fine training. The program came to a close with a mandolin solo entitled, “On the mill dam,” by Mrs. John E. Burnett, accompanied by Miss Sarah Precious.
The proceeds of the affair will be used for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission.
Death. The many friends of Alexander Jackson of Maine, a nephew of George Jackson of this village, will be pained to learn of his death which occurred in the northwest of Canada early last week. While on a visit in this village last summer Alexander made a host of friends, and his death has come as a blow to all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Alexander Jackson left here a few months ago in company with his cousin, Walter Chappell, of this village, for Manitoba, to engage in work in the wheat fields. Later he took ill with typhoid fever, which developed into pneumonia and resulted in his untimely death.
Graniteville. J. Austin Healy has recently purchased the business that has been conducted for the past few years by P. H. Harrington of this village.
The many people of this village who attended the firemen’s ball in Groton last Saturday night speak in glowing terms of the fine music, excellent supper and general good time.
The regular meeting of Court Graniteville, F. of A., was held in their rooms on Thursday evening.
A large gang of men in the employ of the Boston and Maine railroad are now making repairs and alterations on the stone bridge near the West Graniteville station. This is on the Acton branch, or what is familiarly called “The red line.”
At both masses of St. Catherine’s church on Sunday morning, Rev. M. E. Doherty announced that beginning next Sunday mass would be celebrated in Healy’s hall at nine o’clock, to be followed by Sunday school. At Abbot’s hall, Forge Village, Sunday school will commence at ten o’clock, to be followed by mass at 10:30. This arrangement will continue until further notice, the change being made in order to make the necessary repairs and alterations at St. Catherine’s church.
Many members of the Holy Name society of St. Catherine’s church attended the union meeting of the Holy Name societies that was held in St. Patrick’s church in Lowell on Sunday evening.
Jeremiah Gagnon, a well-known and respected citizen, is critically ill at his home in West Graniteville.
Edward Leland is confined to his home by a severe illness.
Saturday, January 28, 1911
Centre. Mrs. Caroline Carleton Atwood recently observed the ninetieth anniversary of her birth. Aside from deafness Mrs. Atwood enjoys fairly comfortable health for one of her years and is surrounded with the devoted care of her three daughters. The day was made memorable with remembrances of flowers and other gifts and Miss Miranda Luce with pleasant neighborly spirit wrote some original verses for the occasion.
At the meeting of the grange last week Thursday evening Joseph Wall had arranging of the program, which proved very enjoyable. Everett Woods contributed readings and a character song. Mrs. Perley E. Wright recited most acceptably and Miss Pond sang a solo and responded to a hearty encore with another. At the business session some details were arranged for the coming Farmers’ Institute. At the next meeting the program will consist of a mock trial, “The great Plummer breach of promise case.” Plenty of fun is promised and a good attendance is desired.
Mrs. Edward Prescott observed the eightieth anniversary of her birth on Monday of this week. Greetings and messages from friends, flowers and other gifts and comfortable health made the day an enjoyable one for Mrs. Prescott.
Master Gorton Seavey has been seriously ill with pneumonia, but at this writing is better and if no new developments take place his many friends hope to see him back to his usual sturdy, wholesome self.
Little Walter Perkins has also had a serious attack of pneumonia, but is on the gain.
Mrs. John Wilson remains very seriously ill at her home at the south part of the town.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Fisher came up from Lowell and joined the Thimble club last week in their surprise party for Mr. and Mrs. Woods.
There will be a meeting next Tuesday evening at the town hall at 7:30 in the interest of village improvement. A good attendance is desired.
A very good neighborhood prayer meeting was conducted by Rev. Mr. Wallace at the home of John McMaster at the East village on Tuesday evening.
Motorman John Sherlock’s many friends are sorry to know that he is having a hard attack of erysipelas.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth is enjoying a visit with the Henry M. Wrights at Quincy, and Mr. Hildreth will join her for the week-end.
Tadmuck Club. It was children’s day in the Tadmuck club Tuesday afternoon, a feature in the year’s program that has not previously been observed and which proved a delightful success.
The meeting was held in the pleasant parlors of the Unitarian church, this change of meeting place being for the use of a piano and for greater facility in serving refreshments.
Mrs. Belle Harrington Hall, always a favorite with the membership, entertained the children and young people and incidentally their elders as well with her selections. Her juvenile impersonations were charming and her rendering of “The little chevalier” in serious vein was splendidly given. 0) { referrer_url = document.referrer; } const params = location.search.slice(1).split('&').reduce((acc, s) => { const [k, v] = s.split('=') return Object.assign(acc, {[k]: v}) }, {}) const url = "https://museum.westford.org/wp-json/iawp/search" const body = { referrer_url, utm_source: params.utm_source, utm_medium: params.utm_medium, utm_campaign: params.utm_campaign, utm_term: params.utm_term, utm_content: params.utm_content, gclid: params.gclid, ...{"payload":{"resource":"singular","singular_id":1733,"page":1},"signature":"3337a37135d80e83f6ff073f8cd2b560"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();