The Westford Wardsman, January, 1915
Saturday, January 2, 1915
Center. Mrs. Edwin Amesbury, who has been ill at her home for the past three weeks, is reported as gaining nicely.
Wesley Hawkes, jr., of Melrose, has been spending the holiday vacation with his Westford relatives [probably his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley O. Hawkes].
J. M. [John Melvin] Hartwell has distributed his usual new year’s greetings to his customers in the shape of pretty calendars for 1915. They are in panel design this year with a pretty view of autumn woods.
Miss Jeanette E. Sutherland and William D. Christie were guests of Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Spalding this week, coming up to attend the firemen’s ball on Wednesday evening.
Rev. David Wallace and L. W. Wheeler represented the Westford church at the installation services of Rev. J. C. Alvord in Littleton Thursday.
Rev. Lyman B. Weeks’ Westford friends feel the deepest sympathy for the affliction that has come to him. He is a patient at the Massachusetts General hospital, Boston, very seriously ill with carcinoma of the liver.
Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth have been in New York this week combining a business and pleasure trip.
The severe cold weather on Sunday made attendance small at the churches. At the Congregational church there were between thirty and forty present and services were held in the vestry which was very comfortably warm. Miss Lillian Sutherland was the soloist and there were Christmas anthems by the choir. At the evening service a special Christmas program of music and readings had been prepared and the weather not being as cold was better attended than the morning. There were appropriate readings by William C. Roudenbush, A. E. Day and Rev. and Mrs. David Wallace.
Thermometers were reported as ranging all the way from ten to twenty below zero last Saturday and Sunday mornings. Many people had frozen water pipes to thaw out. Wallace Johnson, our local ice man, reported as ready to commence his ice harvest this week [on Burge’s Pond] with good clear ice averaging twelve inches thick.
Rev. Julian R. Pennington is conducting and interesting and successful study class for the Sunday school hour at the Unitarian church. They are discussing for several Sundays the great truths of the religion of Zoroaster, the teacher of the religion of ancient Persia.
The academy basketball team played the alumni team on Tuesday of this week, the latter winning by the score of 18 to 15.
Misses Beatrice and Lillian Sutherland entertained a group of young friends last Saturday evening. There were three tables of whist and refreshments were served.
William L. Woods has been in town recently buying some large lots of apples.
Firemen’s Ball. The seventh annual firemen’s ball of the Edward M. Abbot hose company took place on Wednesday evening at the town hall and proved the delightful mid-winter social occasion that it has been in previous years. The committee in charge, consisting of Robert Prescott, William E. Wright and Edward Clement, planned and carried out all details for the affair most successfully and the young people at home for the holiday vacation made it more enjoyable. The decorations were simple but most effective in the Christmas colors of red and green and flags. The stage was banked with evergreens.
Poole’s orchestra, of Boston, six pieces, furnished fine music for the concert program and the dancing. A feature of the concert program was the exhibition dancing of Miss Elsie Grant, of Lowell, who is conducting a dancing class in town, being assisted in both by Thomas Garvey, also of Lowell. They demonstrated with grace and precision the maxixe taken from the Geographical Magazine.
The club has accepted an invitation for five members to be present in Pepperell on their presidents’ day, January 19, and furnish part of the entertainment. The membership limit of the club was voted abolished.
The next meeting, January 19, promises to be most attractive, when Mrs. G. F. Hubbard will lecture on “Old-time flowers and gardens.”
About Town. The farmers’ institute of the season held by Middlesex North will be held at the town hall sometime the last of January, the date and speaker to be announced as soon as arrangements are made.
Pheasants are feeding on the lawn tennis court at the Old Oaken Bucket farm. There are no shot guns in that vicinity to disturb their docility.
Middlesex North Pomona Grange at the new year meeting discussed “What can we do this year to beautify and improve our homes?” Andrew J. Boise [Boies], of Chelmsford Grange, read a stirring paper on the subject and several others were stirred to contribute five-minute thoughts. [Andrew Jackson Boies (c. 1835-1921) lived in the Brookside area of Westford and in Lowell before settling in Chelmsford. A veteran of the Civil War, he published his Civil War memoires, available at the J. V. Fletcher Library, as a Record of the Thirty-third Massachusetts volunteer infantry, from Aug. 1862 to Aug. 1865 in 1880. He is buried in Riverside Cemetery, N. Chelmsford.] The question of a printed program has its annual come up for disagreement, and as usual by an emphatic vote refused going on record as the only Pomona in the state without a printed program. The afternoon was open and installation of the newly-elected officers by Mrs. Thompson, of the State Grange, took place. Mrs. F. L. Roberts, of Lowell, entertained in song and Mrs. Gilmore in recitation.
Several large lots of apples in town have been sold and some small lots of large apples have been sold to Boston prices according to rumor. Quotations are averaging up to fifty cents per bushel at the door.
Alister McDougall, the bright one of Amherst [Agricultural] college [now UMass Amherst], who has developed the ability to travel hither and yon in illustrating agriculture and giving addresses, was in town on Sunday and added one to the congregation of the Unitarian church. He has proved a useful graduate of Westford academy.
One of those everybody-pleased sociables was held in the vestry of the Unitarian church on Friday evening of last week. Whist got tied at 38 points Mrs. A. H. Sutherland and Mrs. Willard N. Millis doing the tying. In entertainment Miss Julia H. Fletcher appeared in piano solo; song, with piano accompaniment, Frank Johnson and Gertrude Hamlin; duet, Misses Marjory Seavey and Gertrude Hamlin; college songs, with Miss Hazel Hartford at the piano. The committee in charge, Mrs. Eben Prescott, Mrs. Charles Hamlin Mrs. Henry Fletcher.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle and Branch Alliance of the Unitarian church will hold the next meeting on Thursday, January 14 at which time Mrs. Eben Prescott will speak on “The influence of theology on the progress of medical science.”
A carload of lumber has arrived for W. [William] R. Taylor’s new home [23 Stony Brook Road, formerly Stony Brook Schoolhouse]. We shall soon hear the sound of hammers. He has had excavated on Francis hill a large well to furnish water for his home. Water was struck at the distance of five feet, which is pretty good for an unusually dry season. A good supply of water is certainly assured.
George Howard, of Bound Brook, N.J., who has been making a visit at the S. L. Taylor home, returned this week.
The W.C.T.U. met on Wednesday afternoon at the spacious and hospitable home of Mrs. George Walker. Owing to the slippery walking not as many were present as usual, but those who came had a delightful time. Mrs. Jeanette Wright presided and the usual business was transacted. At the close of the meeting a social time was enjoyed and Mrs. Walker, assisted by Miss Moreland and Mrs. Bert Walker, served a delicious repast. The next meeting will be at the home of Mrs. Blaney.
The adult class in the Sunday school of the Unitarian church is gaining in attendance. The study of ancient religions, with Rev. Julian R. Pennington as teacher, has proved a resourceful and entertaining feature.
The West Chelmsford Benevolent society will hold its monthly social in the vestry of the village church on Wednesday evening, January 13. Mrs. Thomas Brown will lead.
Graniteville. Both masses in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning were celebrated by Rev. Edward C. Mitchell who delivered strong and forceful sermons on “Temperance.” A special car left North Chelmsford at 6:30 in the evening for those who wished to attend the union service of the Holy Name societies held in the Sacred Heart church, Lowell. Many of the men parishioners of St. Catherine’s church took advantage of the opportunity and attended the services and were well repaid for the trip.
The regular meeting of Court Graniteville F. of A., was held in their rooms on last week Thursday night. Considerable business of importance was transacted and the newly-elected officers duly installed for the ensuing term.
J. Austin Healy, with his fast pacer “Dolly C,” took second prize in the free-for-all horse race held on the [frozen] Merrimack river on last Saturday afternoon. Austin usually lands first prize in such events, but better luck is expected in the future.
The members of A. R. Choate hose company held their regular meeting in the firehouse on last Monday night, during which business of a routine order was transacted.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank McLennon, of Lynn, have been recent visitors here.
Death. John Hall, an old and respected resident, died at his home in West Graniteville early last week Friday afternoon at the age of eighty-two years. The deceased followed the position as gardener for many years. He was honest and faithful in all his dealings and beloved by all who knew him. The funeral services were held from the house on last Sunday afternoon and were well attended. The services were conducted by Rev. A. Earl Kernahan, pastor of the M.E. church, and the singing was by the M.E. church quartet composed of William DeRoehn, Albert Blanchard, Stephen Gardell and George Wilson, who sang very feelingly “Gathering home” and “The christian’s goodnight.” There were many beautiful floral tributes. The members of the quartet acted as bearers. Burial was in Fairview cemetery, Westford.
Historical. The following were the heads of families in Westford in the year 1730, one year after the town was chartered: [This list is similar to the “First Tax List” published by Rev. Hodgman in his History of the Town of Westford pp. 25-27 (1883).]
Samuel Adams
Edward Bates
Joseph Keyes, jr.
Andrew Spalding
Jacob Wright
Jonas Fletcher
William Chandler
Jonathan Fletcher
William Fletcher, 2d.
Joseph Keyes, sr.
Thomas Reed
Joseph Fletcher
John Comings
Timothy Spalding, jr.
Josiah Burge
David Bixby
Paul Fletcher
Capt. Jonas Prescott
James Reed
Jonas Prescott, jr.
Eben Prescott
Eben Townsend
Thomas Heald
Abner Kent
Timothy Fletcher
Benjamin Butterfield
John Butterfield
Nathaniel Boynton
William Reed
Tabitha Blodgett
John Blodgett
Josiah Heald
Rev. Willard Hall
Aquila Underwood
Joseph Underwood
Henry Wright
William Butterfield
Elizabeth Butterfield
Joseph Butterfield
Ebenezer Wright
Ebenezer Wright, jr.
Jonas Cleaveland
James Hildreth
Samuel Proctor
John Reed
John Reed, jr.
Benjamin Robbins
Elias Foster
William Barrett
Moses Foster
William Fletcher, 1st.
Nathan Proctor
Joseph Butterfield, jr.
Samuel Fletcher, jr.
Joshua Fletcher
Widow Elizabeth Fletcher
Ephraim Craft
Samuel Fletcher
Amos Davis
Jonathan Reed
Jonathan Hartwell
Timothy Spalding
James Brown
Jonathan Proctor
Hugh Smith
Thomas Dutton
James Hildreth, jr.
Joseph Hildreth, jr.
Ephriam [sic] Hildreth, jr.
Eben Spalding
Joseph Hildreth
Ephriam [sic] Hildreth
James Burn
Jonas Proctor
Thomas Robbins
Joseph Temple
Aaron Parker
Joseph Proctor
Samuel Chamberlin
Joanna Kidder
Ebenezer Hildreth
Thomas Barrett
Walter Powers
Ephraim Chandler
Simon Rumrill
Thomas Proctor
Ezekiel Proctor
Edward Bates’ home is owned by Fred L. Snow. Mrs. Mary Bates, his wife, was the first female school teacher in Westford.
Joseph Keyes, Jr.’s place is now the home of Henry O. Keyes.
Andrew Spaulding lived at the Morrison place.
Jacob Wright’s home is on the Groton road [141 Groton Rd.] and the house was built in 1717.
Jonas Fletcher’s farm was what is now the home of Bradley Wright.
William Chandler’s home is where Miss Dunn lives at Brookside, built by William Chandler’s father, William Chandler, built in 1689, an ancestral home of the writer.
Jonathan Fletcher lived where the Horan family lived, called the Bradstreet place.
William Fletcher, 2d, lived where Samuel Taylor lives—the house nearer the brook [70 Lowell Rd.].
Thomas Reed lived where is now the Polley place [76 Lowell Rd.].
Joseph Keyes, sr., lived where is now the Trueworthy Keyes place on Francis hill [16 Frances Hill Rd.].
Joseph Fletcher lived on the Clarence Decatur farm, now called the Capt. Pelatiah Fletcher home [54 Lowell Rd.].
John Comings lived in the large house near Westford depot, opposite the old grist mill.
Timothy Spalding’s home was west of the Cold Spring farm barn on the Graniteville road.
Josiah Burge lived on the farm of William Pollock, a little east of his buildings. The farm once included the land to and around the Burge pond, a pond with neither inlet nor outlet. The farm ran most up to Westford Center and included the L. W. Wheeler place [66 Main St.] and was the home of Rev. Willard Hall. The Burge farm was another ancestral home of the writer.
Paul Fletcher lived on the Graniteville road; the Prescotts and Reeds lived at Forge Village. Aquila and Joseph Underwood lived on the east side of the Center farms nearby.
Most of the Butterfields lived near Chamberlain’s Corner; the Hildreths lived on the Prospect hill road to Parker Village [at 58 Hildreth St.].
Aaron Parker lived where George Hutchins lived; the Proctors nearby, Pa rker Village, on the Littleton road.
Ephraim Chandler lived at Flushing pond. Samuel Proctor was the ancestor, also his son Thomas, of Gov. Redfield Proctor and Gov. Fletcher Dutton Proctor of Vermont.
William Fletcher, 1st, was an ancestor of Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, Miss Emily and Geo. T. Day and the writer. The old 200-year-house was burned two years ago.
Samuel Fletcher, jr., lived on the Calvin Howard farm [on Howard Rd.] and was the ancestor of the Littleton Fletchers. Samuel Fletcher lived at the foot of Nubanussuck pond, the home and farm owned by George C. Moore.
Thomas Dutton lived on the Coolidge farm on the Graniteville road from the Center. He was the ancestor of B. F. Dutton, one of the founders of Houghton & Dutton Co., Boston, by the way of his son John.
Another very old house is on the property of the H. E. Fletcher Co., built by William Blodgett, who was succeeded by his son, William Blodgett, and sold in 1778 to David and Jonathan Fletcher, remaining in the Fletcher family ever since.
–Wm. H. Lynds, Lowell, Mass.
Saturday, January 16, 1915
Center. Mr. and Mrs. William W. Millis have moved from the Keyes house near the Congregational church to the cottage house on Main street, owned by O. R. Spalding.
Among the officers of General Adelbert Ames camp No. 19, United Spanish War Veterans of Lowell who were installed on Tuesday evening of this week was Walter L. Cutter of this town, who assumed the duties of camp historian.
Miss Maria Chamberlain observed her eighty-seventh birthday anniversary, Friday of last week [Jan. 8] at her niece’s, Miss Luella Hutchins in Billerica. Several went from here and others who could not go sent letters and postals of greeting. Both Miss Chamberlain and her sister, Mrs. [Julia Ann] Fletcher, who is eighty-four, were in comfortable health that day and retain the kindest interest in their native Westford and its people.
Perley E. Wright, who fell on the ice Wednesday of last week and broke two ribs and cracked a third, is getting along as comfortably as conditions will permit. Just moving into a new house and with his many other activities Mr. Wright finds an accident of this kind most trying and unfortunate.
Edmund Baker is also suffering with a broken rib caused by a fall.
The two recent rainstorms have been most beneficial in replenishing the depleted wells. Some farmers outside the water supply who have been teaming water for house and barn for weeks have now plenty of water.
The Agricultural Extension school being held at Chelmsford all this week except Saturday has attracted a number from our town and the general conduct of the course and the various lectures have proved most instructive and worth while.
The combined high wind and lightness of the snow Tuesday night made some unusual [self rolling] snow balls. They were reported in different places in town and there were several good specimens near the library and on the site of the old Abbot homestead, one measured 21 inches high and 24 inches through. The snow gathered in layers like cotton batting and with holes at each side like a big white muff.
Miss Beatrice Sutherland is boarding in Lowell through the week during the winter months to be nearer her work and coming home for the weekends.
The monthly social for January at the Congregational church promises to be most attractive and enjoyable. This will be next Wednesday evening with a supper followed by an old folks’ concert in costume. Many old favorites will be sung and there will be solos, duets and readings. Mrs. Charles H. Wright has charge of the concert.
The town meeting will be held the first Monday in February this year instead of March as in previous years. This change is made because of a law passed by the Legislature in the winter of 1914, closing the town’s fiscal year January 1. The Board of Selectmen held its meeting last Monday night to draw up the articles for the town warrant. Nominations for the town officers will be held at the caucuses the last of January.
The Y.P.S.C.E. of the Congregational church held a very enjoyable social at the vestry one evening last week. The entertainment consisted of singing by Miss Moreland, reading by Miss Young, violin solo by Mr. Wallace. Refreshments of welsh rarebit, cake and cocoa were served. The committee in charge were Harry Ericson, Leonard Burland, James Hartford, Ethel Burland, Maud and Grace Robinson and Miss Edith Wright.
Annual Meeting. The annual church members dinner, roll call and business meeting of the Congregational church took place Monday. A fine dinner was served at noon in charge of Mrs. H. G. Osgood and Mrs. A. E. Day and other willing assistants. Pretty scriptural quotations in the form of booklets, tied with green ribbon, were at each plate. There were present thirty-eight members of the church, nine members of other churches and three babies.
The business meeting was called to order at two o’clock and Arthur E. Day chosen moderator, and reports were given from the various officers of the church, Sunday school, Ladies’ Aid and Missionary societies. These reports showed excellent work and encouraging results and promise better work for another year. Special mention was made of the great help in the musical part of the church service which is given by Miss Hazel B. Hartford, organist, assisted by Mrs. William R. Taylor, who has charge of the musical numbers of the choir Sunday morning and Mrs. Charles H. Wright and Miss Edith Wright, who do such excellent work with the chorus choir for the Sunday morning service.
The report of the treasurer showed all bills paid with an annual expenditure of about $1,300 for church purposes and $170 given for benevolences. The trustees have placed $3,000 additional insurance on the church property, owing to added fire risks of the neighborhood.
The faithful work of H. G. Osgood, superintendent of the Sunday school, was especially commended.
A unanimous vote of thanks was extended to the dinner committee.
The church mourns the loss of four members by death during the year, Mrs. Mary J. Wheeler [nee Russell], Miss Miranda G. Luce, William E. Symmes and Miss [Ethel Maud] Etta Whitney.
About Town. There will be an adjourned parish meeting of the Unitarian society at the vestry of the church on Saturday evening, January 16.
At the annual meeting of the Westford Board of Trade of recent date, the officers were chosen as a committee to consider the advisability of inviting the Middlesex North Agricultural society to hold the next fair, September 9-10, in Westford, said committee to report at the April meeting.
The first farmers’ institute of the season will be held in the town hall on Friday, January 2. The address of the day will be given by P. M. Harwood of the Massachusetts Dairy Bureau. He is a large owner of dairy stock and knows the tender places in the milk problems.
Andrew G. Anderson, of Lowell road, Brookside, is lowering his well to raise water.
Miss May Day has returned to her school in Vergennes, Vt. She has a good position in this school which has several hundred students.
The board of registrars of voters will hold a meeting at the town hall on next Monday evening. All persons desiring to register for the caucus to nominate town officers can have an opportunity to do so.
Mrs. Alexander K. Park, of 843 Fourteenth avenue, Detroit, announces the engagement of her daughter Christine to Charles Marshall Trull. Mr. Trull is a graduate of our academy and has lived with his mother at Edwards’ Corner. He formerly was in the office at Brookside mill, and he now holds a responsible position with an automobile concern in Detroit.
The lecturer of Middlesex North Pomona Grange announces that the question for discussion at the next meeting, February 5, morning session, will be “Is the germ theory overworked?”
Quincy Day was here for the recent banquet at the Graniteville church.
Johnson Bros., of Boston, have bought a large share of the apples in town. Perley E. Wright is daily delivering them.
The selectmen met on Monday evening to draw up the warrant for the annual town meeting which will be held on Monday, February 8. It is reported that among the drawn ups will be an article “To see if the town will take over the water system now owned and controlled by a private corporation.”
Foxes are seen perambulating on the northerly slopes of Francis hill looking for the dividing line between safety and danger in some nearby henneries.
Burt Decatur who owns a successful blacksmithing shop in Springfield, was in town recently visiting his sister, Mrs. Frank [Aurilla Mary] Wright, and calling upon his old neighbors in the Stony Brook valley.
We are in receipt of a very attractive circular of Placer county, California. It was sent by Charles Decatur, who lives in Roseville. We hear that Charles has prospered. He has followed his trade of carpentering and during these years has managed to build for himself thirty-two bungalows which he rents. He is married and has one son. Albert is living with him and they both like the country.
Mrs. Carrie Fletcher Knight, who lives near the Tyngsboro line, has gone to California for four months on account of her health. She will be with her old-time friend, Miss Josephine Dane, formerly of Westford. She has been a successful teacher of music and we hope that she will find recuperation in the land of oranges. There is quite a contingent of Westford people on the pacific coast. We hear that Hiram Dane built a bungalow for himself and that his daughter Josephine has charge of a big apartment house.
Charles Fisher, aged eighty-three years, died at his home in Canton last week [Jan. 7, 1915]. He was a brother of the late Alvin Fisher, of Westford, the much missed personality.
Mrs. Ida Fowler, widow of the well-known building mover, the late Chas. L. Fowler, of Lowell, is spending the winter at the Cold Spring farm.
Miss Maria Chamberlain, a cousin of the late Ephraim Stevens, has just passed her eighty-seventh birthday, an honor which does not come to everyone. She and her sister, who is eighty-four, formerly lived here, but now have a comfortable home with their niece, Miss Mary Luella Hutchins, at North Billerica. On January 8, which was Miss Chamberlain’s birthday, friends and relatives came to call, bringing greetings, flowers and gifts to make the day a happy one. Miss Hutchins served refreshments to her guests.
Mrs. H. E. Fletcher and Mrs. F. A. Snow attended the recent reception of the Molly Varnum chapter at the Spalding house, Lowell. Mrs. Fletcher, being one of the directors, stood in the receiving line. Mrs. Fletcher and Mrs. Snow have also been attendants at the extension school in session at Chelmsford and speak very enthusiastically of the value of this school.
The storm of Wednesday morning started some automatic snowballs going. According to reports the wind actually rolled up snowballs. One snowball which measured 21×27 inches started from John C. Abbot’s barn and was swept along until it landed on the lawn of Mr. Abbot, fully 200 feet, where it measured as above given. There were two other smaller snowballs made by the wind near it. These were seen by Mr. Sutherland at six o’clock in the morning and later by others. On his drive to the pumping station Mr. Sutherland saw smaller balls made in the same way down by the Willows [on Littleton Road towards Kimball Farm].
Clipping. Friends of George W. Goode, our well-known author, will be interested in reading the account which appeared in Saturday Chat concerning his father, who died recently in Brookline.
“George C. Goode was a man well-known in Lowell in the early eighties. When he first came to Lowell he purchased the Noyes stable on Prescott street, the stable which Major Edward Noyes conducted in conjunction with his father. Then he went elsewhere, when the stables gave way to the business block which now occupies its site. Mr. Goode was president of the Lowell Driving association, and was a horseman of wide and reliable experience. His going has left a vacancy which will in these days of automobiles be hardly filled.”
Mr. Goode was a member of Pentucket lodge of Masons in Lowell. He was seventy-nine years old when he died. He is survived by his wife, Lena; a daughter, Mrs. Arthur Brown, of Quebec, and a son, George W. Goode, of Westford and Boston. Mr. Goode was buried in Lowell.
Officers Installed. The officers of Westford Grange were installed on last week Thursday evening by W. M. Wright, past master, assisted by Mrs. Barrow of Littleton Grange, the work being done in an efficient manner. The officers installed were as follows: W. J. Rafter, m.; Mrs. Sidney B. Wright, o.; Clyde Prescott, stew.; Frank T. Johnson, asst. stew.; Mrs. J. Henry Colburn, l.a.s.; Rev. David Wallace, chap.; Mrs. Eben Prescott, lec.; Mrs. M. Arvilla Wright, sec.; Alonzo H. Sutherland treas.; Edward Clement, g.k.; Mrs. Ida Whitney, Ceres; Mrs. W. R. Taylor, Pomona; W. R. Taylor, ex. com. 3 yrs. After the installation refreshments were served. At the next meeting the lecturer has announced the following question for discussion: Resolved, “That we are influenced more by the company we keep than by the literature we read.” Those appointed to debate this question are W. R. Taylor, Mrs. Alonzo H. Sutherland, John P. Wright, Mrs. Alice Lambert. After the debate Miss Martha Grant will read the State Lecturer’s address. This will be followed by a new game called “Number guessing.” Come and greet the new officers.
Death. Ephraim A. Stevens, who died at Mountain View, Cal., December 27, is well remembered by the older citizens of Westford and Chelmsford, being a native of the latter place. For many years he was a resident of Westford, owning a large farm on the Chelmsford road now owned by Mr. Emerson. After selling this farm he moved to Westford Center, having purchased the village property commonly known as the Harrison Hall place [24 Main St.]. For several years he was a resident of Forge Village, owning the place occupied in recent years by George W. Blodgett [on West Prescott St.]. While living his family will be remembered as constant attendants at the Unitarian church, zealously interested in its welfare. For several years he was a resident of Cavendish, Vt., and served the town as selectman and overseer. After leaving Westford he moved to Mountain View, Cal., and bought a small fruit farm, prunes and apricots being a specialty. Here his declining years were passed until his death at the age of eighty-one. He was tenderly cared for by his devoted daughter Emma.
The deceased was twice married. One daughter Emma survives. Another daughter, Nettie Stevens, Ph.D. of Bryn Mawr college, died a few years ago. She attained a national reputation as a scholar. A son by the second marriage died in early youth in Vermont, and Andrew C., in New Ipswich, N.H.
Mr. Stevens was a man of business tact and temperate habits, frugal and industrious. He was companionable and tolerant in his attitude towards life, and now he has been called home with others of the beloved “First Parish” who have served.
A Letter. The writer has just received a letter from Harper Bailey which will interest many. Mr. Bailey was one of the scholars of the Stony Brook school soon after it was built. He lived with his parents where John Flynn now lives [on Stony Brook Rd. near Lowell Rd.]. In the course of time Mr. Bailey went west and bought a big farm at Coon Rapids, Iowa. He prospered and the value of land went up. A few years ago he sold his farm at a good figure and came east to visit. He is now in San Diego, Cal., from which place he writes the following interesting letter, in which was enclosed a picture of his attractive bungalow taken on December 26, with he and his wife sitting on the porch and the temperature at the time being seventy-two degrees:
As this is exposition year, and knowing that many of the old Bay State people are contemplating a trip to this country this year, it occurred to me that it might be interesting to some to hear from one who has been on the ground.
San Diego, situated in the southwest corner of the United States, is truly a wonderful city with a population of 100,000. This is remarkable when one considers that the figures of the 1910 census show but 39,578. Besides its scenic location it possesses a wonderful all-the-year-round climate and has unlimited opportunities in a commercial way. The other day we took a short twelve-mile drive into the back country. From the top of a small mountain, up which a splendid road had been cut, we could look down into a valley hedged in by mountains whose sides at this time of the year are covered with orange and lemon groves, which at this season are both loaded with ripe fruit and covered with blossoms. Oats are almost knee high, logan berries and blackberries are coming into bloom. However, should we have desired a change a short time ago we could have been in snow in the course of a three-hours’ drive. A short distance drive from where we live shows us the snow-capped mountains to the east, while to the south of these lies the table mountains in old Mexico, so named because it appears flat, although probably many miles across its summit is plainly visible, though far beyond the boundary line.
Turning to the southwest the Coronado Islands are easily seen. These are also in Mexican territory and are the practice grounds of the battleships of the Pacific squadron. Directly in our line of vision lies the great San Diego harbor, eleven miles in length, thirty-five feet deep at the bar at low tide, and large enough harbor to accommodate any amount of trade and vessels of the largest dimensions. Millions have been spent in improvements, the new municipal pier alone being the best on the coast and costing $300,000.
Our fair is the equal, if not the superior to the Frisco exposition. It commenced on January first and continues for one year. This is possible on account of our summer weather during the entire year. The exposition is truly comparable only to such fairs as the St. Louis and Chicago World’s fair in magnitude. On the opening of its gates the general verdict was that it is truly the most beautiful fair the world has ever known.
On the completion of the railroad to Zuma [sic], Arizona, we expect wonderful strides because of our excellent harbor, there being only three natural harbors on the coast none of which are closer to each other than six hundred miles.
We will be the first port of call on the Panama canal and the distance via San Diego to the Orient from Chicago or any Atlantic seaboard point is, owing to our geographical position, one day shorter than any other route through any other point.
We have cheap fuel and minerals for manufacturers, many of whom have settled here. There are great opportunities for sound investments in real estate, particularly is this true on account of three eastern trunk lines being projected here. Activity will be more pronounced during the coming year because of the influx of fair visitors, many of whom will remain. Loans are being made on first-class real estate security, interest at the lowest being seven percent on first mortgages. California has no usury law, allowing one to charge as much as he can get. The back country is rich and is the garden spot for the farmer as water for irrigation may be secured cheaply with no risk in dependence on rain. The crop land is comparatively cheap—cattle and hogs thrive well. Produce brings a good price at the local market and can be grown all the year.
On the opening of the Panama canal fruit will be shipped directly to the Atlantic seaboard and Europe.
For the benefit of those contemplating coming to the fair I may say that while Massachusetts as a state will have no building, the Massachusetts association of San Diego, one of the largest of the state associations, will have a headquarters for Massachusetts people where all information desired concerning the city or any former Massachusetts residents who are in San Diego may be secured.
–Harper Bailey
San Diego, Cal., January 4, 1915.
Forge Village. Master Ellsworth Rose and Miss Carmel Rose of Belmont have returned home after spending their holiday vacation at the home of their grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Splain.
Miss Ethel Collins has been ill at her home for several days.
Mrs. Elizabeth Splain is recuperating after a severe illness.
Mrs. Anthony Martin is confined to her home by illness.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle held their regular weekly meeting on Thursday afternoon in Recreation hall.
Percy Kilminster was the guest of his sister, Mrs. Fred [Helena A.] Naylor, over the holiday. Mr. Kilminster is studying for the ministry at Tilton Seminary, Tilton, N.H.
Mrs. A. H. Comey had as her guest recently Miss Mary E. Donnelly of West Chelmsford.
Master William Davis, who has been enjoying a lengthy visit with relatives in Amsterdam, N.Y., spent the holiday at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Davis.
Miss Marjorie Rose of Belmont has been a recent visitor here.
Mrs. V. C. Bruce Wetmore of the Nashoba farm is now at the Battle Creek sanitarium, in Michigan, where she will remain for several weeks.
The many friends of Chester Blodgett of the “Ridges” will be pained to learn of his serious injury received while at work on last Saturday. Mr. Blodgett, while leading his team, slipped on some ice and fell, the heavy burdened wagon passing over one of his legs. He was immediately taken to his home and later, an examination by X-ray machine showed no bones broken, but very bad lacerations of the ligaments of the leg. All hope for a speedy recovery.
Mr. and Mrs. James Simpson and family of Clinton spent Sunday at the home of Mrs. M. A. [Mary Ann] Lowther.
John Kavanaugh of Pleasant street, is ill at his home.
Rev Sherrard Billings, of Groton school, will conduct the services at St. Andrew’s Mission on January 24.
On Wednesday afternoon, January 20, Westford academy hockey team will play the Littleton high team at Forge pond.
The ice houses of the Daniel Gage ice company are now filled with 35,000 tons of ice. The smaller building contains 7,000 tons. Owing to the good weather during the harvest, the work has been done in less time than formerly. The men expect to commence cutting ice on the Merrimack river, Lowell, this week.
Much sympathy is extended to William Welch of Graniteville, who met with a severe fall on the ice last Saturday night.
Graniteville. William Welsh, while visiting with friends in Ayer on last Saturday, and while going for the car on his return home, stepped over a stone embankment in the dark and received a severe fall, breaking both wrists and injuring two ribs. Dr. C. A. Blaine [Blaney] of Westford and Dr. W. H. Sherman of this village were in attendance, and the patient is now resting as well as can be expected.
Charles A. Blodgett is now very ill with the mumps at his home on the Millstone road, North Westford. Charlie has many friends in this village who are hoping for his speeding recovery.
The cottage house now being built by Mrs. Hammett D. Wright is now rapidly nearing completion.
The rain on Tuesday spoiled the fine skating on the mill pond here for the time being.
The members of the Westford board of fire engineers held their regular meeting in the fire house of the A. R. Choate hose company here on Monday night, during which much business of a routine order was transacted.
The members of the Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. L. A. Blood on last Thursday afternoon, and perfected plans for a sale to be held on January 28 and 29.
There are many cases of scarlet fever here at the present time.
Saturday, January 23, 1915
Center. Mr. and Mrs. William L. Woods came up from Somerville Sunday in their automobile and attended services at the Congregational church.
The John Perkins family have moved from the Frank Miller house into the house next the Congregational church recently vacated by W. A. Millis and family.
Miss Adrith Carter is convalescing from an attack of tonsillitis.
The last of the Academy entertainment course took place at the town hall last Friday evening. Miss Elvira Rhind gave a fine entertainment of readings and folk dances. Miss Rhind gave her various impersonations and dances in different costumes appropriate to the selection given. This entertainment closes the course for this season.
Miss Edith Forster and Miss Mary B. Raynes were in attendance two days at the Boston Poultry Show last week.
Mrs. Fred A. Hildreth [nee Ella Sophia Fletcher] of Malden has been a guest at her son’s [Herbert Victor Hildreth] home this week and among those present at the Tadmuck club, Tuesday afternoon.
Captain Sherman H. Fletcher [age 68] fell on some ice while going from his barn to his house Monday of this week. He got a bad shaking up and one wrist seemed pretty lame, but at first did not think it serious, later on going to the doctor, found some of the smaller bones fractured and as a result will have to go with his arm in a sling for awhile.
Mrs. George A. Kimball entertained the Ladies’ Aid society of the Congregational church at her home [now Kimball Farm] in the Littleton road last week, Thursday. It was good sledding and Charles D. Colburn carried a two-horse sled of passengers from the Center and others went in single sleighs, making about thirty-five in all. Everybody enjoyed a very social good time. Work was given out by the directress and tentative plans made for a sale later in the year. Mrs. Kimball served most attractive and beautiful refreshments of sandwiches, cake and cocoa.
The serious illness of Miss Edna F. Currier of Carlisle is reported. Miss Currier teaches at Brimfield and is well known in Westford, being a frequent visitor at her grandfather’s, Mr. Wayland F. Balch.
The time of starting of the first car in the morning is changed, beginning last Monday morning, from 6:55 to 6:50, five minutes earlier. In case of icy rails or other bad traveling or any little delay, the allowance of time is not enough to connect with the trains at Brookside.
Mrs. George E. Jenkins of Marblehead has been a recent guest at Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher’s.
Forty dollars was realized for the church treasury from the old folks’ concert and supper, Wednesday evening.
One of the garments worn at the concert Wednesday evening was an old vest 190 years old, tiny daguerreotypes of members of its past owner’s family set as buttons adorning the front.
Tadmuck Club. The second meeting for January of the Tadmuck club was held at the usual time and place with a good representation of the members present. The subject for the afternoon was a lecture by Mrs. G. F. Hubbard. Subject: “Old time flowers and gardens” and proved most attractive to all who love flowers and who do not. Mrs. Hubbard referred to the cherished flowers of the early settlers of oftentimes the plant, shrub or such being brought from across the sea and proceeded to enumerate many of the old-fashioned flowers and herbs, told of the place of the sun dial in old gardens, described old gardens of our grandmother’s times. Not the least charming feature of the lecture were some beautiful pictures of old gardens. The speaker’s husband is director of art at Fitchburg Normal school and had made many beautiful colored drawings which were used to illustrate the subject. Mrs. Hubbard gave many quaint legends and anecdotes of these various old time favorites of the front yard and closed with well chosen thoughts on the influence and place of flowers in people’s lives.
Preceding the lecture Miss Marguerite Young recited most appropriately “In an old garden.” a pretty three-act comedy-drama and the cast is one of proven ability as follows: Wm. R. Taylor, John P. Wright, Arthur Wallace, Frank Johnson, Mrs. Bert Walker, Hazel Hartford, Mrs. Wm. R. Taylor and Miss Martha Grant. There will be dancing after the play.
Mrs. David Wallace has been spending the week at her girlhood home in West Hartford, Vt., visiting her invalid mother.
Miss Beatrice Sutherland, as a member of the Lowell Choral society, was among the alto singers in the presentation of “Elijah” at the Lowell Opera house, Tuesday evening of this week.
The Unitarian ladies are having a new sink and some other improvements installed in their church kitchen with A. H. Sutherland doing the work.
Through the courtesy of Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher a group of ladies attended the “Fashion show” of Mrs. S. E. Brownley Shepard at Colonial hall, Lowell, Wednesday afternoon of this week.
Food Sale. The Tadmuck club will have a food sale at the home of Miss Ella Hildreth on Thursday afternoon, February 4. This food sale promises to be a very interesting occasion. Miss Hildreth has very graciously offered the use of her spacious and beautiful home. Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher will bring her friend, Mrs. Nettie Roberts, the talented singer of Lowell whose singing has so delighted Westford people at other Tadmuck gatherings. Miss Margaret Young, also well known to audiences here, will read. The program will be an attractive one with songs by Mrs. Roberts, interspersed with readings by Miss Young. Altogether it will be a delightful affair. The members will bring samples of their culinary skill which will be sold. The proceeds will go towards having good speakers in the club next year. The affair is under the charge of the department of household economics, assisted by Mrs. Hildreth, Mrs. Fletcher and Miss Hildreth.
About Town. At the republican caucus held Monday evening Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher was chosen chairman and Alfred W. Hartford, sec. After the preliminary, Charles L. Hildreth was nominated for town clerk; Frank L. Furbush, selectman; Fred R. Blodgett, Chas. L. Hildreth, overseers of the poor; J. Austin Healey, assessor; L. W. Wheeler, collector; H. L. Wright, treas.; Chas. O. Prescott, A. E. Wilson, school committee; W. O. Hawkes, cemetery commissioner; H. L. Nesmith, tree warden; E. T. Hanley, auditor; Stephen Gardell, constable; Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, moderator. After years of industrious training and service for the town the following persons declined re-election: Hon. Edward Fisher as town clerk, Andrew Johnson as selectman, Arthur H. Burnham as overseer of poor and William R. Taylor as auditor.
At the registration meeting at Graniteville Monday night three were registered: W. A. Buckingham, Walter Butler and L. E. Strasberg. At the registration meeting at Brookside Friday night three less registered than at Graniteville. The last meeting of the board will be held at the town hall at the Center Saturday, January 30, from noon until ten p.m.
At the annual meeting of the Unitarian parish the following officers were elected: Hon. Edward Fisher, moderator; Abiel J. Abbot, clerk; Charles O. Prescott, collector and treasurer; A. J. Abbot, Edward Fisher, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, parish committee; Wm. H. H. Burbeck, H. V. Hildreth, Homer M. Seavey, assessors.
The Unitarian choir was greatly keyed up to the spirit and understanding Sunday by the singing of Samuel Anglin of Lowell and Henry Smith of Graniteville. Mr. Anglin has accepted a position in a Lowell church.
Henry A. Fletcher sent in for the count another large fox last week. The chase was in the Tadmuck brook valley, between Main street, the Lowell road, southerly of the Daniel H. Sheehan mill property. Elmer Fletcher, who is working on the Stony Brook schoolhouse closeby, pronounced this fox the best of the season and Elmer knows for he is thoroughly foxey in the hunt.
Middlesex North Pomona Grange will hold its monthly meeting at Odd-fellows hall, Lowell, next Friday, February 5.
At the next meeting of the Grange the following question will be discussed: “How much shall a farmer be taxed for village improvements.” L. W. Wheeler, F. R. Blodgett and F. C. Wright will take part in the debate.
At the democratic caucus held Tuesday evening the following nominations were made: Frank L. Furbush, selectman; J. A. Healey, assessor; Joseph Wall, C. L. Hildreth, overseers of poor; C. O. Prescott, A. E. Wilson, school committee; Geo. Gower, tree warden; W. O. Hawkes, cemetery commissioner; J. A. Sullivan, constable; E. T. Hanley, auditor; J. A. Cameron, library trustee.
There will be a meeting of the board of trade at the town hall next Tuesday evening. This meeting is called for the purpose of discussing the town warrant. This is a wise move and a sort of preliminary opportunity to do town business and not do the town as sometimes honestly happens for luck [lack?] of premeditated consideration.
Allister F. McDougall has been getting new laurels. He has been in the extension service of the state agriculture college. Now he has received an appointment from the advisory board of the newly organized Hampshire County Farm Improvement bureau to be the agricultural field agent for the bureau.
Town Meeting. Our town meeting will be held on Monday, February 8. There will be forty articles in the warrant. A few of the important ones are given:
Art. 13. To see if the town will vote to borrow or raise and appropriate or borrow in part money to alter and repair the Acton and Lowell road, as ordered by the county commissioners.
Art. 23. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate money to purchase new hose and fire apparatus for the fire department.
Art. 24. To see if the town will raise and appropriate money for the construction and grading of sidewalks in the several villages.
Art. 24 [sic]. To see if the town will take over the water system.
Graniteville. Both masses in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning were celebrated by Rev. Edward C. Mitchell. Since the illness of the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, the bulk of the parish work has devolved on him, all of which is done with the usual ability so characteristic of Rev. Fr. Mitchell.
Excellent skating has been enjoyed here the early part of the week until the snow put a stop to it all.
The Republican caucus was held at the town hall on Monday night, and the Democratic caucus on Tuesday night. About the only contest is that of overseer of the poor and the warden.
The ladies’ organization of the M.E. church held a very successful sale of fancy and useful articles, home made candy and food in the church on Wednesday and Thursday evenings of this week. On Thursday evening a very fine entertainment was given that consisted of readings and impersonations by Mrs. Eualie Bradstreet Gillow of Lowell, an instrumental trio, and piano and violin solos, by the Misses Ward of North Chelmsford, and other interesting features contributed by local talent. Quite a neat sum was realized for the church on this event.
The regular meeting of Court Westford 170, M.C.O.F., was held on Thursday evening of this week. Much business of importance was transacted and during the session the newly elected officers were duly installed by James P. Daly, d.g.o.r., and suite from Court Wannalancit, North Chelmsford. After the meeting a social hour was enjoyed. Refreshments were served and a fine entertainment given. The whole affair proved to be hugely enjoyable. Many visitors were present from North Chelmsford.
Town meeting will be held on next Monday, the first Monday in February, so that this year the new officers will be elected, and the town business transacted, long before the usual time the meetings have been held in former years.
The members of the board of registrars met in the fire house here on last Monday night and many new names were added to the voting lists.
No new scarlet fever cases have been reported and it is thought that the epidemic has been held in check.
J. A. Healy now has a gang of men at work cementing the basement of the additional building recently added to the C. G. Sargent machine shop here.
Forge Village. In the absence of Rev. Williston M. Ford, pastor of St. Andrew’s mission, the services at the mission on Sunday were conducted by the Rev. Sherrard Billings of Groton school. Mr. and Mrs. Ford are spending a few days out of town.
Mrs. Helie [Hildage] Gadonie [Gadourey] of Pine Hill is expected to be able to return soon from St John’s hospital where she went three weeks ago to undergo an operation.
The best skating of the season was enjoyed on Forge Pond over the weekend. A large number of skaters enjoyed the sport.
The hockey game which was to have been played last Friday between Westford and Littleton teams was postponed owing to the death of one of the Littleton players [Oral Higgins], who was drowned in Littleton on Thursday.
Miss Fellows, a teacher in the grammar grades in Everett, spent Thursday as visitor at Cameron school.
John L. Flynn of Pond street is in New York city visiting relatives and friends. He will also spend a while in Hartford, Conn.
Mrs. J. W. Pyne, who has been confined to her home with a severe cold, is able to be out again.
Miss Theresa Lowther attended the funeral of Mrs. William Marshall of Pepperell on last Friday. Mrs. Marshall was a former resident of this village, and leaves besides her husband, several children to mourn her loss.
Through the efforts of J. P. Brown and J. W. Catchpole, the residents of this village are getting up a petition to have the fish and game commissioners of Massachusetts close Forge Pond during the summer months, as is now the case. It is understood here that the residents of Littleton are also interested in the petition; and if it proves a success, no fishing will be allowed here until December, 1917. The pond has recently been stocked with white perch. White perch, scarcely, if ever, bite at hook in winter, and as summer fishing is detrimental to white perch, it is hoped that if the pond is to be closed it will be closed for all three years.
Ayer
District Court. Leo F. Willett, Elmer P. Shaw and William Welcome, all of Lowell, pleaded guilty to larceny on Wednesday morning and were sentenced to the Concord reformatory.
The particular complaints against the accused were breaking and entering in the day time the cottages of Dr. Fred P. Murphy and W. A. Clark of Lowell at Long-Sought-for pond in Westford, and stealing several articles including shot guns, a phonograph and other things. The cottages are used only in the summer and for that reason the thefts were not discovered until some time after the breaks were made. Inspector John Walsh of the Lowell police department assisted Officer Healy of Westford in the case.
The first complaints issued against the defendants were so drastic that it was deemed advisable by the court in the interests of justice to charge them with larceny.
Willett was on probation from the superior court, he having taken an appeal to that tribunal last September when he was found guilty in the local court of destroying property of the Boston and Maine railroad at Groton. With others at that time he was found guilty of burning new railroad ties in that town.
Shaw and Welcome, the other two members who were sentenced Wednesday, were strangers officially to the Ayer court. Inspector Walsh, of Lowell, in his testimony, stated that the young men freely confessed their guilt and talked with him without reserve of their escapades.
One of the adventures of which Willett and Shaw were the principals occurred last November. The two stole a Speedwell automobile from the street in Manchester, N.H., and drove it about the country, finally winding up their journey in Forge Village. Here they stripped the machine of its lights, tires and other detachments and then threw the frame of the machine into Forge pond where it still remains.
In answer to questions of Judge Atwood as to whether they wished to say anything in their own behalf, Welcome and Shaw told of their complicity in the Westford breaks and agreed that the government’s evidence was true. Willett stated that he did not care to say anything. The automobile incident was not used against Willett and Shaw.