The Westford Wardsman, July, 1909

Saturday, July 3, 1909

Center. Capt. S. H. Fletcher has received a letter promising a monument to Civil war veterans for the town from Col. Edwin D. Metcalf of Auburn, N.Y. He is son of William Metcalf, formerly of this town, who served in the Civil war in Co. C, 16th Massachusetts Regiment as first lieutenant, the only commissioned officer from this town. The proposed monument is a fine and striking figure of a soldier.

Dr. and Mrs. E. C. Atwood and Miss Evelyn Atwood of Daytona, Florida, are spending part of their summer time in town.

Our last week’s list of home-coming school teachers is swelled by the names of Archie Hartford and Miss Edith Bicknell.

Miss Natalie Sleeper was in town recently at Miss Miranda Luce’s.

Mrs. L. W. Wheeler is very ill with pneumonia.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Allen of Duxbury have been visiting at Mrs. Edward Prescott’s during the week.

The Fourth of July committee have put out posters announcing a parade at eight a.m., through the village streets to the ball grounds at Westford depot, where a band concert will be given. There will be a band concert on the common in the afternoon by the Nashua military band, competitive sports on the common and a ladies’ baseball game. The parade is expected to include many floats, two baseball teams, Foresters of Graniteville, fire departments of the Center and Graniteville and the Nashua military band.

Joe Wall, auctioneer, will sell all the grass on the Dane farm in the north part of Westford, on Saturday, July 10, at two p.m.

Obituary. Mrs. Sarah A. Smith, whose death on June 24, was noted in these columns last week, after an illness of years at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S. B. Wright, where she has lived since the burning of her home in Townsend several years ago, removes another of our old residents. She was the widow of Lyman Smith, who died seven years ago at Mrs. S. B. Wright’s. Before going to Townsend they had lived for years where Frank C. Wright now resides. She was born in Springfield, Vt., Nov. 4, 1833, and received her education in the public schools of that town. She is survived by four children, Mrs. Sidney B. Wright and Fred A. Smith of this town, Charles A. Smith of Dunstable, and Mrs. Charles A. Wright, and seven grandchildren. A long and useful life is ended.

Mrs. Smith’s funeral was held at her late home Saturday, June 26, at ten a.m. The services were in charge of Rev. S. H. Armand and Rev. C. P. Marshall. The bearers were C. P. and F. A. Smith, S. B. Wright and E. J. Whitney. Burial was at Groton, D. L. Greig undertaker. The following list of floral offerings is a mute witness to the love and esteem of friends and relatives:

Pillow of roses, pinks, ferns and immortelles, inscribed “Mother,” from the four children; spray roses, pinks and ferns, Althea and Eunice Smith; wreath ivy leaves and wheat, the grandchildren; wreath of galax and magnolia leaves and roses, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Wright; spray roses, pinks, sweet William and ferns, Miss Ada Kimball; spray of pinks, roses and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. R. B. and Miss M. E. Adams; spray red pinks and ferns, Mrs. C. M. Hartwell and Miss Sleeper; wreath of white roses, pansies and green leaves, Miss E. F. Hildreth; cut flowers from the following friends: Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Pearl Harmon, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Hildreth, Miss Annie Richardson and Miss Lackey.

Academy Graduation. A large audience listened Friday, June 25, at the town hall to the graduating exercises of the academy. The class date, “1909,” in gilt, and the class colors, turquoise blue and gold, were in front of the platform, backed by beautiful display of mountain laurel, evergreen, potted plants and abundance of cut flowers all making beautiful decorations. Singing of “Wedding chorus,” by the school opened the exercises. Prayer was then offered by Rev. C. P. Marshall. Miss Lillie Moran gave an essay on “Heroes of peace,” Carl Wright spoke on “Forestry.” Miss Althea Smith’s class prophecy was read by Miss Gertrude Hamlin, because of the death of Miss Smith’s grandmother. The valedictory was given by Allister McDougall, who intends to go to the Massachusetts Agricultural college in the fall. Miss Gertrude Hamlin presided at the piano for several selections sung by the school, under the direction of Edwin N. C. Barnes, supervisor of music.

All the essays gave clear expression to the thoughts embodied therein and reflected full credit to teachers and graduates. Rev. John E. Blake of Fall River, in his address to the pupils on “The making of a man,” had an especially appropriate subject and improved his opportunity for the conveying of helpful thoughts and inspiring high ideals to his best ability. This subject fitted in excellently with the class motto, “He conquers who conquers himself.” This thought was seized upon by Rev. B. H. Bailey in his remarks , as he presented the diplomas. W. A. Woodward, Miss Edith Babbitt and Miss Gertrude Bartlett have been the teachers at the academy during the year.

The annual reception and dance of the Academy Alumni association was held in the evening.

Wedding. Edwin N. C. Barnes, supervisor of music in Westford schools, and Miss Mabel Crocker, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Crocker of Braintree, were united in marriage by Rev. Mr. Durkee of Roxbury at the home of the bride’s parents, Monday, June 28, at 9:45 a.m. The bride was given away by her father in the Episcopal ring service. She was attended by her sister Margaret as bridesmaid and Miss Marjory Seavey of Westford as flower girl. Music was furnished by an orchestra consisting of Gunnar Ekman violinist, Miss Marion Sweatt of Westford pianist, and Mr. Blank of Roslindale ‘cellist. They were married in their traveling suits and departed immediately for a two weeks’ sojourn in New Brunswick, whence they go to Europe for the summer. A wedding breakfast was served after the ceremony.

Congregational. Children’s Sunday was observed at the Union Congregational church, June 27. In spite of hot weather there was a good attendance. To those who know their work there is little use in adding comment on the decorations, in charge of Miss May Atwood, Miss Helen Burnham and the Loyalty club. Two children were baptized, Norman Edward Day and Ruth Elizabeth Pollock. The program was as follows:

Processional, The bonny flag, by the children of the Sunday school; prayer by the pastor; hymn, “Our country’s voice is pleading;” responsive reading; song by Eleanor Colburn; recitation, “Summer’s come again,” Frances and Alice Wright; song, Elizabeth, Jennie, and Rachel Kimball, Florence Wilson and Daisy Kable; recitation, Charles Colburn; recitation, “Open the door,” Elva Bicknell; baptism of children; exercise, “Three little blossoms,” Florence Wilson, Stella Whitney, Daisy Kable; recitation, “Your own,” Althea Symmes; recitation, “God’s love,” Rachel, Helen and John Allan Kimball; recitation, Jennie Kimball; song, “Old glory,” by a choir of children; reading, Elizabeth Kimball; reading, by Ethel Whitney; song, “Who are these come marching,” Sunday school; address by the pastor, “Making a good fist of it;” exercise, Mabel Prescott and Theodore Pollock; recitation, “The emblem of peace,” Sadie McMaster; hymn, America, by the congregation.

About Town. Seventeen members of the W.C.T.U. accepted the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Drew of Littleton, last week Thursday, to the hospitality of their cottages and boats and other remembrances and conveniences at Mill pond. Mrs. Frank C. Hildreth, president of the Union, was toastmaster of the day. The dinner, of their own creation, while excellent did not incapacitate to the extent of “Too full for utterance,” [1] and everyone responded with music, vocal or fiddle, reading, or general remarks. It was a day of good things, with plenty of water as an appropriate seasoning. For this outing the Union feel that for what they Drew, there is a feeling of something due.

John Adams Taylor has been attending the commencement exercises at Amherst college, where the degree of Master of Arts was conferred upon him. He is the first one of his classmates to receive this degree from his alma mater. He also brought back the kindly greetings of Rev. John C. Kimball [pastor of 1^st Parish Church 1892-1895] so familiarly known to Westford people, and to whom he wished to be remembered on the non-sectarian, non-partisan, broad basis of “all hands.”

The ball game last Saturday between Westford and Knights of Columbus of Andover was won by the Westford team 9 to 5. Things are gradually kind of coming back to old-time ways, as in last year’s plays.

The alumni dance of Westford academy last week Friday evening was up to expectations in music, weather, decorations and foot movements. If you think the attendance not large, remember there are many people who are busy hoeing, haying, harvesting and planting, and cannot spend those hands and feet over any additional movements.

Rev. Charles A. Allen of Waverley conducted the services at the Unitarian church last Sunday and gave a scholarly and optimistic address on “Satan as the servant of God.” Among those present at church was Minnie Webster, the second daughter of Dr. W. A. Webster, well and favorably known to Westford people. She must be known now as Mrs. Charles Allen, who was a scholar at Westford academy under Charles O. Whitman and Wm. E. Frost. They reside in Duxbury.

The Glidden balloon [2] from Fitchburg for Boston last Saturday passed over the town and near enough to discern its occupants.

The town teams are busy making extensive and expensive repairs and changes at Westford corner. The troublesome surface water is being tempted to condense its tendency to want all the road for a pond, and learn to swim in a ditch and through Trull land to Sawmill Meadow brook, where it will have assistance to get to the Stony brook, and thence on by way of the Merrimack river to the ocean. These repairs have long been needed and long been promised so say the cornerites.

Hon. James Wilson Grimes of Reading has announced himself as a candidate for the Massachusetts senate for the fourth term, from this district, whose western boundary is Ayer and eastern boundary the Atlantic ocean at Saugus. The district is so long and narrow from east to west there is not enough left to make much northern and southern out of it.

Mrs. George Brown at Brookside is seriously ill, and has been ordered for treatment to Tewksbury.

Westford was well represented at the centennial celebration at Tyngsboro, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. James Burroughs, who gave the historical address, was remembered by some as being identified with the Stony Brook school, lyceum and debating society a half-century ago in the days of the “little red schoolhouse.” He was the same eloquent Burroughs in voice, gesture and personality.

The realm of the finely intellectual is clouded and crippled by the illness of Mrs. L. W. Wheeler.

The funeral of Mrs. Elizabeth Hutchins, widow of Samuel M. Hutchins, took place from her residence in Lowell last week Thursday. Burial was in the Lowell cemetery. Rev. S. W. Cummings of the First Baptist church and Rev. A. R. Wilts of the Branch st. Baptist had charge of the services. She leaves by will $1000 to be invested for the poor of the First Baptist church, $1000 to the Calvary Baptist church, $1000 to Baptist foreign missions, $1000 to Baptist home missions, $500 to the King’s Daughters of the First Baptist church, $500 to the Faith home on Westford st.

John H. Decatur, who has been ill several years, has recently relapsed to his former incapacitated condition.

Deacon Andrew Wright is not on the road to Wellville as speedily as expert skill planned for.

Celebration. The town celebration Monday, July 5, with its parade in all kinds of shade, including lemonade, will start from the common at just eight, unless as usual everybody is late. It will continue to march about, until there are symptoms of being tired out; then between Shirley and Westford the ball game, to maintain their old-time name, to be held on the field at Westford depot of old-time scenes not soon forgot. This is to be followed with game by the ladies on the common which will have the refreshing air of the uncommon. All this with music of the Nashua military band, just come and see who is able to land. For further particulars of the sports of the day, just come early and come to stay. During the parade, firecrackers forbidden by boys. Seek less noisy toys.

Graniteville. Children’s Sunday was fittingly observed here in the M. E. church on Sunday, commencing at seven o’clock. The children had been rehearsing for several days previous to the exercises, under the careful direction of Mrs. Armand, and all did finely in their respective parts. The concert was largely attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Grace, Maude and Freddie Robinson were to have taken part in the recital, but on account of the death of their cousin, Harry Stevenson, Sunday morning, their parts were taken by substitutes.

Miss Lily Moran, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. John Downing, left here Monday morning for Vernon, N.H., where Miss Moran will spend a part of her summer vacation as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Downing.

Mrs. C. E. Stebbins and little son Charles of South Deerfield have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Hawkes in this village.

Misses Mary and Catherine Dunn, and Miss Eva Carlson of West Chelmsford, and Miss Etta Meers of Lowell, have been recent visitors here.

Drowning Accident. Little Harry Stevenson, the four-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stevenson of Bellows Falls, Vt., who were visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles W. Robinson for a few days, was drowned in the cesspool back of the Robinson residence at about eleven o’clock, Sunday forenoon. Harry, who was a bright little fellow, was playing with his older brother Harold and little cousin Freddie Robinson, about the yard, and the older boys having gone down street to meet the milkman, little Harry was left alone for a time. His mother coming out of the house a few minutes after, failed to find the little fellow and an alarm was sounded and a search begun at once. Mr. Robinson in walking behind the house noticed the cover of the cesspool off, looked down and saw the child at the bottom. He was quickly pulled out by Mr. Robinson assisted by William Wall. Every effort was made to bring him to, and Dr. W. H. Sherman who was summoned did all in his power, but to no avail, as the cesspool was over five feet deep and it was thought that the boy had been in there over twenty minutes.

The affair caused great excitement here, and much sympathy was expressed for the bereaved father and mother. Undertaker David L. Greig was sent for and also Medical Examiner Cowles of Ayer. Dr. Cowles was out of town and no one appeared to be able to give the name of his assistant. Finally it was learned that Dr. H. B. Priest was the assistant and he was notified and arrived here about six p.m. The death certificate was signed death due to accidental drowning.

The body was taken to Bellows Falls on the 12:20 train Monday, under the direction of Undertaker David L. Greig. The child’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stevenson, Mr. and Mrs. Robinson and family and Mrs. Susan Wheeler accompanied the remains to Bellows Falls. The children of the M. E. Sunday school sent a beautiful bouquet of flowers Sunday evening. The funeral took place in Bellows Falls on Tuesday afternoon and was very largely attended.

The sad drowning accident caused a deep gloom on the people in this village, and it was truly the most sorrowful affair that has taken place here for a long time. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family in their sad affliction.

Forge. The ladies of the sewing circle enjoyed an outing last week, Wednesday, at Sterling Junction, where they were the guests of Mrs. Wetherbee at her pleasant cottage. They were very pleasantly entertained and time passed only too quickly. Dinner was served at one o’clock, then the time was spent in walking through the grounds where the annual camp meetings are held, and socially. At four o’clock they started for home by electric cars passing by many spots of mountain laurel, which was at its greatest beauty. They arrived home about 6:30 p.m. The next day the ladies were the recipients of large bouquets of the laurel through the kindness of Mrs. Fernald of Groton.

Mr. and Mrs. Ouilette and son are at their summer cottage for a few days.

Wm. Merrill, the well-known optician of Lowell, with his family are taking a vacation in one of the cottages.

Mrs. August Myres and little son of Boston are at her father’s for a few days, Joseph Bennett.

A son [daughter, Marie O. Milot] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Milot Thursday, June 24 [22].

Miss Louise Dyson of Pawtucket, R.I., was also the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Collins.

Mr. and Mrs. John Wentworth and Miss Edith Wentworth of Waltham were the week-end guests of Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Prescott.

Miss Violet Collins, a trained nurse in the Channing hospital, Providence, R.I., was visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Collins when she was suddenly recalled to the hospital. She has entire charge of the operating room.

Little Dorothy Farrell celebrated her fifth birthday, at the home of her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Wilson, Saturday afternoon, entertaining her young friends. She received many pretty presents, and after refreshments of icecream, cake, lemonade and candy, the little people returned to their homes, wishing all sorts of good wishes for their little hostess.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Sutcliffe and daughter, Mrs. Mathews of Lowell, visited Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mason at their pretty summer home this week.

The Forge Village Lions played the Brooksides on the home grounds Saturday afternoon, but owing to a difference of opinion the game was not finished.

Letters have been received from Mrs. Drake, who is visiting relatives in the west, of the enjoyable time she is having, and the many places of interest she has visited.

[1] This phrase was used by Abraham Lincoln on Feb. 14, 1861. After dining at Parks House in Cadiz Junction, Ohio, while taking the train across Pennsylvania and Ohio, he spoke to a crowd from the platform of a railroad car and told them he was “too full for utterance.” It was later incorporated into a poem by the abolitionist Quaker poet James Sloan Gibbons (1810-1892), “We Are Coming, Father Abraham,” written in 1862 shortly after President Lincoln’s call for 300,000 volunteers.

[2] The Glidden balloon was a gas-filled spherical balloon designed and owned by Lowell native Charles Jasper Glidden (1857-1927) of Boston and flown around the U.S., England and France in 1908 and 1909. Mr. Glidden made several balloons, but the one named “Boston” seems to have been used here in Massachusetts. It carried two or three persons or “aeronauts” as they were called. A gas mixture was used, but the main gas seems to have been hydrogen. In Sept. 1909 the “Boston” would ascend from the Gas Works in Lowell and land at the Graniteville baseball fields carrying Mr. Glidden and Mayor Brown of Lowell.

Saturday, July 10, 1909

Forge. The services at St. Andrew’s mission at seven o’clock last Sunday evening were well attended. Until further notice the afternoon services will be omitted.

Joseph LeClaire, a well-known young man of this village, son of Mr. and Mrs. Felix LeClaire, and Miss Eugenie Paré, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Adlophe Paré of Stanford, Que., were married at that place Monday morning, June 28. Upon their return here a large reception was held at his father’s. They received many handsome and valuable presents.

Judge F. A. Fisher and wife, with Mr. and Mrs. McMasters of Southbridge, Mrs. Fisher’s parents, also Mrs. Fisher and daughter of Westford, were the guests of Miss Lila Fisher at “The birches” last week.

Miss Anna Orne Foster of Providence, R.I., is spending a few weeks at Miss Fisher’s cottage as her guest, hoping that the quiet of the woods and the nearness of the water may help regain her health.

Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Goode opened their cottage “The Oatka” Monday. Mrs. Litchfield, Mrs. Goode’s mother, Miss Grace, a sister, and Miss Raynes, of Lowell, are visiting them for a few days.

Mrs. and Mrs. Vincent Small and little Miss Norma are at their cottage for the summer ; also, Mr. and Mrs. Stuart and Miss Dorothy, and indeed nearly every cottage is occupied for the vacation, making a very lively place on the shores of our pond.

Mr. Tyzzer and family of Melrose are at their cottage, “the sunrise.”

Saturday morning as some young men of our village were enjoying a sail with a sail boat, the wind suddenly veered about and upset the boat giving them a drenching. A boat put out from the Tyzzer cottage and one from the opposite shore, taking the boys ashore and towing the sail boat to the shore.

Visitors in town for the Fourth: Allan Carkin of Gardner at his father’s; Reuben Orange and family of Providence, R.I., at Samuel Blowey’s; Mr. and Mrs. John Wentworth and Miss Edith, his sister, at R. D. Prescott’s; Mrs. Hugh Daily and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Sheehan and daughter and Miss Emma Dufort of Leominster, at Mrs. Lowther’s; Mrs. Wilford Blodgett and daughter at Mrs. Comey’s; Geo. Cottrell at his sister’s, Mrs. James Whigham.

The Forge Village celebration of July 4, so long anticipated, was enjoyed by everyone. Everything from the parade to the games was enthusiastically enjoyed. Good-nature followed defeat, so that no unpleasant feelings were shown. Constables Boynton and Norton were present, but really as spectators. The committee are to be thanked for the efficient manner of the whole affair.

Instantly Killed. It is with sadness that we write of the tragic death of Myron A. Carkin who was accidentally killed at the railroad station at Ayer Tuesday afternoon, as he was returning from his work. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Carkin of this village and his age was 20 years, 7 months, 4 days. Besides his parents he is survived by a brother, Allan, and two sisters, Miss Stella and Mrs. [Louise (Maude Eva)] Caisse. The young man was very much liked by everyone and while he was quiet and unassuming he was ever ready to lend a helping hand to all. His death was a terrible blow to the stricken family and they have the sympathy of everyone.

There is no flock however watched and tended,
But one dead lamb is there;
There is no fireside howe’er defended,
But has one vacant chair. [1]

Funeral services was held at the M.E. church, Graniteville, Thursday afternoon, Rev. Mr. Armand officiating. Prayers were held at his father’s in this village, thence the sorrowing ones proceeded to the church. Many friends were gathered there to pay their last sad respects to him who so lately was with them in all the pride of manhood. There were very fitting remarks and prayer by the pastor. The singing, “Lord, I am coming home,” by the choir, “Sometimes we’ll understand,” by Alfred Riney and “Face to face,” sung by Mrs. Armand were very fittingly rendered, carrying hope and solace to the friends so borne down with grief. Then the choir sang, “Rock of Ages.” After benediction the remains were taken to their final resting place at Fairview cemetery. The grave was fairly surrounded by the beautiful floral offerings from so many of the friends. Those with whom he was associated on the Boston and Maine railroad and the Lowell and Fitchburg street railway attended the church in a body. Following is a list of the floral tributes:

A large pillow of red and white roses, inscribed “Myron,” from the father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Carkin; wreath of flowers, “Brother,” from brother and sisters; standing piece, “Gates Ajar,” also a crescent inscribed “Friend,” Walter Blodgett, Ayer; pillow, “L. and F. St. Railway,” employees; pillow, “Fellow Workmen,” B. and M. brakemen; arch, closed book, “At Rest,” Forge Village friends; pinks, Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Redding, Lowell, Mrs. E. Murphy, Dracut, Mr. and Mrs. N. W. Ruiter and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Ruiter, Burlington, Vt.; assorted flowers, Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Tolan, Misses Mary and Maria Tolan, Ezra Wilborn, Mrs. Orr, Mrs. Thompson, Gardner; spray pinks, W. E. Carkin and mother; pinks and roses, Fred Perry, Gardner; Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Pyne and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Parsons; Mrs. McLenna and family, Mrs. Annie and Elsie Grant, Lowell; Mr. and Mrs. G. Mountain, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Balch, Miss Edith Bicknell; pinks, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Nutting, Ayer, Miss Mary Ledwith, Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Harrington, Misses Mattson and Lizzie Turner, Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Gilson and family, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Furbush and family; bouquet of lilies and roses, G. H. Prescott and Miss Comey; bouquet flowers, C. E. and H. W. Flavell; roses, Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Prescott; pinks, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Blowey; sweet peas, Mrs. W. H. Craig, Miss Glazier, Ayer; roses, Daniel Hanley and family; sweet peas, Mrs. Ella Prescott and Miss Alice Prescott; spray lilies and roses, Miss E. M. Sweatt; spray of pinks, Mrs. Ellen Worcester and Mrs. John Denio.

Center. Wednesday, June 30, at two p.m. at the Congregational parsonage, Rev. C. P. Marshall united in marriage Charles J. Cann and Miss Effie M. Bennett. They are to reside in Somerville.

Mrs. L. W. Wheeler’s attack of pneumonia proved of short duration and she is now much improved.

In the list of floral offerings at the funeral of Mrs. Sarah A. Smith in last week’s Wardsman, credit should have been given for cut flowers to Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Wright. We were in error as to Mrs. Smith’s birthplace. It was Weathersfield, Vt. She left eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Miss Ida Manuel of Franklin, N.H., a former teacher in the academy, has been renewing old acquaintance in town.

The Fourth. Westford’s celebration of July 4 was “the best ever.” The “night before” was quieter than sometimes, perhaps partly because the boys began it Saturday evening by demolishing an old shed belonging to H. O. Keyes. While the destruction of a building is clearly an unlawful act, the shed by the manner it was placed overhanging the premises of the Union Congregational church, has been a trespass on their property and an eyesore to the town for two years, so that few of the neighbors sympathize with Mr. Keyes. Monday morning an effigy was swinging in the breeze in front of these premises labeled “Keyes’ Hotel.”

Passing over other unauthorized features of the celebration, we turn to the parade, which started promptly from the common at 8:30 a.m. Joe Wall costumed as a “big Injun” was marshal, with Harold Hildreth as mounted aide. Wayland Balch and his daughter May, as Uncle Sam and Columbia, were followed by an Indian squaw and several girls costumed with flags, and two Indian women in modern dress. The Nashua military band marched next followed by the Graniteville hose company in their red shirts. Then came hose No. 1, followed by a float from Minots’ corner on which was a spray pump labeled, “This is what we get.” “Hose No. 23,” consisted of Julian Cameron’s Shetland pony in a light wagon with several young boys helmeted with tin dippers. Their rear guard was two young girls on horseback.

The grange degree team dressed in white filled a large float, followed by a float from Parkerville, labeled “Gilmore’s band.” A “one hoss chaise,” representing “1776” was contrasted with a rubber-tired buggy, for “1909.” “Sam” Taylor as coachman for a “Belated June bridal couple” teamed “my son John,” with Reuben dressed as a bride. Superintendent of roads, Frank Miller, drove a span of horses attached to a dump cart, in which was his force of work men. The Enterprise club float was followed by the Thimble club float. Mrs. Frank Miller having accidentally lamed herself in practicing for the ladies’ baseball game, very appropriately rode next as a “wounded suffragette.” Bingville’s representation were followed by a carriage holding four of our most petite matrons as “Mellin’s food babies.” Four handsomely decorated automobiles here varied the procession, with a “one hoss chaise” containing the chairman of the assessors [J. Willard Fletcher] and his children in between, to contrast old and new methods of locomotion. A. H. Burnham’s corn harvester was the only three-horse hitch. The local branch of the W.C.T.U. were on the water wagon literally as their float was decorated with an old-fashioned well sweep and curb.

After wandering about the streets of the village the procession went to the ballgrounds near the depot, where the Westford club fought with the Shirley club, while the band played, defeating them 7 to 0. In the afternoon this club went to Milford, N.H., where they defeated the Nashua team by a score of 4 to 2, thus scoring two victories in one day.

While the band concert was in progress in the afternoon there was a ladies’ ball game between the “Suffragettes” (the matrons) and the “Liberty belles” (spinsters) won by the “Liberty belles,” by a score of 9 to 4. This game was followed by other sports won as follows:

100-yd. Dash, 1st Henry Blaisdell, 2nd Robert Gunston; running broad jump, 1st T. Riney, 2nd Ed. Dudevoir; standing broad jump, 1st Hugo Page, second, T. Riney; hop, skip and jump, 1st Wm. E. Wright, 2nd T. Riney; boys’ run around the common, 1st Harry Whitney, 2nd Nicholas Sokalis.

Prizes for the features of the morning procession were awarded as follows: Two first prizes were divided between Joe Wall and Miss Balch as Columbia and between Julian Cameron as “Nursery” and John C. Abbot as “Indian camp,” both in automobiles. The second prize was divided between the grange ladies’ degree team and the “wounded suffragette.” The third prize went to “Gilmore’s band.” The fourth prize was won by the “Belated bridal couple.” Honorable mention was given to the Graniteville hose company, the Thimble club, hose No. 23, the Mellen’s food babies and the W.C.T.U. float. Much credit is to be given the committee of arrangements who were: Miss Mary Moran, Mrs. Jennie Hartford, Mrs. Carrie Woods, Frank C. Wright, A. H. Sutherland and Rev. C. P. Marshall, the chairman.

About Town. Charles S. Edwards, living on the corner of Plain and Brookside roads, has been appointed station agent at Brookside in place of several declined and resigned.

Daniel H. Sheehan is improving the appearance of several rods of the Stony Brook road, by the use of a paint brush on that faded house. Go thou and do likewise [2] with a whitewash brush on that building called barn.

Mrs. Catherine Howard of Lowell is spending the summer at the old homestead with her brother Daniel H. Sheehan, on the Stony Brook road.

A large crowd gathered on the Fletcher field near Westford depot on Monday, the had-to-be Fourth of July, to witness the ball game between Westford and Shirley, the two well-known old-time contestants and generally even matched in winning, but for some cause the Shirley team got badly used up and mixed up in the early start-off and were landed in hopeless defeat by a score of 8 to 0. This is the forenoon; in the afternoon the Westford team went to Milford, N.H., and met the crack team of the state and gave them a nice, choice, skilful defeat in the score of 4 to 3. So there now, who says Westford don’t know how to celebrate the Fourth and show the other fellow also, how to do it.

George C. Moore of the Brookside mills used the force pump hose Sunday afternoon on all of his mill property and boarding-houses as an antidote for explosive and inflammable Fourth of July firecrackers and other gun powder snappers.

Harvey Polley of Quebec spent the Fourth with his brother, Alvin G. Polley, on the Lowell road.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry Johnson of Brooklyn were guests of her cousin, Mrs. F. W. Banister, during the firecracker season of the Fourth.

Col. Edwin D. Metcalf of Auburn, N.Y., was in town Tuesday in consultation with friends regarding the proposed soldiers’ monument. According to present plans the monument will be dedicated next Memorial day. The design has not been fully determined on, but will probably be of the “minute man” style of design. It is proposed to call an early meeting of interested citizens to discuss the matter of a suitable site and other particulars. Room permitting, the apex of the common would be the real showy situation.

The jug jag business was on exhibition on the Fourth on the Stony Brook road, between the Lowell road and the railroad. Shirley was represented Monday and three unknown who could not sleep enough on a noisy Fourth, slept over until Tuesday. Their jug as a trade mark, is still visible, as a “jag” they were electrified to Lowell.

J. Harry Denton, an officer at West Rutland, and Miss Alice Flute of Boston were married on June 25, at Boston. Mr. Denton will be remembered as a brother of Mrs. F. W. Banister.

Miss Ida Manuel of Franklin, N.H., a former teacher in the academy, who didn’t go to Europe, did come to Westford’s Fourth. Never mind, the hills of Westford are just as beautiful and much safer than the lakes of Killarney.

Grange. At the grange meeting last week Thursday evening the lecturer’s hour was entertainingly and instructively occupied. Music by the grange orchestra so lively and good that it had to be played all over again several times, such was the hand clapping for it, that it couldn’t be put off with a bow. Mrs. H. B. Read read a paper of much interest and news to many on “What the women of the north did for the women of the south during the Civil war.” Charles L. Hildreth read and explained “Farm law” in its bearing on the farmer, with particular reference to the milk standard, forest laws, the setting of fires and the protection of wild game. Mrs. F. C. Wright read and quoted interesting facts relating to the early history of the town. The discussion of the question, “From which do we derive the most benefits, education or observation,” was postponed until the first meeting in August on account of the crowded benefits of the evening. The grange voted to invite Tyngsboro and Concord granges to visit Westford grange the evening of Sept. 16.

Celebration. The old town took quiet a lively turn with its parade, sports and band on Monday. City people who saw the parade volunteered the opinion that it was equal to many city parades. It simply demonstrates that there is an abundance of reserve utility in a variety of ways, that only awaits some “Fourth of July” to set it off. Aside from those who received prizes and honorable mention, there was a whole platoon of wholesome, laughable showing, ranging all the way from the simplicity of the old-fashioned rugged American type of life as exemplified in the “One horse open shay” of 1776, in contrast with the pomp and style of the modern life of 1909 and everything else added as much to the hurrah of the parade as anything in the line of “special mention”, Thimble club, Parkerville fire department, Blanchard’s clowns, Westford road department, Burnham’s reaping machine, the Fletcher twins and all else that memory has failed to keep a tight rein on. The writer modestly and thankfully acknowledges his dollar’s worth of daughter-in-law from “Belated bridal couple” as his contribution towards the Fourth, which was a surprise being worth a Fourth.

Eightieth Birthday. Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey celebrated Fourth of July and his eightieth birthday Monday, a rare and fast-passing type of the physical, moral and intellectual personality of early New England life, wisely shunning burdensome pomp on the one hand or demoralizing simplicity on the other. At church Sunday he was youthful with the advice from the experiences of his fourscore observatory. “Your life is not all mistakes, why spend all the time looking at them. Cultivate looking on the other side.” Among those present at church were Mr. and Mrs. Milot and daughter and husband from Malden, personal friends; also Mr. and Mrs. B. H. Bailey, Jr., of Boston, who are relatives by sonship.

Graniteville. Miss Angelina Brisson and Miss Elizabeth McCarthy are now spending their vacation at Revere beach.

Mrs. A. R. Wall with her two children, Richard and Mary, are now enjoying the cool sea breezes at Beachmont.

The Fourth. The Fourth was passed very quietly in this village. The younger element were out for a time the night before, but very little noise was made, and aside from most of the hitching posts on Broadway being provided with collars of drain pipe that was found handily on one of the side streets, very little damage was done. The most of the crowd took in the bonfire that was touched off in Forge Village shortly after twelve. On Monday morning many people from here took in the celebration in Westford Center. The local fire department, resplendent in red shirts, duck trousers and blue caps, made a decided hit in the parade, with Capt. J. A. Healy and Lieuts. Harrington and Prinn mounted in front, followed by the decorated fire wagon, with driver Austin Healy and A. R. Choate of the board of engineers on the front seat, followed by the regular firemen who marched in columns of fours and made a fine appearance. The fire laddies met the Nashua military band at West Graniteville and after marching through the main streets here, barges were taken for Westford, where they fell into their regular positions. The whole affair was very nice. Joe Wall came in for a share of prize money with his excellent makeup as an Indian chief. His companion, Miss Mary Rafferty as the Indian maiden, also was commented on her fine appearance.

Baseball. The Graniteville Blues visited Brookside on last Saturday and took the local club of that place into camp by the score of 10 to 9. The game was hotly contested from start to finish and it was anybody’s game until the last man was out in the final inning. By winning this game Graniteville maintains their position as leaders in the Stony Brook league. The game this Saturday, July 10, will be played at home at Hillside park with the strong Iroquois club of Lowell as opponents. As it appears to be the intention of all visiting clubs to bring the strongest team here with the intention of downing Graniteville a good, hot game is looked for. Game called at three p.m.

Death. The news of the sudden and untimely death of Myron A. Carkin of Forge Village, who was killed by being run over by a freight train in Ayer on Tuesday afternoon, came as a severe shock to the people in this village, where Myron was so well known. Myron was a Graniteville boy having been born and raised here. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Augustine Carkin and beside his father and mother he leaves one brother Allan of Gardner and two sisters Mrs. Louis Caisse of Leominster and Miss Stella Carkin of Forge Village, as well as a wide circle of friends to mourn his loss. He was a fine specimen of young manhood and an athlete of no mean ability, having been a former member of the Graniteville baseball club, and prominent in athletic events in this vicinity. Before taking up his work on the Boston and Maine road he was conductor on the Lowell and Fitchburg street railway, where he formed many friendships by his pleasing personality, and his close attention to duty. He was a very capable workman and considered the most popular man on the line. On account of his manly bearing and his quiet, reserved way he was taken to be older than he really was and many will be greatly surprised to know that he was hardly twenty-one years of age. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family in their sad affliction, for his sudden death is taken as a personal loss to his many friends in this village.

Ayer.

Killed Instantly. The tragic death of Myron A. Carkin on Tuesday afternoon cast a gloom over the entire community. No one really witnessed the accident, and it was not known that it happened until his mangled body was seen on the track near the telegraph office.

As near as can be learned, when through with his work in the upper yard, he got on engine 205 at the culvert and rode a little way and then jumped off and caught onto the middle of freight train 341, on its way to Nashua, holding onto the ladder on the rear end of a freight car about the middle of the train, which was running at a fair speed, and when the freight car on which he was riding approached the station he must have been struck by the standpipe, probably stunning him, and he was thrown under the train, several cars passing over his body, which was dragged for some distance.

Mr. Carkin had been a spare hand for a couple of months and that day had taken the place of Thomas Ryan, who was off duty.

Previous to his working in the upper yard he was a conductor on the Lowell and Fitchburg street railway and was one of the first conductors on that line, and where he had filled the position very acceptably, both to the electric railway company and the patrons of the road.

He was a young man of more than ordinary capacity and he was held in the highest esteem by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance. While he was a quiet, unassuming young man, he was ever ready to lend a helping hand to all.

When he gave up his position as conductor on the electric road he contemplated to start in and learn a trade and accepted the position in the railroad yard as temporary employment, and was about to make a change when he met with his untimely death.

His body was taken soon after the accident to the undertaking rooms of W. Wright & son, and then to the home of his parents in Forge Village.

A Photograph of Myron A. Carkin

[1] These lines are the first stanza of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s (1807-1882) poem “Resignation” published in 1849.

[2] These words, given as “Go, and do thou likewise” in the KJV, are Jesus’ punch line to the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37.

 

Saturday, July 17, 1909

Center. Miss Elizabeth Cushing of Southbridge is the guest of Mrs. Wm. L. Woods.

Albert Woods had the misfortune to badly crush the fingers of his left hand one day last week. Dr. Wells has cared for the injured members.

Deacon Andrew Wright’s many friends are glad to know that he is comparatively comfortable, able to sit up a little each day.

Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Wright and son Livingston, of Quincy, are making their annual July sojourn at N. H. Wright’s.

Mr. and Mrs. Nathan Prescott were called to West Billerica last week by the illness and death of Mrs. Prescott’s mother, Mrs. Sarah M. Duren [July 8]. The funeral was held on Sunday afternoon, and Rev. C. P. Marshall of this town was the officiating clergyman.

Mrs. O. M. Jaques and daughter Dorothy of Malden are spending the summer at Mr. and Mrs. William Sutherland’s.

Mrs. H. B. Hall has the sympathy of her many friends for her bereavement in the death of her brother, John [William H., per d. record] Coburn of Weston. He died at the Waltham hospital of typhoid fever.

Miss Jennie Ferguson is at home from her teaching at Presque Isle, Me., for the summer vacation.

The farmers have made much of the favorable weather for haying, many of whom have finished getting the crop. The continued drouth is a serious menace to the berry crop coming at just this stage.

Inadvertently the name of Miss Mary E. Drew was omitted from the committee for the fourth of July celebration in last week’s issue. Miss Drew was a most efficient member of that committee and did much to make the affair the success it was. Also, a pretty feature of the ladies’ degree staff of the grange was little three-year-old Miss Ruth Lumbert, who was the charming mascot of the staff.

Miss Dora Hawkes of Melrose is the guest of her cousin, Miss Hazel Hartford.

Miss Grace Bunce is the guest of her cousin, Miss Mary P. Bunce, at Providence farm.

Miss Sarah W. Loker is enjoying a vacation with relatives in Vermont, and was present at the recent Lake Champlain celebration. [1]

At the Congregational church the communion service was observed with a good attendance of members present. In the morning the roll-call service was conducted by Miss Louise Crosby.

The foundation work on Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher’s new house has been completed and a good force of workmen are making rapid progress with the framing this week.

Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright and two little daughters, Frances and Alice, are spending the month of July at Pinehurst farm, Pembroke.

While everything is so dry, it was particularly starting to have the bells for fire ring Wednesday evening. The alarm proved to be for an overturned lamp in the house next [to] the postoffice, occupied by Patrick O’Connor, coachman for Abiel Abbot. The blaze was controlled before the hose wagon arrived, which it did in a remarkably few minutes after the alarm. Dick Wright hurried from the store, which is rather too close in case of fire, and did some efficient work with a hand extinguisher. Only a few months ago considerable of a scare was caused in this same house by a chimney fire.

Rev. and Mrs. F. M. Baker of Medford Hillside have welcomed a little son, Warren Milton Baker, into their home. Mrs. Baker is pleasantly remembered in this village as Miss Josephine Bright.

About Town. Joseph Gorham, who works for Fred H. Shorey in Parkerville, but has a Saturday night residence in Lowell, took the electric cars with two of his children Sunday evening for Westford. Soon after leaving Brookside he was taken suddenly ill and left the car at the waiting station at Taylor’s crossing, where, with his two children, he remained during the night. When discovered Monday it was deemed advisable to send for Dr. Wells and Mr. Shorey, who took charge of him. The oldest boy is working on the farm for Judson F. Sweetser.

Charles G. Edwards has resigned as teacher of Nabnassett school on account of an appointment as station agent at Brookside.

Rev. Mr. Drummond of Littleton conducted the services at the Unitarian church last Sunday, and preached an exceptional original sermon from the words, “He that hateth his brother is a murderer.” [1 John 3:15] Next Sunday will be the last service before vacation.

The ball game last Saturday between the Westford team and a Nashua team at Lawndale park, Nashua, was won by the Nashua team 5 to 3, the result of an error on the part of the Westford team. Aside from that error, the Westford team outplayed them. Friday at Lincoln the Westford team will play the bright, aggressive and shrewd Lincoln team, one of the best amateur teams in rural lines.

Miss Nellie Coffin of Berwick, Me., is visiting at her uncle’s, Charles E. Walker, at the old Walker homestead on Main street.

Ex-Gov. John D. Long and Mrs. Long and son were visitors and guests in town recently.

Patriotism seems to be a live affair and something more than mere words at the Dane homestead at Long-sought pond, with their seventeenth of June G.A.R. camp-fire, literary, social and musical combination, quickly followed by flag raising last week, at which Hiram Dane’s grandchild, twenty-three months old, unfurled the star-spangled banner to the breeze. Quite a gathering of believers, not only in patriotism for nation, but patriotism for the common daily duties and opportunities of life.

Essex and Middlesex North Pomona granges have arranged for a festival of sociability, literary and wholesome sporting exercises at Canobie Lake park on Wednesday, August 4. This weather will see to it that all haying occupations are in the past tense and you can brush off the real hayseed, and brighten up the hayseed manners and go.

John Greig, Jr., is master of ceremonies in carrying produce to Boston in place of Frank E. Miller, the benefactor of road management and repairs.

Abbie Lewis of Denver is visiting her early associate in youthful affinities, Mrs. S. L. Taylor, at the “Old oaken bucket” farm, corner of Stony Brook and Lowell road.

Albert W. Decatur has gone to labor in the vineyard of Alexander Fisher.

Rev. H. B. Drew of Littleton preached at the Baptist chapel on the Groton road last Sunday. Just what numbers he drew the writer never knew. If in the future he deems wise to come, somebody will go and count one. Though not in harmony with his particular ism, there will be refraining of any disturbing cism [sic].

The grange, having voted to hold but one meeting in July, the next meeting will be held Thursday evening, August 5.

S. L. Taylor has sweet corn silked out, waiting and sadly waiting, for rain to turn it into grain.

Emerson Bros. of Chelmsford played lawn tennis, Saturday, with Taylor Bros. in their newly reconstructed tennis court at the “Old oaken bucket” farm.

Soldiers’ Monument. There was a small but specially interested gathering of citizens at the town hall last week Friday evening, to give a free expression of sentiment in regard to the proposed soldiers’ monument. Capt. S. H. Fletcher called the meeting to order and presided, and stated the object of the meeting; a few important considerations have been settled. First, there will be a monument; second, it will be placed in position in the late autumn; third, it will be dedicated on Memorial day, 1910; fourth, Ex-Gov. John D. Long will deliver the address. All this, of course, is subject to changes in the event of unforeseen contingencies. The two vital questions for the gathering on Friday evening to express sentiment on were location and inscription. On the question of location, the sentiment of the meeting was unanimous, with one exception, in favor of the land seized by the county commissioners for highway purposes southwesterly of the common. The writer expresses the unsolicited opinion of many, that for public view and harmony of surroundings, the intersection of Lincoln and Main sts., rear of the Spanish cannon, the gift of Gov. Long, near to the library and town hall, close view from the electric cars, is the ideal place that can be defended against all other sites. The reply is not room. How is this—the common contains over an acre of land, the triangular roadside site less than an eighth; remove three trees at the apex of the common, lay out the plot for the monument with two curved gravel walks each side of the monument, that center into one, then next year when the common is improved with grading, walks and shrubbery, it will be an ideal blending of the sacredness of the beautiful as well as the sacredness of the monument. To place the monument on the highway is giving the impression that there is an impractical sacredness about the common. Howsoever, the writer is not going to harbor a sulky disagreement on the question of location, and this is the final expression private or public.

Road Improvement. The road department are doing a long-needed but difficult improvement on the roads at Brookside, at the junction of Plain and Brookside roads and junction of steam and electric roads. Owing to these combined junctions, it is difficult to make ordinary repairs stand ordinary wear, but with paved gutters and cemented cesspool arrangements it is hoped to direct the water under the two lines of car tracks into the Stony Brook and prevent the usual washout. Just at present crops are whistling for water enough to prevent hoarseness. Oh, for a little water for these improvements. Heretofore at this Brookside junction it has been all water and no ditch, and now it is all ditch and no water. Give us a compromise.

Graniteville. Court Graniteville, F. of A., held a very interesting meeting in its rooms on Thursday night. Considerable business of importance was transacted, and plans perfected for the clam-bake which will be held in the near future.

Miss Margaret Horan of Charlestown visited relatives in this village this week.

The paving cutters employed at the L. P. Palmer quarry here had some misunderstanding with the owner early this week, and as a result all quit work until the matter was settled. The men were out only one day when their employers reconsidered the question, with the result that no such trouble will occur in the future. It is well that the matter was settled in this way, for the out-of-town help employed here this season are of a high standard, and it is hoped that they will remain here as long as the stone work continues.

The members of Court Westford , M.C.O.F., are now making arrangements for a red-hot ball game, a tug-of-war and other athletic events. Refreshments will be served on the grounds. In the evening a social dance will be held in Healy’s hall. Another meeting of the committee will be held in the near future to perfect the final arrangements.

The parishioners of St. Catherine’s church will hold their annual picnic this season as has been the custom in former years, the date and place to be announced later. It is thought possible that the picnic may be held in Forge Village, although Nabnassett grove is being considered.

Installation. Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held a largely attended meeting in its rooms on Tuesday evening, the installation of the newly-elected officers being the incentive for bringing many of the members out. Under the head of new business the following officers were duly installed for the ensuing term by Miss Hannah Scully, D.C.C., of Ayer:

Chief companion, Miss Mary Sullivan; sub-chief, Dora LeDuc; rec. sec., Lena Healy; fin. sec., Mrs. Hannah R. Harrington; treas., Mrs. Julia B. Wall; right guide, Mrs. Theresa Marchione; left guide, Mary E. Mattson; inside guard, Minnie Ledwith; outside guard, Mrs. Maria J. Wall; junior past chief companion, Mrs. Peter Healy.

Baseball. The Iroquois baseball club of Lowell visited here on last Saturday and before the largest crowd of the season defeated the Graniteville Blues in a hard-fought game, by the score of 9 to 7. The game was characterized by heavy hitting on both sides, the Iroquois players being fortunate in having their batting streak when hits meant runs. The features of the game were the battery work of Riney and Hughes for the home team, and the hitting of Stephens and the fielding of O’Donohue for the visitors. The battery was done by McCarthy and Ledwith for the Blues, while Rogers and Bottomley were in the points for the Iroquois. On next Saturday the Blues will play the Crescents in Lowell.

Forge. John Sheckelton, while at work in Abbot’s mill, Saturday morning, got his hand badly injured. Dr. Sherman attended him.

Mrs. Louie Hughes fell while at her work, injuring her arm so that she was unable to attend to her work for several days.

Rev. Mr. Sparks of Leominster was unable to be present and conduct the services at St. Andrew’s mission last Sunday evening, owing to the sudden illness of Mrs. Sparks.

Rev. Thomas L. Fisher announced at the service that there would be special memorial services at St. Andrew’s mission for the late Myron A. Carkin, who met such an untimely death at Ayer last week Tuesday afternoon. The services will commence at seven o’clock in the evening. All are invited to be present.

The Forge Village Lions played the Pawtucket Blues last Saturday afternoon and defeated them by a score of 12 to 8. Weather permitting, they will play the Middlesex team Saturday afternoon, July 17, on the home grounds.

The committee in charge of the celebration here July 5 gave a social dance in Abbot’s hall last Saturday evening. Miss Sarah Precious, pianist, James H. Brown, violinist, furnished music for the dancing, and they all reported a very pleasant and social time.

The Forge Village friends of the late Myron A. Carkin presented his parents with a beautiful spray of flowers last Sunday, to be placed upon his grave, also a metallic wreath. The name of Macella Greenwood of Lowell, who gave a spray of assorted flowers, was inadvertently omitted from the list published last week. The large standing piece of “Gates ajar” was given by the Harmony club of Ayer, of which Myron A. Carkin was a member.

[1] The celebration was to commemorate the 300^th anniversary of Samuel de Champlain’s (c. 1580-1635) discovery and mapping of Lake Champlain in the summer of 1609.

Saturday, July 24, 1909

Center. Invitations have been received by Westford friends for the marriage of Miss Edith A. Seifer and Elmer Dennis Cole, to take place at the Congregational church in this village, Wednesday evening, August 4, at seven o’clock. The ceremony will be followed by a reception in the church parlors. Miss Seifer has been for some time in Washington, D.C., where she met her prospective husband, but comes back to her girlhood home and the church of her former membership for her wedding.

Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Merritt spent the greater part of the past week at the home of Mrs. Merritt’s uncle in North Pomfret, Vermont.

Mr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Woodward are enjoying former pleasant associations and ocean breezes at Rockport. Mr. Woodward formerly taught at the Rockport high school.

The Julian A. Camerons are at their summer home, Chebacco island [in the Essex River in Mass.].

Mrs. Henry L. McCluskey, who has been assisting in the care of Deacon Wright during his illness for several weeks, returned to her home in Worcester the first of the week.

Mrs. George Foster Barnes of Waltham is a guest at the E. J. Whitneys’.

Mrs. J. Henry Colburn is enjoying a two weeks’ vacation visiting friends at Boston, Lynn and Revere beach.

The ladies of the Congregational church held a meeting Tuesday afternoon at the vestry to plan for their annual agricultural fair, to be held in September. There was the usual good degree of interest and the appointing of the various committees.

The little three-weeks-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Martin died [July 20] at their home in the south part of the town the first of this week. The little one was very frail and tiny from birth, and the struggle for existence proved too great. The funeral was held Thursday afternoon. Rev. C. P. Marshall was the officiating clergyman. Interment was in Fairview. A prayer service was also held at the grave. The baby’s name was Dorothy Evelyn Martin, having been [born June 29, 1909, and] christened about two weeks ago by Mr. Marshall.

A number of substantial improvements have been made at the Congregational parsonage [23 Main St.] the last year or two for the comfort and convenience of its inmates. Now a piazza is being built across the entire front of the house, which will be a decided addition. William Sutherland is doing the work. Piazza-building seems especially in his line just now, he having just completed a fine one for Walter J. Merritt.

Struck by Lightning. During the severe thunder storm last week, Friday afternoon, the house of James Spinner on the Boston road was struck by lightning. It entered the house at the gable tearing off the window casing and plastering in the upstairs room, and breaking several panes of glass in the window, after which it passed down through the floor to the room below, demolishing a picture on the wall and passing out through the side of the house. At first it was thought the house had taken fire, but what was taken for smoke was probably the dust from shattered plaster. An alarm for fire was rung, and was well responded to by the regular firemen and others. This was the second call they had had within a week, in both cases fortunate escapes from more serious injury. Luckily none of the members of the Spinner family were in that part of the house where the lightning struck.

About Town. Fletcher & Leahy, the Oak hill stone contractors, Hon. H. E. Fletcher being the leading member of the firm, have the contract for the overhead bridges at Fitchburg, from the Boston and Maine railroad, in discontinuance of grade crossings and have the work well under way. The mere mention of the name of this firm is a guarantee of satisfactory work.

Taylor Bros. have the contract for painting the waiting station of the Lowell and Fitchburg electric railway, at the corner of Lowell and Stony Brook road, and it has already begun to remind the traveler of the “wearing of the green.”

The Westford ball team went to Lincoln last Saturday and met one of the best equipped teams in any rural community, and although the Westfords had by far the best of it in the early part of the game, the score standing twelve to blank, an unexpected spurt in batting on the part of the Lincoln team made them the winners by the close margin of 13 to 12.

The many logs in Stony brook, at Westport station, after having been immersed for several months, are being propelled to shore by man, boat and horse power. They have soaked up a deal of water, but plenty left for everybody else who are inclined that way. Some prefer to soak in something else, even if the town did say thou shalt not.

The Sunday school of the Methodist church at West Chelmsford, which includes Westford corner, Oak hill, Brookside and various other scattered fragments of rural life not yet large enough to be named village, will take a trolley ride excursion to Canobie lake park Wednesday, July 28. Special rates, special cars and a special good time. Ho! all who love the Sunday school and a good time, and all who love a good time but don’t know whether they love the Sunday school or not, never having tried it, but are a part of the village life and its outlying environments. “All aboard” for Canobie lake. For a bill of particulars, ask some Sunday school scholar.

Henry B. Read had a seriously ill horse last week. The telephone being ill at the same time, he was obliged to summon a veterinary from Lowell by a personal hand-shaking. The horse is better and so is the telephone.

Mrs. Houghton Osgood, who has been confined to the house by illness, is still there; some days better, and some days the better is not better.

Last Sunday at the Unitarian church Rev. B. H. Bailey delivered a strong and logical sermon of the earlier New England type on “Foundations,” deploring the lack of foundations on the part of too many of our youth, and equally deploring the other extreme of willingness on the part of mature life to accept for “foundations” the authority of tradition and custom, largely because it is ancient. The reason of man is the telescope in search of truth; let no ancient veil obscure the search. Let no one intrude his authority without reserving the personal right to the personal discovery of truth in rebuttal. This was the last service before vacation, and the church will be closed until the first Sunday in September.

The Westford ball team had an engagement to play the Salem team at Salem today, but on account of the disbanding of the Salem team, there will be no game played, but next week Saturday the Westford team will go to Milford, N.H., and play the crack team of that state. They have played them before and beat them, and played them before with the beat left out. So now won’t this game loom up to some one’s doom.

Rev. Seth Walker is holding large tent meetings on a vacant lot on Shaw st., Lowell. A native of the town, he invites everybody to come down any afternoon and evening, except Saturday and Sunday, when at the tent there is nothing doing, for these are the days when their church on Branch st is going.

They are coming the lockjaw movement at the “Old oaken bucket” farm on that early “Peep o’ day” sweet corn. Owing to the ill health of the weather in May, this movement met with a chilly delay. It was planted on May number one, and in eighty-five days the eating had begun.

Mrs. Sidney Whitney on the Lowell road has boarders from Lowell for the summer. The sidewalk and street makes the display of quite a number.

Henry B. Read is adorning Francis hill with utility with his new thrifty apple orchards set out last spring and one year ago. If there is any error it is in their too near neighborliness, an ancient error from Adam’s apple orchard to date. Twenty feet apart should be multiplied by two, even if they are the early and small type. Plenty of landscape; why crowd.

The assessors have emerged from their duties so far as to make a formal introduction of the tax collector to the tax payers, clothed with warrants and books of a searching nature. So keep quiet and try and have a satisfied look while he takes your picture; the duplicate proofs of your own action will soon be mailed to you. If dissatisfied with your picture, don’t throw dust at the collector. Remember it is the very picture that you ordered last March. It looked smiling then; the approach of payday may tend to make it wear a frown. The collector is not responsible for the change of expression.

The Deer Question. And now comes word that deer are doing damage to the young apple orchards recently set out on Francis hill. Under the present law a person can shoot deer if you can get near and on the owner’s land. But isn’t the time watching for deer about as damaging and dear as trimming apple trees by deer? Extermination say some. Oh yes; and crows, woodchucks and birds, say others. But extermination is not the way to deal with nature, that combines the useful and the beautiful, that is occasionally starved into an assault and battery on the creations of man.

If the principle of extermination were applied to all life that occasionally stoops to damage, not even man would be left to say who said so. Pity that we are such brutal ruffians and lacking in foresight, eyesight, that having already come too much of extermination principle on forests, and left a legacy of bushes and briars in their place, we now seek to exterminate useful, ornamental animal life, instead of providing our wasted resources with forests and well-guarded parks. The present law allowing deer to roam and damage the farmer, even with compensation, is not ideal, and “shoot on your own land” means extermination, and extermination is more damaging than roaming. Oh, that we are so rich in cider and saloon, and so poor in parks.

A Candidate. Alonzo G. Walsh of Lowell has been making an auto visit to his personal friends in town recently. He makes the announcement that he is a candidate from this district for state senator on the republican ticket. The district is a heterogeneous affair, physically and industrially, running from Ayer out into the Atlantic ocean; how far out don’t know, don’t anybody. Industrially considered, it includes almost everything used in civilization, from whales to white beans, so that a man to properly represent this district should have a sort of heterogeneous ability, or should be much in many directions. Mr. Walsh has had experience in the Lowell board of trade, as chairman of the city committee, as an expert in lines of manufacture, as conversationalist and debater, as private citizen without suspicious action. Nature gifted him for this office. Nearly fifteen years ago, when part of Lowell became part of this district, he was a candidate; not receiving the nomination, he has modestly refrained from pressing his claim. His ability as well as his location should be considered as favorable factors towards his nomination.

The Soldiers’ Monument. Col. Edwin D. Metcalf has written a patriotic letter to the selectmen, informing them of his intention to present to the town a soldiers’ monument in memory of those who left their homes from 1861 to 1865 at the call of Abraham Lincoln; also in memory of the pleasant school days passed by Col. Metcalf in Westford. It is his desire to curb and grade the triangular lot suggested by Capt. Fletcher. The monument is to be of Barre, N.H. [Vt.], granite and the figure of a marching soldier to be of United States standard bronze. It is expected to be completed and in position this fall, and dedicated next Memorial day. He appoints Capt. S. H. Fletcher to act as his representative in consultation with the selectmen as representing the town.

The selectmen in reply to Col. Metcalf’s generous and patriotic offer, express the usual abundant thanks and courtesies, and add, “It is most appropriate that your native town should accept from so successful a son a soldiers’ monument, in memory of those who fought in the war of the rebellion. Particularly is this so, in that your father was the first citizen to volunteer in Westford and the only commissioned officer from Westford in the war.” The selectmen also express the hope that when he retires from active business, they will again welcome him back to the home of his boyhood days. Col. Metcalf’s father, mother and brother rest in Fairview cemetery, so that the associations of early boyhood days, and school days and enlisting days and cemetery days all combine to make this presentation by Col. Metcalf a memorial on many foundations. The patriotism of those who fought in the war, and the patriotism of this gift should shadow and silence all dissension as to location, inscription and details of procedure.

Graniteville. Little Lena McCarthy, the nine-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. McCarthy of this village, fell from the milk wagon of her uncle, John Healy, in which she is in the habit of riding each morning, dislocating her right shoulder and injuring the ligaments of the arm. Dr. W. H. Sherman was summoned and attended the injured member, and although the child suffers severe pain at times, no serious results are anticipated. The accident happened about 8:30 o’clock last Saturday morning.

James Harrington and Miss Annie Harrington of Leominster have been recent visitors here.

Mrs. S. H. Armand preached at the Baptist chapel in North Westford on last Sunday and made a good impression.

Many people from this village attended the special memorial services for the late Myron A. Carkin, that were held in Forge Village on last Sunday evening. The services were conducted by Rev. T. L. Fisher of Ayer.

The editor of the Wardsman is to be commended for the excellent halftone photo of Myron A. Carkin that was used in connection with the story of the sad accident and death in a recent issue. It is safe to say that owing to the “speaking likeness,” as many expressed it, those papers have been sent to all parts of the country.

The members of Cameron circle, C. F. of A., will hold a social dancing party in Forge Village on Saturday evening, July 24.

Mrs. D. W. Harrington is now taking a well-earned rest at Pleasant View farm in Tyngsboro.

Court Westford, M.C.O.F., will hold a grand gala day at Hillside park, this village, on Saturday, August 7. Baseball games, sports and a dance in the evening.

Baseball. The Graniteville Blues visited Lowell on last Saturday and met with defeat at the hands of the Crescents by the score of 7 to 5. Both sides batted freely throughout the contest, and the result of the game was in doubt until the last man was out in the final inning. The local club was somewhat handicapped owing to the grass diamond and uneven outfield, but nevertheless played a good game. Gilson of the Blues played a star game both in the field and at the bat, his heavy stick work coming in at just the proper moment. Ledwith also found the ball for a slashing double, and caught his usual clever game. Hanson at third appeared to have an off day, his slip-up on thrown balls being responsible for three runs. His clever catch of a hard liner in the sixth, completing a double play unassisted, partly redeemed his slow work in the early part of the game.

The locals have now lost three games, and it is time they should have awakened to the fact that more team work is needed, and unless more ginger is infused in their work they will find themselves at the bottom in the league standing. Remember, boys, that there are nine men in the club and that the pitcher and catcher cannot do it all.

Carr of the Crescents was in the game all the time, fielding his position finely at short stop, and finding the ball for a clean home run. Howarth started to pitch for the Blues, but owing to a lame arm retired after the first inning in favor of McCarthy. Ledwith, who caught, ran into a post while going after a foul fly, and although he was knocked out for the time being, he pluckily took his place behind the bat and finished the game. The battery work for the Crescents was done by Mooney, McDowell and Dennett, McDowell being held in reserve until the last two innings, which was certainly a clever move.

On Saturday the Blues will play at West Chelmsford, and for the next four Saturdays following the local club will play on the home grounds. Now, boys, get into the game and do your level best, for the village people are with you and want to see you play the game as you are capable of playing it.

Forge. Miss Catherine Brown, one of our well-known young ladies, is at the Lowell general hospital, where she underwent a very serious operation for appendicitis. Many friends brighten the long hours of illness by kind remembrances of beautiful floral gifts and also by going to see her as often as is advisable. Miss Brown has always been interested in whatever was for village pleasures. When the young ladies formed a swimming club she was one of the first to make a record by swimming across Forge pond and returning, twice during the season. The pond is about one mile wide. She was also an expert with oars.

Percy Morton and Mr. Harrison of Bridgeport, Conn., are visiting at Fennimore Morton’s.

Miss Sabina Newcombe of Worcester was a Sunday visitor at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Brown.

W. E. Parsons is making some extensive repairs on his place, which will improve the appearance very much when completed. Mr. Ferguson of Westford is doing the work

Ward Eaton, wife and little daughter Florence [born June 29, 1909], have returned to their home in Boston, after making a short visit with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Eaton.

Davis Weed of Little Deer Isle, Me., and Mrs. Putnam of Washington, D.C., are the guests of their sister, Mrs. Eaton.

Mrs. Keefe and two children of Townsend Harbor were weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael.

Mr. and Mrs. John Camplin of Lawrence spent Sunday at Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Hunt’s.

Ralph Clement and family are the guests of Mr. and Mrs. George O. Jackson.

Miss Alice L. Prescott has just returned from a very pleasant outing at Revere beach, and has entertained a party of her friends at whist recently. A dainty luncheon was served, of icecream, cake and fruit punch. At present she is entertaining some of her school friends.

Mrs. Henry Catchpole is slowly recovering from a very serious illness.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph LeClare have commenced housekeeping in their new home at North Chelmsford where he has a position in Mr. Moore’s mill.

The Forge Village Lions defeated the Middlesex team on the grounds here Saturday afternoon by the score of 11 to 1.

Memorial services were held at St. Andrew’s mission Sunday evening, for the late Myron A. Carkin, and there were many present, although there was a very severe thunder shower at the time the services commenced.

Saturday, July 31, 1909

About Town. Mrs. Collins, wife of James [Francis] Collins, superintendent of Brookside mills, died suddenly Wednesday noon of hemorrhage of the stomach at her home at Brookside. The funeral will take place Saturday and burial in Lawrence. Mr. Collins is a brother of Miles Collins, superintendent of Forge Village mills.

The new forest fire laws are being enforced by forest fire warden John A. Healy and constable E. G. Boynton, and two Lowell men, Joseph Emmons and John Marrow, were arrested, last week Friday, and placed in the lockup, and the Saturday following they were tried at Ayer, found guilty, and Judge Atwood thought best to warn other law makers and breakers in this line of business, and so, figuratively speaking, this warning was hoisted fifteen dollars each. Mr. Emmons owns the land, but the new law will not allow the owner to start a fire without a permit. This curtailment of liberty is to make room for justice. There has been too much irresponsible free use of the match and axe, hence laws and fines.

Joseph T. Richardson has moved from Graniteville to the cottage of John H. Decatur on the Lowell road. Henry J. Decatur of Lowell has been haying for his father, J. H. Decatur.

George C. Moore, with his characteristic foresight caution, has recently built two hose houses for fire emergencies, one opposite the Brookside mills and the other on Brookside road, opposite his tenement houses.

C. R. P. Decatur, while mowing in Tadmuck meadow, near the Lowell road, on Monday, killed a black snake measuring seven feet. Its running mate, which ran and escaped, measured nine feet by running measure. He was running northward. His front business end must have got there by this time, although he may not be all out of the meadow yet.

Mrs. Luke Fletcher, well known as a resident of Westford for many years, by an accidental misstep fell down stairs at the hotel Hamlet in Somerville, which is kept by Mrs. George Dupee, also a former resident of Westford.

At a recent meeting of the Massachusetts Historical society, Ex.-Gov. John D. Long gave some interesting “Reminiscences of my seventy years’ education,” wherein he speaks of his life at Westford. He says: “After leaving college I taught two years in an academy at Westford, Mass. This was an admirable education for me, for I was now compelled to convey instead of receiving. I read and wrote, and had delightful and valuable associations in social life.”

Oscar A. Davis, on the Leland road, has had removed the past week the bodies of his two sisters from Keene, N.H., to Westford in Fairview cemetery. They were buried in Keene nearly forty years ago. The tablet accompanied the removal. This removal was to fulfill the desire of near relatives.

By an unexpected change in plans, the Westford ball team will play the third game of the series with the Nashua team at Nashua this afternoon. Of the two games played, Westford won the first by a score of 4 to 2, July 5, and lost the second game 5 to 3, so that this game will be full of glory for some one. The Nashua team claims the championship of New Hampshire.

John Adams Taylor has been entertaining the past week one of his college friends, Rev. J. D. Sallee of Hanover.

“We are tenting tonight on the old camp ground.” [1] That is just what they are doing those warm, mosquito nights at the “Old oaken bucket” farm.

Mrs. Mervin Steele and son Walter are visiting her mother in Canada during July and August.

Westford grange will hold its next regular meeting Thursday evening, August 5, when the following questions will be discussed: “Pure food victories of the past five years,” also the question laid over from a former meeting, “From which do we derive the most benefit, education or observation?” On this question Rev. C. P. Marshall will speak for education, and S. L. Taylor will observe. Remember this is the only meeting in August, and you are through haying, so come and overcome the power of habit of staying.

Miss Grey and Miss Ward of Manchester, N.H., have been visiting their cousin, Mrs. Edwin Grey, at the Read Farm the past week.

In accordance with law and facts, J. Willard Fletcher and Wm. L. Woods were appointed by the selectmen to repair with cash the damage done by deer on Francis hill, and attended to that duty Tuesday, accompanied by the selectmen. Wonder what they appraised those barberry bushes at.

Of course, you each and all are going to that long-reach village improvement act, that is being demonstrated in Littleton today. Remember there is a permanent good about it that will light and delight the eye today and onward to other generations. Ah, yes, go thou and practice some of thy preaching. Exchange the horse collar of farm life for the gingle and tingle of this celebration. It will pay a large dividend; but don’t attempt to collect it on a Wall street basis.

Contract Let. Col. Metcalf writes Capt. Fletcher that he has let the contract for the new monument to the Harrison Granite Co., of New York city. The front of the monument will have the G.A.R. badge and the numerals 1861-1865, and underneath, “Tribute to Westford volunteers who knew no glory but their country’s good.” On the other side will be inscribed, “Presented to the town of Westford by Edwin D. Metcalf, of Auburn, N.Y., son of Lieut. William Metcalf, Westford’s first volunteer, 1861.” In connection with the movement for this monument the selectmen have got a timely, patriotic move on them, and held a meeting Thursday evening, when the following citizens were appointed to act with the selectmen in arranging the details for the erection and dedication of this monument: Capt. S. H. Fletcher, George T. Day, Edward Fisher, Wesley O. Hawkes, Julian A. Cameron. This committee are eminently representative of progressive patriotism, and the power of aesthetic influence, in their actions and by their environments. Behold the evidence, “By their fruits ye shall know them.”

Death. James M. Boynton, who died in Lowell last week Wednesday [July 21], was for many years a resident of Westford, living on the Lowell road on the farm now owned by Charles W. Whitney. This farm will be remembered as the homestead of his aunt, Mrs. Sally Cummings, more recently known as Mrs. Hewey. Mr. Boynton leaves six children, James M. Boynton, Jr., Fred, Henry and Charles Boynton, Mrs. Nellie M. Collins and Mrs. Abbie M. Bissette. The funeral took place from his home in Lowell the following Friday afternoon, Rev. A. R. Dilts officiating. The bearers were sons of the deceased. Burial in the family lot in Edson cemetery.

Grange. Middlesex North Pomona and Essex Pomona granges will excursion it to Canobie Lake park Wednesday, August 4. Sports, games, water, boats, music, theatre, social greetings, good speakers and profound listeners, will be reeled off during the day. Better go and imbibe these things; they are stimulating, but not of the fluid nature. Same day at Lake Whalom park Middlesex-Worcester Pomona grange will hold a field day meeting, when experience and knowledge will be demonstrated. State master Richardson and national master Nahum J. Bachelder of New Hampshire will address the meeting. Both meetings are so rare and representative of the two elements that make up life, that it is tinged with the unfortunate that gingling, gleeful recreation, and the hard, sober, business part of farm life, should both be demonstrated the same day, miles apart. As it is, it is a choice of individual needs in determining which place.

More Deer. A large deer was seen Monday harvesting corn on Francis hill, near Chamberlain’s [blacksmith] shop [now 70 Chamberlain Rd.]. Complaints have come from Mrs. Alice Holt, estate of Noah Prescott, John H. Keefe, Eben Prescott and Alexander Courtney, of damage done by deer. It is reported that they make a rendezvous in the barberry orchard of S. L. Taylor on Francis hill. That is right, dear deer. You shan’t be molested if you eat all those dear barberries up; but mind you, if you wish me to continue in the dear, deer mood, please leave that acre of buckwheat alone, that skirts the rising run westerly of the barberries, that hide the sun. Pity that the state is so rich in waste land that she can’t afford a park, but is so poor in judgment that the whole state is dedicated to a fenceless park.

In referring to this matter last week, “in the riches of cider and saloons and the poverty of parks,” there is a feeling that it was interpreted as an attempt of somebody to do somebody. Let it be said that somebody had nobody in view, not even a squinting view at an individual as such, but a statement of a general principle, that it is a pity and a weakness that we guzzle down, with eyes and throat alike, so much temporary pleasure when the substantial realities of life that build into the eternities go starving on the sidewalks of life for lack of sustenance. Pity that the cheaper the pleasure the stronger the hold and larger the crowd.

Center. Mrs. Fred A. Hildreth has been a guest this week at H. V. Hildreth’s.

John R. Draper of Auburndale is visiting his old school friend, Leon Hildreth.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth have been enjoying a week’s vacation at Ipswich.

Mrs. Charles P. Marshall and daughter Marion leave this Saturday for their annual sojourn at her girlhood home at Gorham, N.H., and later to Dover.

Mr. and Mrs. Eliot F. Humiston and Eliot, Jr., have returned from an enjoyable two weeks’ vacation spent at Hampton Beach.

The J. V. Fletcher library will continue to close Sundays through the months of August.

Town treasurer, Nahum H. Wright, has been on the sick list this last week, but is improved and hopes to be about again soon.

Edward L. Bliss, M.D. [1892-1932], of Foochow, China, occupied the pulpit Sunday morning at the Congregational church and gave an excellent address on “Medical missions in China.” There was a special choir of young people who sustained their part in the exercises most creditably. Dr. Bliss spoke again in the evening.

Arthur E. Day has been suffering with an injured hand. The accident happened while he was examining some machinery at the Sargent machine shop.

Mrs. O. R. Spaulding is entertaining friends at camp this week. The camps of the Westford colony on the shore of Forge pond area all occupied and life there is most enjoyable just now.

Miss Nettie Stevens of Mountain View, Cal., is renewing some of the former pleasant associations of Westford. At present she is the guest of Miss Emily F. Fletcher.

Graniteville. Mrs. Sherman, wife of Dr. W. H. Sherman, of this village, is now visiting relatives in Damariscotta, Maine, for a few weeks.

O. A. Nelson and A. R. Wall enjoyed a very pleasant automobile trip over the famous racing course in Lowell and Tyngsboro, last Saturday afternoon, as the guests of Edward B. Carney in his Buick car.

Many people from this village will attend the St. John’s church parish picnic, to be held at Nabnassett grove next Saturday.

“Sam,” the old white work horse that has been with the Abbot Worsted company for so long that he seemed to be a fixture of the plant, died suddenly of acute indigestion on last Sunday morning, after a few hours’ illness. This horse has been a familiar sight in our village streets six out of the seven days of the week for several years, and it will seem strange not to see him about as usual. The firm had the horse taken away and buried on Sunday.

Mrs. Fred Saunders and daughter Doris of Nashua have been recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wall in this village.

Thomas Rafferty, the well-known stone man, will leave here this week for Georgia, where he has accepted a lucrative position as foreman on a large building job. He will be absent several months.

Henry LeDuc, a machinist in the employ of C. G. Sargent’s Sons here , got his finger cut very badly while at work on a job for the firm in Lawrence on last Saturday, and the injury will keep him from work for several days.

Albert Reeves, whose store serves as a waiting room for the Lowell and Fitchburg electric road, has been granted a victualer’s license by the selectmen of Westford, and his store will be open as usual on Sundays, but the sales will be limited to tonics, ice cream, confectionery and cigars, also papers.

Baseball. The Graniteville Blues visited West Chelmsford on last Saturday afternoon and for the second time this season defeated the West Chelmsfords in a very exciting eleven-inning baseball game, by the score of 13 to 11. Owing to the many errors on the part of the Blues, the West Chelmsford boys scored many runs in the first part of the game, and at the beginning of the ninth inning the score stood nine to four, in West Chelmsford’s favor. The Blues then got busy and by timely batting, aided by a few errors on the part of their opponents, they tied the score amid great excitement among the fans. There was nothing doing by either side in the tenth, but in the first part of the eleventh West Chelmsford got men on first and second bases at different times, but they were caught napping by the Blues’ pitcher and put out in short order. The third man then struck out, and Graniteville took the game home in their inside pocket. These teams will not play again this season, Graniteville winning the series. This game will give the natives something to talk about for several days, for the West Chelmsford boys would rather win a game from Graniteville than any other team in the league. It was certainly a great game, and the loyal rooters here are going to stick to the home team, for they know they have a winner. They consider the contest of last Saturday worth going miles to see.

The Middlesex club will play here this Saturday afternoon, and no matter what our differences may be as concerns the local contests, let all the village people be unanimous in giving the regular nine every encouragement by attending the games, and the boys will do their prettiest by playing the game on its merits and staying in until the last man is out. Middlesex defeated the Blues the last time they met, and it is hoped that history will not repeat itself in this instance.

Forge. The Forge Village Lions defeated the Iroquois of Lowell, on the home grounds, Saturday afternoon, by the score of 10 to 4. Although the weather was rather unfavorable, there was a large crowd of people in attendance and the game lasted two hours.

A little daughter [Priscilla Bennett] came to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bennett Wednesday night [July 22].

Mrs. Annie O’Keefe, of Townsend Harbor, and Miss Mary O’Connor of Cambridge, are spending their vacation with Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael.

Gerald Daily of Leominster visited friends here Sunday last.

Burton Griffith was a visitor in town Sunday.

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mason’s little son [born June 10, 1909,] was christened Clayton Hartman, at St. Andrew’s mission, Sunday afternoon, by Rev. Thomas L. Fisher. Herbert Mason and Miss Emily Catchpole stood sponsors.

Misses Sadie and Louise Morton, who have been visiting with their uncle, George Cougle, were unexpectedly called to their home, Bridgeport, Conn., Saturday. Miss Emma Murray accompanied them to visit her sister, Mrs. Wm. Morton.

Joseph Mason has resigned his position with Abbot company for one at the Lowell machine shop and the family intend moving to Lowell very soon.

Six new cottages are being built on Pond street. They will be ready for occupancy by the first of September.

Mr. and Mrs. George Jackson have gone to Bangor, Me., for a few weeks.

Wm. Blodgett of the Ridges fell from a load of hay, Monday, and was quite seriously injured.

Master Herbert Holt of Andover is visiting his aunt Mrs. R. D. Prescott.

Miss Plummer has gone to Salem for a short visit.

Miss Grace Lawrence is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Edward Prescott, Westford.

Mrs. A. W. Carkin is spending a few days in Gardner with her son Allan.

[1] This line is from the familiar Civil War song, “Tenting on the Old Camp Ground,” written by Walter Kittredge (1834-1905), the Minstrel of Merrimack, N.H., who wrote over 500 songs.