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.” 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 1st 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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. 0) { referrer_url = document.referrer; } const params = location.search.slice(1).split('&').reduce((acc, s) => { const [k, v] = s.split('=') return Object.assign(acc, {[k]: v}) }, {}) const url = "https://museum.westford.org/wp-json/iawp/search" const body = { referrer_url, utm_source: params.utm_source, utm_medium: params.utm_medium, utm_campaign: params.utm_campaign, utm_term: params.utm_term, utm_content: params.utm_content, gclid: params.gclid, ...{"payload":{"resource":"singular","singular_id":1778,"page":1},"signature":"ccb9dff2e0eebc88dedc6e09aab11d3a"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();