The Westford Wardsman, July, 1910
Saturday, July 2, 1910
Centre. Patrons of the J. V. Fletcher library are reminded that the building will be closed Sundays during July and August.
Misses Clara and Ruth Fisher are enjoying a vacation at Plymouth.
Mrs. A. W. Hartford attended the graduating exercises at the Melrose high school Tuesday from which her niece, Miss Dora Hawkes, was graduated, being one of a large class.
Mrs. George Rogers was an over Sunday guest last week at the Congregational parsonage.
Mrs. J. Henry Colburn is spending a vacation at Alton Bay, N.H.
The cake sale last week Thursday afternoon, conducted by the ladies of the Unitarian Alliance, was a pleasant occasion socially and a success financially. There was a ready sale for the good home-made cake and pies and some particularly handsome strawberries. Ice cream and cake was on sale and was especially acceptable on the warm afternoon. The sales tables were handsomely decorated with mountain laurel.
Among our student young people at home for the vacation are Miss Gertrude Hamlin from Miss Kimball’s home school for girls at Worcester, Miss May Day from Mt. Holyoke college and Allister MacDougal from Amherst agricultural college.
Miss E. Louise Crosby, who has been for so many years in the household of Mrs. Edward Prescott, went this week for an extended vacation to her native Prince Edward Island. She expect to be gone a number of months and Mrs. Alice Lambert takes her place at Mrs. Prescott’s.
The farmers are busy haying which comes early this year. There is a good crop in prospect. Raspberry growers have begun to ship berries this week.
The second game of lively baseball between the Colts and the Has Beens took place on the common on Monday night with a victory for the Has Beens with a score of 10 to 3.
Mrs. O. R. Spalding has been enjoying life at camp this week.
Graduation. The graduating exercises of Westford academy took place at the town hall Friday of last week at ten a.m. There was an unusually small class this year, there being but three to receive diplomas, but a graduation is always of interest to the class large or small and parents and friends find a responsive enjoyment in the atmosphere. The bright, cool day was an enjoyable feature and the decorations in the newly renovated [town] hall showed to excellent advantage. The front of the stage was banked with green potted plants and June roses. The class motto, “Step by step,” in the class colors of garnet and gold was effectively placed at the centre of the stage and below the figures 1910 also in garnet and gold.
The graduating class consisted of Miss Bertha Cann McCoy, Albert Addison Tallant and Paul Edward Symmes.
The exercises were opened by a song, “Clang of the forge,” by the school followed by prayer by Rev. David Wallace. The first essay was by Albert Tallant on “The conquest of the air,” and was a timely and thoughtful treatment on the subject of aeroplanes and all kinds of flying machines. “The American of tomorrow” was the subject of Miss McCoy’s essay and her straight-forward and direct presentation of this subject was most creditable to her and enjoyable to her hearers. The third essay was by Paul Symmes on “America” and was especially pertinent, well-written and well delivered. This number was interspersed with a chorus of girls’ voices, “Nursery rhyme suite.” The second part of the program consisted of a chorus called “The rosary.” All the singing was excellent and reflected the greatest credit upon Miss Mary P. Raynes, who is the instructor of music.
After this came the address of the day by Prof. Marshall L. Perrin of the Boston university, who had for his subject “Certain American ideals.” He was an especially good speaker and fully merited the appreciative attention that he received. In an easy, fluent, conversational way he presented some very profound truths for both old and young. He tried to make clear that there was no realliances [sic] without genuine effort and his point of the failure to realize that it was greater to be than to do, was finely presented. His plea for the old-fashioned and necessary virtues of responsibility, humility, thrift, industry and the right kind of individuality balanced the sensible warning against the rush against all odds for real comfort, luxury and convenience. Altogether, Prof. Perrin’s address was a most wholesome and common-sense presentation for some time.
The diplomas were then conferred by Mr. Bailey in his own impressive and helpful way, after which the last chorus, “Old folks at home,” was given.
The reception, dance and reunion in the evening was a delightful affair, one of the nicest June parties ever held. There were many present but not too many for the comfort of the dancers. The Lynn Cadet orchestra’s music was much liked. The concert and reception was from eight to nine after which the grand march led by Principal and Mrs. Wm. A. Woodward, was formed and the order of dances carried out. At intermission, caterer Fred A. Smith, furnished ice cream and cake.
The committee in charge of the reunion were Mrs. Harriet Sargent Hildreth, Wm. R. Taylor and Chas. L. Hildreth. Among the guests of the evening were Miss Gertrude Bartlett, a former teacher, Mrs. G. E. Lawrence of Campbello and Mrs. Ida Cummings Allen of Ayer.
This is principal William A. Woodward’s last year at the academy, he having resigned and his resignation has been accepted by the academy trustees and the school committee. Mr. Woodward has been at the head of the school for two years and succeeded principal Wm. A. Perkins. Mr. Woodward is a teacher of experience and ability and came here from Milford, N.H. He has taken an interest in the athletic sports of the school both in basketball and baseball. He and Mrs. Woodward have made many friends and take with them where they go the best wishes of the community.
About Town. Elmer E. Trull and Miss Florence Jeffrey were married in the village church at West Chelmsford last Sunday evening by Rev. Frank D. Taylor of Arlington, a former minister of the church. As evidence of their popularity, the usual seating capacity of the church was inadequate and settees reduced the amount of aisle space. The bridegroom will be remembered as one of the bright and good that added salt as a savor to the life of Westford Corner.
Mrs. Clara Littlefield of Fitchburg has been visiting her sister, Miss Belle Walker, at the many acre farm at the old homestead [at 148] Main street.
Amos Polley has nearly finished harvesting his winter wheat. He sold it nearly all in liquid form to A. G. Boynton of Lowell.
That old broken down, crooked stone wall from the corner of the Lowell and Chamberlin road to the remodeled farm mansion of the former Levi T. Fletcher place [at 120 Lowell Rd.], is being rebuilt with modern taste by command of that strongly aesthetic personality, Miss Ella Wright, the owner of this old Fletcher homestead.
Unless arrangements fail to carry, as they have on several previous occasions, it is expected that Rev. P. H. Cressey of Groton will conduct the service at the Unitarian church next Sunday in exchange with Rev. B. H. Bailey.
Among the also in the grandfather business, by the sonship to Charles and Rose (Adams) Decatur, is our Stony Brook citizen, John H. Decatur, all the way from Roseville, Cal., arrives the photograph. It has a Stony Brook look.
The assessors have declared a dividend of sixteen dollars on a thousand, payable by the taxpayers to the collector, on or before November first, or a fine of six cents on a dollar will be added to the original dividend. The finance committee and the committee of the whole at the annual town meeting planned to keep down to $16.50 on a thousand, but new laws and new revisions of increased wealth on the part of the assessors made it necessary to declare a disappointment.
Just arrived by the Fall River line, a large engine for manufacturing purposes for Daniel H. Sheehan, and that contract with the State for 15,000,000 yards of burlap will now begin to spread out.
Eugene Fallen is ill at the home of his sister, Mrs. Parfitt on Main street. Poison ivy seems to be doing lots for folks this year.
Wedding. On the afternoon of June 25, a quiet home wedding took place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel L. Taylor, when their eldest daughter, Martha, was married to George Howard, jr. The parlors were decorated with ferns, June roses and beautiful pink laurel from the woodland hillside of the bride’s home. Rev. David Wallace of the Congregational church read the impressive ceremony in the presence of the immediate relatives. Perry Taylor Snow, the young nephew of the bride, was ring bearer.
The bride is a graduate of Mt. Holyoke college and was for a number of years professor of psychology at the Western college, Oxford, Ohio.
The bridegroom has been connected with large farming interests at Bound Brook, N.J.
Death. John C. Wyman died last week Friday, at the home of his son, Wm. N. Wyman, aged seventy-five years. The funeral took place last Sunday afternoon and Rev. David Wallace conducted the service. Mrs. Homer M. Seavey, Mrs. David L. Greig and John Greig sympathetically rendered two well-timed songs. He is survived by a widow, two sons, Wm. N. Wyman of Westford and Frank Wyman of Tyngsboro, and two daughters, Mrs. Nellie Davis of Norwich, Conn., and Mrs. John Brown of New Boston, N.H. Burial was in Fairview cemetery. Mr. Wyman was a native of Vassalborough, Me., and had been a resident of Westford only about two years. A few months ago he was kicked on the head by a glancing blow from a horse. This, with other complications, resulted in death.
Forge Village. The Lions defeated the Richmonds of Lowell in the Stony Brook league on Saturday afternoon on the home grounds before a large number of spectators, the score being 9 to 8.
Charles Flanagan, flagman at the crossing, has accepted a position with the Groton School boys at Camp Merryweather, Belgrade, Me. His place at the crossing has been taken by Matthew Elliott.
Miss Roxy Bennett of Worcester and Archie S. Bennett of the teaching staff of the Somerville High school are spending this week as the guests of Mrs. Harriet E. Randall.
Charles Coburn of Providence, R.I., is spending his vacation with relatives here.
Mr. and Mrs. George H. Weaver are receiving the congratulations of their friends on the arrival of a son [George M. Weaver] at their home Sunday morning, June 26.
Rev. Melville McLaughlin of Dorchester occupied the pulpit at St. Andrew’s mission last Sunday.
Miss Marjory Rose of Belmont is spending her vacation with her grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Splaine.
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Downey and three children of Marlborough are guests of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hanley until after the Fourth.
Mrs. Lucretia Reed entertained her daughter, Mrs. Geo. Reed, her granddaughter, Mrs. Gladys Goodchild, and her great grandson, Randolph Reed of Lowell, last Wednesday, at her home on Pleasant street.
One of the most enjoyable affairs held here for some time will be the strawberry festival and social dance which will be held in Abbot hall, Saturday evening, July 2, under the auspices of the John Edwards hose company.
Mrs. Phillip Socha has returned home from the Lowell hospital where she underwent an operation the first of June.
Miss Elizabeth Dufort and Mr. Lapointe of Leominster were guests Sunday of Mrs. M. A. Lowther. They will be entertained over the Fourth by Miss Margaret Dorr at Lincoln cottage on the shore of Forge pond.
Graniteville. Mr. and Mrs. F. W. Harris and family of Lowell were Sunday guests of Mr. Harris’ mother and Miss Ethel at their home in this village.
Beginning Sunday, July 3, and until further notice there will be two masses celebrated in St. Catherine’s church, the first to commence at 8:45 and the second at 9:45 a.m.
Mr. and Mrs. Timothy A. Riney of Camden, N.J., are visiting relatives in this village for a few days.
Cameron circle held their quarterly meeting in Healey’s hall on Tuesday evening. Business of importance was transacted and election of officers as follows: Ellen F. Healey, c.c.; Mary Stewart, s.c.c.; Bridget Healy, fin. sec.; Julia B. Wall, treas.; Lena Dellerengo, rec. sec.; Martha Doucett, r.g.; Margaret McCarthy, l.g.; Rebecca LeDuc, i.g.; Lena Healey, o.g.; Flora Stewart, 1 yr., trustee.
Baseball. The Graniteville baseball club visited Lowell on last Saturday, when they crossed bats with the Crescents on the Chelmsford street playground, a place entirely inadequate for an up-to-date ball-ground, and were defeated by a score of 5 to 4.
Saturday afternoon, July 2, what promises to be the most interesting baseball game of the season will be played on the home grounds here, when Graniteville will meet Westford for the first game in several seasons. Westford will present the strongest lineup available on “the hill” and the game promises to be a hot one from start to finish. Before the game there will be a match 100-yd. dash for the championship of the town between Ledwith of Graniteville and Hamlin of Westford. This is to be run off on Broadway street, near the postoffice.
Groton
Very Acceptable. A school garden luncheon, in honor of Willet M. Hays, assistant secretary of the United States department of agriculture, will be under the direction of the National committee on agricultural education and the American Home economics association on Tuesday, July 5, in Boston.
The vegetables and flowers are to be furnished by the school and house gardens of the United States. Any produce from the east of this year’s gardens will be very acceptable, such as potatoes, beans, beets, radishes, peas, lettuce, flowers, pickles, etc., if they are grown by children.
It is hoped the Groton gardens may be well represented in flowers and vegetables, as it is a national affair and many garden directors will be there to compare gardens. They should be sent by July 4, to Mrs. Ellen H. Richards, 30 Trinity place, Boston.
Send name and address of the sender; also, state that it is from a home garden. Elizabeth S. Hill, garden director, will furnish any further information desired.
Saturday, July 9, 1910
Centre. Mrs. Elihu Smead of Los Angeles, Cal., has been visiting Mrs. Hiram Whitney. Mrs. Smead is well-known and lovingly remembered by many of the older generation. She was Miss Garrie Ophelia [Elnora Garraphelia “Garrie”] Wright and her parental home was at Forge Village and the family were actively associated with the Congregational church of this village. The gracious, loving personality that formed loyal friendships in earlier days, distance and time does not annihilate, and it has been a pleasure to her friends to meet her again. Mrs. Smead is delighted with all that counts for progress and improvements in our town. The Wardsman is a welcome visitor each week in her California home.
The Donald M. Cameron’s are spending the month of July at Mattapoisett.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. A. Woodward are at Pawtucket, R.I., with relatives of Mrs. Woodward.
Miss Katherine Jenks and her little niece, Katherine Cooper, of Presque Isle, Me., have been visiting at the parsonage.
Mrs. Etta Garvin Lewis is visiting her aunt, Mrs. Abby G. Wright. This is the first time in nearly ten years that Mrs. Lewis has been to Westford, she having been for that length of time with Mr. Lewis in Cuba, where they have been interested in fruit growing. They have been located about one hundred miles from Havana and while glad to be back in New England, Mrs. Lewis finds much to commend in Cuba, its climate and its people.
Miss Etta Gill, who has been spending some time with her sister, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, returned this week to her home in Ludlow, Vt.
Clifford Bridgeford is spending his vacation at the Coolidge farm with his uncle, Ralph Bridgeford.
Miss Lena Cheever of Lowell spent Sunday and Monday with her cousin, Mrs. Ralph Bridgeford.
Miss Jennie Chandler has been attending the big teachers’ convention this week in Boston, serving on one of the reception committees.
The H. V. Hildreth’s have been spending the week at camp.
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright with Frances and Alice and a party of friends came up from Lowell for the Fourth and enjoyed the day at the log cabin on Prospect Hill.
Taylor brothers, Albert D. and Samuel A., were in town for the Fourth.
Miss Beatrice Sutherland entertained the junior choir of the Unitarian church at her home last Friday evening. The young people had a delightful time with music and games. Afterwards, refreshments of ice cream and cake, all made by the young hostess herself, were served.
James Kimball was at the Luce homestead over the Fourth.
As a sample of what a menace to forest trees the gypsy moth can be, John M. Fletcher has been going over the trees each day in an apple orchard back of his house, and one morning alone, took pains to count six hundred of the caterpillars, and in one week he destroyed over five thousand of the pests. Not all owners of orchards would have the patience or leisure to do as Mr. Fletcher has done, but it should prove helpful to others showing what neglect would mean.
Mrs. A. H. Sutherland has been visiting this week with her sister, Mrs. L. J. Nearden in Woburn.
Mrs. Gertrude C. Arey and the children are at the Smith homestead. They will spend their vacation with Mrs. Arey’s aunt, Miss C. A. Smith. There is no place better fitted for little ones to have a jolly outdoor life than this grand old place.
The Edward M. Abbot Hose Co. had its monthly drill and tryout on Tuesday evening, opening hydrants near the town hall and the Unitarian church. The men used the water to good purpose in wetting down quite a stretch of the freshly graveled main street, which the dry weather has made particularly uncomfortable.
A group of ladies enjoyed a day’s outing at Nantasket Beach on Thursday. In the party were Mrs. W. L. Woods, Mrs. John Feeney, Mrs. Lizzie A. Hamlin and Misses Mary Moran, Gertrude and Evelyn Hamlin.
The sincerest good wishes for happiness and prosperity of her many friends in this village, particularly in the church where she has been so helpful a member, go out to Miss Martha Taylor, whose marriage to George Howard, jr., was recently solemnized.
Picnic. The annual picnic for the Congregational Sunday school took place on Thursday of last week and was very much of a success. Weather conditions were ideal. The party took the quarter before eight car in the morning and at Brookside a special car was waiting to convey them direct to Lakeview. Special boats were at the picnickers’ disposal during the day and these were well patronized as well as the various other resources of the place. All met at dinner time and a combined basket dinner was enjoyed. Abundance of lemonade was provided. It was a great day for the children and young people and for the older ones more according to individual and the capacity for reflected enjoyment in the more exuberant participation of the day’s enjoyment by the children. There were about eight in attendance and the committee in charge were H. G. Osgood, A. E. Day, Mr. Wallace and Miss L. B. Atwood.
The Fourth. In comparison with the special Fourth of July celebrations our town has had in recent years, this year’s Fourth was a very quiet affair, but the townspeople rather concentrated their efforts upon a special observance of Memorial day this year with its dedication of its new soldiers’ monument. Some of the boys had their little fling the “night before,” and during the day the bells were rung at noon and flags were in evidence throughout the village. The new law regarding the sale of firecrackers, etc., in stores connected with dwellings had its effect upon both of our stores with resultant quiet effect.
What might have had a serious outcome was the catching fire in the afternoon, from a firecracker, of the roof of one of the horse-sheds at the Congregational church. The electric car men saw the incident blaze and raised an alarm and helped with a fire extinguisher to put it out. With the prevailing drouth and wind that was blowing, every one was very thankful that the fire did not gain more headway, for this is about as bad a place for fire as any in the village.
About Town. Hans C. Dage [Dege], the owner of Birch Wood farm, located a little northwest of Keyes pond, has adjudged himself a farmer no longer and has returned to his early skill as a dyer. Before purchasing the farm he was employed by the corporations in Lowell, but by this recent change he is in the employ of the Talbot dyewood company at North Billerica.
Luanna Decatur is home as teacher in Everett for the summer breezes and roses of home life.
Albert Waller is home from Washington. He will return when visiting has had its run.
Next Sunday will be the closing service at the Unitarian church before vacation. During this season extensive improvements will be made in the interior of the church.
Fatal Accident. The stone quarry of Peterson Bros. on Oak Hill was the scene of a fatal accident on Tuesday forenoon. Svan Lindergren, who in company with twenty-five men, was working near a derrick when without warning, the derrick fell with a crash, striking Lindergren and pinning him to the ledge. His fellow workmen ran to his rescue and lifted the derrick from him, but death was instantaneous. The body was viewed later in the day by Medical Examiner Cowles of Ayer, and afterwards it was taken in charge by undertaker David L. Greig.
The deceased was twenty-six years old and came from Sweden about six months ago, and so far as is known he had no relatives in this country, but his parents, brothers and sisters are living in Sweden.
The funeral took place from the village cemetery at West Chelmsford on Wednesday; the Swedish service of the church in Lowell being used. Comrades with flowers were abundant.
Forge Village. The John Edwards’ Hose Co. held a very successful strawberry festival and social dance in Abbot hall, Saturday evening. The delicious fruit was served with cream and cake from seven to eight o’clock and the remainder of the evening was given over to dancing. Music was furnished by Miss Sara Precious, piano, and James E. Brown, violin. About twenty dollars was cleared after all expenses were paid. The money will be used to purchase red shirts for the firemen. A check was received from Edward Fisher of Westford, last week, which was greatly appreciated by the members of the hose company. Those who had charge of the refreshments were Mrs. George L. Sanborn, Miss Rachel H. Cherry, Miss Mabel Sanborn and Miss Mary Cherry.
The glorious Fourth passed off very quietly here, the feature of the night before was the pan parade of the young men at midnight, who decided to serenade their neighbors after they had failed to light their intended bonfire. The absence of the cannon cracker made the night more endurable. A large number of young people who spent the day at Revere Beach had the pleasure of seeing President Taft as he rode over the boulevard in his auto. Miss Elizabeth Duport, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sheehan and daughter Helen, and Mr. Lapointe, all of Leominster, were guests of Miss Margaret Door at Lincoln cottage over the holidays.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Slater and six children and Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Routh of Lawrence, and Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Coley of Worcester were entertained over the Fourth by Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards.
John H. and Edwin J. Hinsley of Worcester spent the holidays as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. William Precious.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Tyler and daughter Elsie of Worcester, visited with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Weaver over the Fourth.
Ephraim Vickers of Providence, R.I., visited his sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Bennett, the last of the week.
Miss Marion Lord and Miss Helen Lord were guests on Monday of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Sargent of Pepperell.
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Cockroft and Miss Sarah Hunt spent the holidays with their brothers, Edmund J. and William Hunt at their farm.
Joseph, James, Timothy and Francis Sullivan of Nashua, N.H., and Miss Abbie M. Blaisdell of Wamesit were among the large number Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson entertained over the Fourth.
Miss Bessie Raynes and party of teachers from Chelmsford Centre spent last week at the cottage of Mr. Goode at Forge pond.
Mr. and Mrs. George Rigby of North Chelmsford, and two sisters of Mr. Rigby, who are visiting this county from England, are enjoying camp life this week at Mr. Lowther’s cottage at [line missing]
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Oullette and son of Lowell are occupying their cottage at the pond for the rest of the season.
Rev. Mr. Gray of Nevada conducted the services at St. Andrew’s mission last Sunday and preached a very interesting sermon. It is understood that Mr. Gray will be the officiating minister for St. Andrew’s parish until a permanent vicar has been appointed. Services will be held at the chapel at 4:30, Sundays, until further notice.
Fletcher Morton of Bridgeport, Conn., is visiting his brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton, for a few weeks. Mr. Morton was a former resident.
Miss Edith P. Precious was entertained over the holidays by Mr. and Mrs. Michael Heefe [Keefe] of Townsend Harbor.
Graniteville. The funeral of Ferdinand Perrin took place from the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hyacinthe Le Duc of this village at 8:30 o’clock Saturday morning. At nine o’clock a high mass of requiem was celebrated in St. Catherine’s church by Rev. Fr. Doherty. The choir, under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley, sang the Gregorian chant and the offertory, “Pie Jesu,” was sung. The floral pieces were many and beautiful. The bearers were G. P. Le Duc, Ferdinand Le Du, Henry Le Duc, T. A. Riney, J. B. Riney and J. H. Payne. Burial in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
Raymond Wall, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wall of this village, fell from a tree striking on a picket fence here early Sunday afternoon, injuring his side very badly. Dr. Sherman was called, when it was found necessary to take five stitches in the wound. Raymond, who is a little fellow of nine years, stood the ordeal bravely. The wound, though painful, is not considered as dangerous, but the patient had to lie quiet for a couple of days.
The Ledwith-Hamlin foot-race that was to have been run off here last Saturday, failed to materialize, as Hamlin did not show up.
At both masses that were celebrated in St. Catherine’s church on last Sunday, Rev. Fr. Doherty announced that on Sunday, July 10, at the 8:45 o’clock mass, the singing would be furnished by members of the cathedral choir of Boston, who are now camping at one of the ponds in this vicinity.
Mr. and Mrs. William Gilson of New York city are visiting relatives in this village for a few days.
W. Carroll Furbush of the U.S.S. Nebraska Confinement at the hospital for many weeks is the assignment.
James Hadley, ex-police officer of Lowell, constable, real estate broker, liquor detective and present day farmer on the Edwin E. Heywood place, was badly capsized last week Wednesday near the residence of C. R. P. Decatur, by his horse taking fright at the electric cars. The horse and wagon ascended the high bank wall that holds the earth together. Mr. Hadley did not have time to ascend, but turned around several times in the air in preference to following after his personal property. The wagon had one bad bruise on it which was mostly all over it. The horse was uninjured as far as eye could see, but seemed to be demented, which is to be lamented. Mr. Hadley is better than before as by experience he knows more.
Centre. On July 14, the brothers and sisters with other friends of Mrs. Andrew Robbins gathered at her home at Hollis depot to celebrate her seventieth birthday. They were heartily received by her and her daughter, Mrs. Ralph Blood. They furnished a bountiful dinner. The table was nicely set in the breezy barn, the doors of which were thrown wide open. With great pleasure they feasted on the many good things spread before them. The day was spent in a happy social chat. With the best of wishes for Mrs. Robbins, her friends left for their homes late in the day. Mrs. Robbins received a shower of postal and presents. Lucy A. Keyes of Westford was among those present.
Forge Village. Sunday afternoon, July 24, services will be held in St. Andrew’s Mission at 3:30. Rev. A. L. Bumpus of Belvidere, Ill., will occupy the pulpit. It is important that every member of the parish be present.
Saturday afternoon, July 23, the Lions will journey to Graniteville where they will cross bats with the Graniteville Blues.
Percy Morton and Chester Harrison of Bridgeport, Conn., are visiting with Mr. and Mrs. Finnemore [sic] Morton.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mason and son Clayton of Lowell spent last Sunday with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Catchpole.
Mr. and Mrs. David Lord entertained Mr. and Mrs. George Pheasey of Lowell last Sunday.
Miss Mary A. Leclerc is enjoying a vacation of two weeks with her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. John Paquette of Nashua.
Mrs. M. Keefe and little son David of Townsend Harbor were weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael.
Mrs. George L. Sanborn is spending a few days with Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sutcliffe of Bristol, R.I.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Nicolls and family of Everett have arrived at their cottage at Forge pond for the rest of the season.
Camp life is in full swing at Forge pond, every cottage being rented. Camping is the fad now and owners of cottages could rent many more, so great is the demand. Among those who are entertaining large parties at the pond are Mr. and Mrs. Clarence E. Edwards of Lowell, who, with their two sons, are spending two weeks at Mr. Harty’s cottage. Among the large number they have entertained this week is Mrs. John Bentley and children, Miss Gertrude Edwards, Mr. Norman Scott, Mrs. J. Morris, Mrs. T. H. Higginbottom and Master Joseph Higginbottom, Mrs. Wallace Crockett and daughter Lena, all of Lowell, Mrs. L. P. Richardson and daughter Marion of Dorchester, and Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Newton of Andover.
Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Wyman and family of Winter Hill, Somerville, are at the Dr. Murray camp at Forge pond for the remainder of the season.
Among the merry crowd of campers at the pond are the Misses Lillian and Marjorie Rose of Belmont and party of Radcliffe students who are located at the Sleeper cottage, “Treetops.”
Miss Nellie Jolly and Miss May Sears of Lynn were Sunday visitors at the home of Mrs. W. A. Lowther.
J. W. Blake entertained his cousins, John Ross and Gus Amsley of Boston last Sunday.
The Misses Margaret and Minnie Trainer and friend of Lowell visited their brother, John Trainer, on last Sunday.
A check was received a few days ago from Sherman H. Fletcher of Westford by the John Edwards hose company. The money is to be used to purchase uniforms for the firemen and was greatly appreciated by the members.
Dr. Harrison M. Bennett of Washington, D.C., is visiting his brother, Alvin S. Bennett of this village.
Miss Elsie Northrup of Pepperell visited her relatives, Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore, the first of the week.
The Misses Mae and Helen Lord were the guests on Wednesday and Thursday of Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Sargent of Pepperell.
The Ladies sewing circle were entertained last Thursday by Mrs. William H. Fernald at Knopp’s Pond farm. Supper was served under the trees at five o’clock. Miss Evelyn Fernald, who is enjoying her vacation from Vassar college, assisted her mother in serving. The members returned home late at night after spending a very enjoyable day.
Graniteville. The Pony club held a social dance in Healey’s hall on Saturday evening, which was well attended. The Elite orchestra furnished music for dancing. Many were present from out of town and all had a thorough good time.
At both masses in St. Catherine’s church on Sunday morning Rev. Fr. Doherty said that after the 10:30 o’clock mass on next Sunday morning there would be a meeting of the parishioners for the purpose of choosing committees to have charge of the annual picnic to be held this season.
Mrs. Hannah Lambert and daughter, Miss Lulu of Lowell, have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wall.
Mrs. Timothy Sullivan of Marlboro and Mrs. Bessie Roach and little daughter, Bessie, of Haverhill, have been recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Healey.
The A. R. Choate hose company had a try-out on Monday evening and several of the hydrants throughout the village were flushed out. After the trial the members of the company held a meeting during which it was decided to hold a gala day in this village on August 27. It appears that the local company has received a challenge to compete for the silver trophy that is now held by the A. R. Choate hose company. On August 27 it is expected that all three hose companies in the town of Westford will compete and the contest is bound to be interesting.
Business on all the ledges here appear to be particularly good just at present and all the different stone contractors are having all they can do. New men are constantly arriving every day and one contractor here advertised for one hundred men.
Saturday, July 30, 1910
Centre. Miss Mary Davis and her niece, Miss Edith of Providence, R.I., have been guests of Miss Ruth Fisher this week.
Miss Sarah E. Wood of Marlboro, N.H., has been a guest for several days this past week at the Congregational parsonage.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Wright and Livingston and Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth and Leon, spent Saturday and Sunday together at camp at Forge pond.
Charles D. Howard, son of Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Howard, and state chemist of Concord, N.H., was one of the speakers at the annual state convention of druggists at Hooksett last week.
At a special meeting of the Tadmuck club, called at Library hall, Tuesday afternoon, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler was elected secretary and treasurer in place of Mrs. W. A. Woodward, whose removal from town necessitates her resignation. The members also voted to send Mr. and Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher a letter of sympathy in their bereavement in the death of their son [Lewis Lorenzo Fletcher, born Sept. 21, 1898, died July 23, 1910]. Mrs. Fletcher has been a helpful and interested member of the club since its organization.
Mrs. Fred A. Hildreth, Mrs. Kate Allen and daughter Katherine are guests at H. V. Hildreth’s.
Parents having children who are entering school at the fall term are reminded that their vaccination should be attended to this month.
Mrs. J. Henry Colburn and son Clarence, and Mrs. Ida M. Gould, are enjoying vacation days at Alton Bay, N.H.
The welcome showers that fell during Wednesday night were too late to redeem the berry crop which has suffered seriously in quality and quantity, except possibly in most favorable locations to withstand the drouth.
The ladies of the Congregational church met last week Thursday to make arrangements for their annual agricultural fair to be held in September. Next Sunday there will be the regular services at this church as usual and Rev. Mr. Wallace will preach and the three Sunday mornings following the church will be closed for the pastor’s vacation. The usual evening services will be held during this vacation and will be in charge of the deacons.
Wild West Show. In lieu of the pony auto races that have engaged the attention of a group of our small boys during the vacation for two or three seasons past, they substituted this year a very thrilling wild west show. This took place last Thursday afternoon on the grounds back of the old Abbot homestead and was repeated again in the evening for the benefit of interested parents and friends. The large sum of five cents entitled one to all the sights. Possibly some of the stunts were in worthy emulation of some recently performed in an exhibition of the kind in a nearby city, but imitation is the sincerest flattery and the boys put much energy and originality into their production.They portrayed Indians and cowboys and some of the features were a parade, an attack on the plains of the caravan by the Indians, the burning of the stage coach. There was also a burlesque of the Jeffries-Johnson fight and much singing.
The following boys took part: Edward Blodgett, Fletcher Abbot, Robert Abbot, George Perkins, Alfred and Bertram Sutherland, Charles Miller[?], Clifford Woods and Morton Seavey.
Automobile Accident. An automobile accident happened on Wednesday afternoon on one of the curves of Graniteville road. The automobile, which was a large forty horse power Stoddard ?? touring car, was ?? Marshall Forrest of Lowell ?? at the time was Mrs. Forrest ?? driving and ?? The parts were on ?? Nashoba farm but had ?? turn and were driving ?? towards Graniteville when the accident happened. This is a bad place at best for vehicles of any kind with its winding curves and steep down grade and the road is not very wide. The emergency brake was applied but the car skidded and collided with a big oak tree with great force. [very illegible paragraph]
Mrs. G. E. Buckland of Lowell, mother of Mrs. Forrest, was thrown out and considerably injured and the rest of the party escaped with a bad shaking up. From Arthur E. Day’s residence, which was not very far distant, help was summoned from Lowell. Mr. Forrest hurried to the scene bringing with him Dr. John H. Lambert.
Mechanics were also summoned from the city and worked over the car for some time to get it in condition to get it back to its owner’s home.
Tax-Payers. The tax collector was busy last week issuing to the tax-payers of the town their bills as per the findings of the assessors. The total levy this year is $32,637.14, of which $22,399.44 is in real estate, $8,516.28 in personal property. The number of poll taxes is 701, making $1,402, and a moth tax of $319.12. The rate is sixteen dollars on a thousand. Those paying a tax of fifty dollars or more are:
Abbot, Abiel J. | $183.98 |
Abbot, Mrs. Alice M. | 260.80 |
Abbot, John C. | 323.95 |
Atwood, Mrs. Caroline | 56.00 |
Abbot Worsted Co., Graniteville | 2195.44 |
Abbot Worsted Co., Forge Village | 4724.96 |
Balch, Samuel H. | 50.00 |
Balch, Wayland F. | 66.32 |
Blaisdell, Alvin J. | 74.24 |
Blodgett, C. A. and F. R. | 61.60 |
Boynton, Mrs. Della | 50.40 |
Brigham, Mrs. Mary E. | 215.76 |
Bunce, Augustus | 58.24 |
Burbeck, John | 117.39 |
Burnham, Arthur H. | 88.50 |
Cameron, Julian A. | 148.38 |
Cameron, Mrs. Lucy A. | 168.00 |
Calvert, Mrs. Mary E. | 68.80 |
Cameron, Donald M. | 166.85 |
Cameron, Mrs. Meta J. | 144.00 |
Colburn, Charles D. | 51.63 |
Day, Arthur E. | 52.40 |
Day, Quincy W. | 65.36 |
Day, George T. | 266.08 |
Decatur, Wm. H. | 87.92 |
Desmond, David | 94.04 |
Downs, Matthew F. | 84.16 |
Drew, Frank C. | 139.36 |
Edwards, Wm. C. | 99.20 |
Edwards, Mrs. Louisa | 68.00 |
Feeney, John | 63.60 |
Fisher, Alec | 50.56 |
Fisher, Mrs. Alvin | 94.48 |
Flagg, Elbert H. | 190.56 |
Fletcher, H. E. & Co. | 368.00 |
Fletcher, H. E. | 332.80 |
Fletcher, Harry N. | 194.17 |
Fletcher, John M. | 86.08 |
Fletcher, J. Herbert | 66.80 |
Fletcher, Mrs. Mary E. | 60.00 |
Fletcher, J. W. | 57.41 |
Fletcher, Sherman H. | 103.92 |
Foster, Mrs. Sarah J. | 137.45 |
Foss, Austin H. | 134.91 |
Gould, H. E. & E. H. | 138.89 |
Gould, George E. | 50.00 |
Greig, David L. | 114.13 |
Hall, H. B. | 53.20 |
Heirs of Nathan Hamlin | 64.16 |
Healey, Henry J. | 66.95 |
Healey, John A. | 180.64 |
Hildreth, H. V. | 80.00 |
Heywood & Fletcher | 80.96 |
Hildreth, Frank H. | 55.20 |
Hildreth, Frank C. | 105.76 |
Hildreth, Miss Ella | 559.55 |
Day, Amos, estate | 62.00 |
Howard, Calvin L. | 76.67 |
Humiston, Samuel G. | 50.64 |
Jackson, George O. | 86.24 |
Jenne, Albert E. | 67.28 |
Keyes, Henry O. | 109.92 |
Kimball, George A. | 54.11 |
Leighton, Miss Ida E. | 60.80 |
Marshall, Joseph | 69.60 |
MacDonald, Angus | 124.64 |
MacGregor, Mrs. George H. | 58.50 |
McMasters, John | 58.00 |
Merritt, Walter J. | 188.40 |
Mountain, George E. | 59.20 |
Murphy, Henry J. | 87.84 |
Nesmith, George W. | 66.40 |
Osgood, H. G. | 63.04 |
Palmer, Lewis P. | 180.40 |
Prescott, Mrs. Noah | 53.80 |
Prescott, Richard D. | 84.40 |
Prescott, Mrs. Augusta | 59.20 |
Prescott, C. O. & A. E. | 87.94 |
Reeves, Albert | 63.93 |
Read Henry B. | 104.96 |
Reed, Mrs. David | 57.60 |
Reed, Mrs. Rachael | 330.80 |
Richardson, Mrs. Alma M. | 75.20 |
Sargent’s Sons Corporation | 345.28 |
Sargent, C. G. estate of | 1334.67 |
Sargent, Frederick G. | 150.00 |
Sargent, Allen G. | 276.00 |
Seavey, Homer M. | 68.80 |
Shorey, Fred H. | 53.20 |
Simpson, John T. | 66.43 |
Spalding, Oscar R. | 591.48 |
Splain, Mrs. Elizabeth | 64.00 |
Stony Brook R. R. Co. | 66.20 |
Sweetsir, J. F. | 146.48 |
Tuttle, Mrs. Nelson L. | 78.24 |
Vose, Almon S. and Mary | 116.48 |
Wells, O. V., M.D. | 75.80 |
Westford Water Co. | 173.60 |
Wheeler, Mrs. Mary J. | 54.40 |
Whitney, Mrs. M. Elizabeth | 514.41 |
Worcester, Mrs. Ellen P. | 54.64 |
Wright, Hammett D. | 115.29 |
Wright, Charles H. | 54.99 |
Wright, Sidney B. | 64.32 |
Wright, frank C. | 52.56 |
Wright, Nahum H. | 54.80 |
Wright, Mrs. A. S. | 84.79 |
Wright & Fletcher | 61.20 |
Wright, Walter C. | 124.36 |
Wright, Perley E. | 74.32 |
Non-Residents | |
Hall Bros. | $50.80 |
Butterfield, R. J., Heirs of | 72.77 |
Evans, Minot A. | 60.80 |
Sampson, Frederick A. estate | 63.89 |
Fletcher, J. Henry | 222.17 |
Brookside Worsted Mills | 1396.25 |
Moore, George C. | 271.52 |
Proctor, Wm. P. & Co. | 76.80 |
Stiles, Fred O. | 64.75 |
Gage, Miss Martina | 459.09 |
Lawson, George W. | 74.19 |
New England Tel. & Tel. Co. | 151.65 |
Lowell and Fitchburg St. Ry. Co. | 122.80 |
About Town. Parkerville and suburbs will soon be connected by telephone with the hub, spokes and rim of the rest of the town. As tree and moth warden Nesmith lives near the capital of Parkerville [233 Concord Rd.] it will be convenient to inform him when the moths are numerously assuming the office of tree warden.
John A. Taylor recently gave an evening of readings at Hanover.
William R. Taylor left “tenting on the old camp ground” and tried Bear Hill pond and environs[?] in Harvard.
Edwards & Monahan are making repairs on the Unitarian church.
The youthful Crosby brothers of Arlington are visiting their aunt, Mrs. Frank W. Barrister [Banister?].
Death. The bright, clear life of Oak Hill has its clouds. This was most visible in the clouding of youthful life in the death last Saturday of Lewis E. [L.] Fletcher, the eleven-year-old son of Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher. Although ill for some time, yet not until three weeks ago was his condition pronounced hopeless by expert skill. Change of climate, scenes and associates was all brought to bear in coaxing the life back to normal, but otherwise had made too strong a claim. Lewis had been one of the bright scholars of the Nabnassett school, and [a] former teacher said, “Teaching is made easy and simplified with such bright scholars.” Besides his father and mother, he leaves two brothers, Harold and Ralph, and one sister, Hazel. He was the youngest of the family.
The funeral took place from the home of his parents last Sunday afternoon. Rev. J. M. Craig of Lowell conducted the service and Mrs. F. L. Roberts, a favorite of the family, sang “Sometime we’ll understand,” and “The Christian’s good night.” The bearers were Harold and Ralph Fletcher, Perley Knight and Sidney Perham. Midst the flowers of the field and garden, the flower of youth was laid to rest in Fairview cemetery.
Grange. The meeting of the grange last week Thursday evening proved to be a degree of summer heat in it when the question of “What is the cause of the high cost of living” came up for discussion. After much perspiration it was agreed that the increased output of gold was not the cause of poverty. Congress says it is. Let them say so as long as they don’t believe it. The grange orchestra was lively and timely with its music, under the direction of Arthur J. Blodgett. Edson Boynton sang much as usual only more so; he had to come back and sing more.
The next meeting on Thursday evening will discuss “To what extent should Massachusetts laws allow women to vote”; also, “How far should women be allowed to vote in town meeting.”
Forge Village. A very pretty birthday party took place last Saturday afternoon when Miss Ethel M. Collins, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Myles Collins, celebrated the eighth anniversary of her birth by giving a lawn party to a number of her little friends. From two till five the young folks made merry and played all sorts of pranks. At five o’clock they were invited to the dining room where a dainty tea was served. Prominent among the many good things was the birthday cake with name and date of the young hostess. Many pretty presents were received. The little folks departed after having spent a very pleasant afternoon.
Rev. Mr. Bumpus of Billerica, Ill., conducted the services last Sunday at St. Andrew’s mission and preached a very interesting sermon. On next Sunday, Rev Harry E. Irie of New York city will occupy the pulpit. It is possible that one of these clergymen may receive a call to St. Andrew’s parish to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, which took effect early in June.
The many friends of Miss Alice L. Prescott will be sorry to learn that she is at the Lowell General hospital, where she expects to undergo an operation for appendicitis.
The members of the John Edwards hose company held their regular practice on Tuesday evening, all the hydrants in the village were flushed out and found to be in first-class condition.
Miss Eva Young of London, England, formerly of Westford, sent a check to be used for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission to Rev. Thomas L. Fisher. The money was forwarded to a member of the guild and will be turned into the treasury of the mission.
Mrs. Hugh Daly of Leominster visited friends here on Monday. Mrs. Daly expects to move into one of the new cottages recently build on Lakeside avenue, next week.
John Caddell of Lowell was a Sunday guest of Mr. and Mrs. Myles Collins.
Mrs. John E. Burnett while attending the ball game between the Forge Village Lions and the Graniteville Blues at Graniteville on Saturday afternoon, was struck with the ball in the face, causing a very painful swelling and discoloration.
Rev. Lewis F. Havermale of the M.E. church of Graniteville and the boys Sunday school class are enjoying life this week at the Chandler cottage at Forge pond.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dodge and daughter Viola of Lowell are entertaining a party of friends at their cottage on the shore of Forge pond.
A Great Success. John W. Bowker, a well-known mill man of Lowell and for many years active in Good Templar work in this village, was in town on Wednesday. Mr. Bowker, who began work in the mills of Lancashire, England, at the age of ten, is a warm advocate of keeping our children out of mills as long as possible, and has written a play giving his experiences from the ages of ten to thirty.
The piece was given at the Hathaway theatre at Lowell, last May, under the name of “Just plain folks.” Since that presentation a prologue has been added showing William Stockes, the character assumed by Mr. Bowker, at the age of twelve seeking work in a mill. Master Elmer De Roehn of this village has been secured to take that role and to the author’s mind represents the type of boyhood he wishes to depict.
A large number from here attended the play when it was given last May and voted it a great success. The piece will be given in the early part of August under the title of “The doctor’s mistake.”