The Westford Wardsman, July, 1915
Saturday, July 3, 1915
Center. The trustees of Westford academy held their annual meeting and election of officers on Friday of last week with the following results: George T. Day, pres.; Herbert E. Fletcher, v.p.; Sherman H. Fletcher, standing com.; Charles S. Hamlin, J. Henry Fletcher, Abiel J. Abbott, J. Adams Bartlett, committee on loans and finance. The sum of twenty-five dollars was voted for prizes and efficiency at the academy.
The Westford A.A. opens its season this Saturday afternoon with a game with the C.M.A.C. [Corporation des Membres de l’Association Catholique] team of Lowell at Whitney playground.
Edward A. Felch has been at the home of his sister, Mrs. Ralph Bridgeford [nee Lizzie M. Felch], suffering with a serious case of blood poison in his right hand and arm resulting from a slight cut while at work. Dr. C. A. Blaney is the attending physician and Mr. Felch is making good progress. He is employed by the United States government as chef for the I.C.C. department on the Boston and Maine railroad in the northern part of Vermont.
Mr. and Mrs. William C. Roudenbush leave next week for California and the Panama exposition [Panama-California Exposition held in Balboa Park, San Diego, 1915-16] and other places of interest, expecting to be gone for the summer.
Miss Sarah W. Loker is visiting friends and relatives in Burlington, Vt.
Mrs. E. H. Roper and three daughters, Misses Marion, Laura and Maude Roper, recently of Portland, Ore., are visitors of the Misses Atwood in this village and renewing former associations. Mrs. Roper has secured a position in New York city in sailors’ mission work, a work in which she and her late husband, Rev. E. H. Roper, have been engaged for many years.
Miss Evelyn Hamlin, Miss Clara Fisher and Miss Elizabeth Kittredge leave next week for their trip to the Panama exposition.
Among teachers at home from their teaching for the long vacation are the Misses Ruth Tuttle, Margaret Sullivan, Lillian Sutherland, Stella Hartford and Archie Hartford.
The fine old Cameron homestead [39 Main St.], where the Donald M. Camerons are to spend the summer, is quite transformed with its broad, new piazza extending around three sides of the house, its harmonious painting and other improvements.
Mrs. William R. Carver returned the first of the week from Daytona, Fla., accompanied by her brother, Mr. Hutchinson, who has been and is so seriously ill.
The fourth in the series of ball games between the single and married men took place at the ball grounds Tuesday evening and while the married men were ahead by the score of 11 to 5, it was not a decisive victory. In the beginning of the series six innings was to constitute a game. On Tuesday evening, notwithstanding the use of automobile headlights on the home plate it got too dark to play more than a five-inning game. Whether it will count as a winning game in the series has not yet been decided. There was a large crowd present.
Arrangements are about completed for the celebration of the glorious Fourth in charge of Westford A.A. and Westford Grange. The program starts with a parade leaving Westford Center at 8:30 in the morning, July 5, passing through Graniteville and Forge Village, back to Whitney playground, where the ball game takes place at 10:30. At 1:15 in the afternoon, singing of patriotic songs, short addresses and recitations will be held, to be followed by a ball game between the Graniteville team and the Westford A.A. A dance at the town hall in the evening will finish up the day.
The graduation ball was held at the town hall on Thursday evening of last week and was a most successful occasion under the management of Miss Lena Clement and Misses Catherine and Marion Connell, class of 1913. The hall was effectively decorated and Flanagan’s singing orchestra furnished music for the dancing and the concert and reception preceding the dance. The very comfortable weather made dancing pleasant for the large number present.
Miss Hazel B. Hartford is spending the weekend and holiday in Melrose.
The C.E. society held its business meeting and a box social at the vestry on Wednesday evening.
The funeral services of Jonathan T. Colburn were held at the home of his sister, Mrs. Elvira Gilson in Pepperell last Saturday afternoon at one o’clock. Rev. J. B. Lewis was the officiating clergyman. The bearers were J. C. Colburn of Nashua, Chas. D. and J. Henry Colburn of Westford and Albie Gilson of Pepperell. The body was brought to Westford for interment in Westlawn cemetery.
About Town. Amos Polley, on the Prairie farm, expects to finish haying next week if he does not get too much over heated watching himself in the Fourth of July parade.
West Chelmsford Grange was livened up Thursday evening of last week by home talent music and some imported. Norman L. Peavey, of Dracut, was present to inspect the work of the Grange. The talk on birds, which was to have been given, was postponed to a future date.
During the thunder shower on last Saturday afternoon hailstones were on exhibition along the center edges of the Stony Brook valley that were considerably large. The hail is reported to have ruined the cranberry crop on the Cape during the same afternoon.
Washington, D.C., Agricultural Experiment Station has pronounced the grasshoppers pestilence plague in Parkerville, South Westford, as the “red-legged locust,” and they are trying to do the town red. Already they have stripped twenty acres of its green. They are not particular to what is green or who is green.
Mrs. Charles Crosby and children, of Arlington, were visitors last Sunday at her sisters’, Mrs. Frank W. Bannister.
Mrs. James H. O’Brien is ill at her home on Pigeon hill, Stony Brook road.
A rattlesnake has been seen in South Acton, having bit a dog from the effects of which it died. Hunters are out for his picture.
The largest strawberries thus far seen or heard of in [hi]story are raised by Robert Prescott on Francis hill.
Rev. Elvin J. Prescott, of Hampton Falls, N.H., a former minister of the Unitarian church, Littleton, will be one of the speakers at the Middlesex-North Pomona Grange field day at Warren A. Sherburne’s farm in Tyngsboro on Thursday, July 22. The Middlesex Training school band of North Chelmsford will also be one of the speakers [sic]. Mr. Prescott is an extensive and successful farmer and market gardener and on a former occasion entertained the Pomona at Lowell on “How to grow pansies for pleasure and profit.”
Several valuable dollars were taken from the trunk that was opened contrary to law at Westford station last week.
Interesting Meeting. There was a very interesting service at the Long-Sought-for chapel on last Sunday afternoon. The place had been made fragrant and beautiful with flowers and ferns by Alice and Mabel Dane. Before introducing the speakers, Mrs. Lambert made mention of Rev. L. B. Weeks, and referred in a fitting manner to some of the things he had spoken of at the different times when he had conducted services at “this little chapel so beautifully situated among the pines.” Words of praise were also accorded to the memory of Rev. Mr. Bent, who occupied the pulpit at this place for the last time a year ago last March. In introducing the speakers, mention was made of a broad-minded woman who lived in the neighborhood over fifty years ago, and though she had thirteen children of her own, her heart went out to others and she had held the first Sunday school in this part of the town, and had dreamed of greater things to come. Some of these dreams had been realized and the ideal had been real in the very building in which we were now about to hold a service, a little bit different from any that had been previously held here, but could the spirit of this broad-minded woman be present today it would be very probable that she would be glad to welcome those who were about to speak on equal suffrage. Mr. and Mrs. Greene, of Boston, were then introduced and proved themselves to be speakers who had a message which was delivered in an informal, but most convincing manner, holding the closest attention of the audience to the very close.
— A. L.
Forge Village. Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Byam and children, of Lowell, are at Camp Lincoln on the shore of Forge pond.
Mrs. Fred Davis is the guest of relatives in Amsterdam, N.Y.
Albert Collins graduated from the Wentworth institute, Boston, several days ago. He is now employed by the Henitz Electric Co., of Lowell.
The new house being built by Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Elliot is now well under way. The house is situated near Beaver Brook road and the work is in charge of Hugh Ferguson, of Westford.
Miss Lena Wilson is still confined to her home, suffering with rheumatism.
Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Daly are entertaining their little niece and nephew, Catherine Sheehan and Robert Hill, of Leominster.
Miss Grace Lawrence has as her guest Mrs. Susie Whitney, of Boston.
The Sewing club of St. Andrew’s mission held their meeting in Recreation hall on Tuesday evening.
Rev. Arthur L. Bumpus, of St. Michael’s Episcopal church, Brooklyn, N.Y., is expected to occupy the pulpit at St. Andrew’s mission on August 1. Mr. Bumpus was a former vicar of the parish. The mission will be closed during the remainder of August.
The Y.P.S.C. of St. Andrew’s mission held a very delightful concert in Abbot hall on last week Friday evening. Mrs. Florence Saxon, of Lowell, a great favorite here, was the principal number and received many encores. Mrs. J. E. Burnett and Miss Gladys Baker were heard in a pleasing mandolin duet, accompanied by Miss Lillian Baker on the piano. Miss Ethel Collins and Daisy Precious played a piano duet. A comedy sketch entitled “The visit of Obadiah” then followed and merited well-earned applause. The affair was held for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission.
The annual picnic of St. Andrew’s Sunday school was held on last Saturday. A fine list of sports was enjoyed which resulted as follows: Sack race, George Orr 1st, Adolphus Blowey 2nd; peanut race, Edw. Hosmer 1st, Moreland Wetmore 2nd; girls’ 3-legged race, Annie and Margaret Orr 1st, Gertrude Mountain and Emma Goucher 2nd; boys’ 70-yd. dash, Elmer DeRoehn 1st, Freddie Baker 2nd; girls’ 75-yrd. dash, Adelaide Hosmer 1st, Margaret Orr 2nd; girls’ peanut race Adelaide Hosmer 1st, Mildred Parrott 2nd; wheelbarrow race, Moreland Wetmore 1st, Edw. Hosmer 2nd; throwing baseball, Beatrice Hosmer 1st, Lillian Baker 2nd. Ice cream and cake were served in Recreation hall after the program. Those in charge of the picnic were Rev. W. M. Ford, Miss Theresa Lowther, Sarah Precious, Emily Collins, Marion Lord, Bertha Collins and Charles Flanagan.
Graniteville. The Graniteville baseball team visited Townsend on last Saturday afternoon and for seven innings it was a battle royal with honors about even for each club. In the eighth inning with the score 3 to 2 in their favor, Graniteville made a shift in players that proved costly for them, for the breaks came all the other fellows’ way and when the smoke had cleared away Townsend was the winner by the score of 10 to 3. About forty of the loyal rooters from here accompanied the team, going over the road in motor cars. Graniteville will play at home this Saturday, when they have the strong Ponies of Lowell for opponents. Game called at three o’clock. Graniteville will play two games with the Westford A.A. in Westford on July 5.
Thomas McCarthy, of this village, met with an unfortunate accident on last Saturday night while at the store of Albert Reeves at Greig’s Corner [intersection of N. Main, North, Beacon & River street]. While making some adjustments to the ice cutting machine he got his hand and arm caught in such a manner that one finger was cut off and the hand and arm was badly mangled. He was attended by Dr. W. H. Sherman, assisted by Dr. O. V. Wells, of Westford.
Charles A. Eaton, while attending his duties as watchman at C. G. Sargent’s machine shop on last Sunday, was in the act of oiling a shafting bearing [when] the step-ladder he was on slipped in some manner, throwing Mr. Eaton to the floor below. He was knocked unconscious for the time being and when able summoned help, who soon conveyed him to his home, where he was attended by Dr. W. H. Sherman. Mr. Eaton received a painful injury to his head, and he was otherwise shaken up.
Charles Day, of Jacksonville, Fla., has been a recent guest of his mother, Mrs. Charlotte Day, and Dr. and Mrs. W. H. Sherman.
Miss May Belle Howard, Miss Estelle Dunckley and Mrs. Leavitt, of North Chelmsford, have been recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Furbush.
The married men and the single men played a very interesting game of baseball late Monday afternoon that was won by the single men by the score of 20 to 10. These two clubs will meet again in the near future.
Mrs. George I. Wilson is ill at the Lowell General hospital as a result of an operation that was in every way successful, and her ultimate recovery is only a question of time.
Townsend
Baseball. The Graniteville A.A. was defeated last Saturday afternoon by the score of 10 to 3 in a well contested game with the Townsend A.A. The score:
Townsend A.A. | |||||||
ab | r | bh | tb | po | a | e | |
Green, ss | 4 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
Parker, 1b | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
Baker, 2b | 5 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
Eastman, c | 5 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
E. Swicker, cf | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Rusk, lf | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
V. Swicker, rf | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Merrick, 3b | 4 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Farrar, p | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Totals | 39 | 10 | 15 | 17 | 27 | 9 | 2 |
– | |||||||
Graniteville A.A. | |||||||
ab | r | bh | tb | po | a | e | |
Hartford, lf | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Milan, 3b | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Spinner, rf | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
W. Sullivan, c | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 4 | 1 |
Bucking’m, cf,3b | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Cushing, ss | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
J. Sullivan, 2b | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Brown, rf,cf | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Healy, 1b | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
F. Sullivan, p | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 0 |
Totals | 30 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 24 | 16 | 6 |
Innings | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
T. A. A. | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | x | — 10 |
G. A. A. | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | — 3 |
Two-base hits—Farrar, Merrick, J. Sullivan, F. Sullivan. Sacrifice hits—Parker, Cushing. Stolen bases—Baker, Eastman 2, Merrick, Buckingham 2, Brown. Double play—Green to Baker to Parker. Left on basses—Townsend 8, Graniteville 6. First base on balls—off Farrar 5, off Sullivan 2. First base on errors—Graniteville 2, Townsend 4. Struck out—by Farrar 9, by Sullivan 8. Passed balls—W. Sullivan 2. Time 2 hrs. 5 mins. Umpire—McCormick.
Ayer
District Court. Daniel Dinisavz, of Westford, was found guilty of assault and battery and fined fifteen dollars. The defendant and another Polander got into an argument as to the relative ability of the Germans and the Russians, the subject being brought up by reason of the present war. The argument became so hot as to lead to blows and a general mix-up followed. While the scrap was at its height someone hurled a tonic bottle evidently at the plaintiff’s head. The bottle struck a post and broke, the flying pieces of glass cutting him quite badly. His straw hat also looked as though it had received very rough usage. The evidence was obtained through an interpreter. Frank J. Maloney appeared as counsel for the defendant.
Saturday, July 10, 1915
Center. Mrs. David Wallace was summoned to her girlhood home in West Hartford, Vt., late last week on account of her mother’s serious condition, but Mrs. Stone died before her arrival. She had been an invalid for nearly three years, the result of a paralytic shock and death came as a release from weakness and helplessness. Mr. Wallace started for West Hartford on Monday morning and assisted in conducting the funeral services which were held on Tuesday afternoon. Both returned home on Thursday.
The Henry M. Wrights of Quincy are making their customary July stay at H. L. Wright’s and enjoying various trips with their auto.
A. H. Sutherland was unfortunate enough to fracture a bone in his shoulder while putting up the bandstand at Whitney playground for the holiday. With characteristic pluck ad energy Mr. Sutherland is getting about and attending to his duties at the pumping station [of the Westford Water Co.] with a little assistance.
Mrs. A. W. Hartford entertained the Bridge Whist club at her home very pleasantly Friday evening of last week. There was a full attendance of the members, six tables being used. The favors of red, white and blue were appropriate to the holiday. At the close of the game refreshments of ice cream and cake were served.
After the disappointments of the day for the local celebration of the holiday the weather made it possible for many from here to enjoy the fireworks in Lowell on Monday evening. A number of automobiles and trains went into the city and were well paid with the handsome display of fireworks.
The John Perkins family have made a most decided and commendable improvement in the appearance of the house and grounds occupied by them for some time. Grading, raking, edging the walks, repairing porches, setting flowers and shrubs are among these improvements.
William Sutherland is absent from town, visiting relatives.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hildreth have returned from their wedding trip and are occupying the picturesque log cabin on Prospect hill for the summer.
The Westford A.A., after being defeated at every turn by the weather on the holiday, have arranged a game with the same lineup of players for Saturday afternoon at the playground. They have arranged for the Forge Village fife and drum corps to be present and there will be a refreshment booth, and every effort will be made to make it a pleasant time in the open, if the weather behaves well.
Services Well Attended. There was a good attendance at the morning service at the Congregational church last Sunday. Mr. Wallace preached a strong and helpful sermon on “True Values,” and at the close of the sermon the bi-monthly communion service was observed. It was pleasant to meet and greet several not now regularly meeting with us, among whom were John A. Taylor, Miss Amy Schellinger, Mrs. Roper and three daughters, Marion, Laura and Maude, Mrs. Edna Ferguson Woods and Miss Jennie Ferguson. At the evening service Mr. Wallace presided in the absence of Leonard Burland, president of the C.E. society, who was unable to be present, after which the time was given to Mrs. Roper, who gave a talk given with all her well-remembered sincerity and winsomeness, friendly, reminiscent and descriptive of sailors’ mission work by her and Mr. Roper. At the close of her address a very impromptu and spontaneous reception was tendered Mrs. Roper by old and new friends. She takes up her new work in the Sailors’ Mission in New York city on July 12, and left Westford the first of this week, but her daughters are making a longer stay with the Misses Atwood.
Special Town Meeting. There will be a special town meeting at the town hall on Thursday evening, July 15, at eight o’clock. The warrant contains three articles besides the election of a moderator.
Article 2. To hear the report of the selectmen and to see what action the town will take toward providing a heating apparatus for the town hall, and appropriate money therefor and act in relation to the same.
Art. 3. To see what action the town will take in regard to lighting the town hall with electricity, and act in relation to the same.
Art. 4. To see what action the town will take toward establishing a public dump by purchase or otherwise, appropriate money for and act in relation to the same.
About Town. William C. Edwards, Jr., of Westford Corner, and Mrs. Margaret Brown Quist were married on Wednesday evening of last week at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Edwards, by Rev. Franklin H. Reeves, of North Chelmsford. They will reside in West Chelmsford.
Miss Eva Willett, of Brookside, and Alphonse Verville, of Sanford, Me., were recently married at the latter place. They will reside in Brookside.
The elder Bartlett family, long residents of Brookside, have moved to Lowell.
William Keenan of Columbus, Ohio, a former resident of Brookside, is visiting his father, William Keenan, of West Chelmsford.
The Old Oaken Bucket farm had new potatoes for dinner Fourth of July and the Prairie farm adjoining had new tomatoes—all this in Stony Brook soil.
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Taylor, of Woodsville, N.H., are visiting at the Old Oaken Bucket farm, the home of his early days.
A child of Joseph T. Richardson accidentally cut off the end joint of a finger on Wednesday.
Some Stony Brook farmers are rushing haying; others, with folded arms, are waiting for the weather to come on.
Graniteville. The Graniteville baseball team had a game scheduled with the Ponies of Lowell on the home grounds here last Saturday, but for some reason or other the Lowell club failed to put in an appearance. It was a great disappointment to the fans, but the management of the local club is held blameless as the manager of the Ponies wrote the day before that they would surely be on hand for Saturday’s game.
Both masses at St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning were celebrated by Rev. R. J. McCoy, of Tewksbury, who gave interesting sermons that were deeply appreciated at both masses. After the first mass a meeting of the picnic committee was held and it was decided to hold the annual picnic on Saturday, August 7. The following persons have general charge of the event, assisted by subcommittees: J. A. Healy, general manager; Hugh F. Dailey, asst.; A. R. Wall, sec.; Edward T. Hanley, treas.
The ball game scheduled for Saturday, July 10, between the Graniteville club and the Woodbine club of Lowell has been transferred to July 17, owing to the fact that Graniteville will play the Westford A.A. at the Whitney playground in Westford, this game having been postponed from last Monday on account of the rain.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Defoe and family spent the holidays with relatives in Beverly.
The usual “night before” was celebrated here by the “boys” to a certain extent, but aside from exchanging a few loose articles that were lying around no real harm was done, although some people were vexed for the time being.
Miss Bertha Galbraith has recently returned from a delightful visit spent with relatives in Springfield.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church will hold their annual lawn party on the church lawn this week Saturday afternoon, followed by an entertainment in the church vestry in the evening. This promises to be a very brilliant affair.
The Fourth. The rain on Monday certainly put a damper on the Westford celebration. The parade was unusually good, in fact the best that has ever been held in the town. James B. Healy had a very attractive float, while the members of the W.C.T.U. had a float that was equal to any seen in the cities. Joe Wall, in Indian costume, headed the procession, while the other attractions from Graniteville made a good appearance. The W.C.T.U. float was under the management of Mrs. Margaret Wilson and Mrs. Bessie Robinson, while the following assisted in the decorations: Mrs. Harvey Barnes, Miss Bertha Wilson, George Wilson, George Weaver. The singing by the twelve girls was under the direction of Mrs. Robinson. Shortly after the parade went past, a grand rush was made for the Whitney playground in Westford, where two ball games were scheduled between the Westford A.A. and the Graniteville team. Although the rain was falling at 10:30 the game was started, as both clubs presented their strongest lineups and were ready for the play. After two innings of play in which neither side had scored the heavy downpour of rain drove everyone to cover. After a long wait, with no signs of clearing, both clubs took dinner in the town hall, and as it was still raining it was decided to call off the games for the day. The same clubs will meet in Westford this week Saturday afternoon and the game will certainly be a good one.
Forge Village. Robert McArdell, of Manchester, N.H., was the guest of his daughter, Mrs. John E. Burnett, on Wednesday and Thursday.
A number of the employees of the paper and card mills of Pepperell are at work in the mills of Abbot & Co., during the slack period.
A. Sears, son of Joseph Sears, is spending the week as the guest of his cousin in Lynn.
Miss Ethel Collins spent the weekend as the guest of relatives in Lowell.
Mr. and Mrs. William Hunt entertained Mr. and Mrs. John Campling and family of Lawrence, over the holidays.
The Misses Lottie and Mildred Parrott are spending their vacation as guests of relatives in North Adams.
Mr. and Mrs. William Weaver, of Pond street, were visitors at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Henry Tyler, of Worcester, over the holiday.
Communion services will be held in St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday morning at 9:30 o’clock.
Over twenty dollars above expenses was cleared at the recent concert given by the Young People’s Social club of St. Andrew’s mission. This sum will be used to purchase new vestments for the choir.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle will hold no meetings during the summer. They will resume work in the fall.
Many from here journeyed to Lowell and Westford on Monday for the celebration of the Fourth but returned home in the early afternoon on account of the weather.
Mrs. Chester Blodgett, together with Mrs. Charles Blodgett and daughter Florence, returned last week from a very enjoyable visit with relatives in Worcester.
The Fourth of July parade which passed through the village on Monday deserves mention. Although the rain fell, it was no drawback to the paraders. The Forge Village fife and drum corps, under the leadership of John Edwards, headed the parade, and many interesting floats followed.
Saturday, July 17, 1915
Center. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Fisher, of Lowell, are rejoicing at the advent of a little son [Thomas Nathan Fisher] into their home, born on Thursday, July 8.
Mrs. Marie Pickering Smith is spending a few weeks with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pickering.
The Charles W. Robinson family have purchased a King automobile.
Mrs. Alfred W. Hartford, in company with her father, Wesley O. Hawkes, have been enjoying this week visiting relatives in Deerfield. Mrs. Hawkes has been staying at her daughter’s home in the interval.
Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Spalding were week-end guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Christie at their home in Waverley this last week.
Mrs. David Wallace and Misses Pauline and Rachael Wallace are in Lunenburg for the summer. Mr. Wallace goes over for a part of each week until his August vacation.
The Congregational Sunday school picnic, which has been twice postponed on account of bad weather, was carried through on Friday of last week and was much enjoyed by the young people, although they did not get through the day without rain, being overtaken with a shower on the way home. Perley E. Wright conveyed a large load on his auto truck to Lakeview, thus obviating the changing of cars for the children in Lowell, while older ones went on the electrics.
A number of Westford people attended the pageant at Chelmsford given in Warren’s grove last Saturday afternoon and evening, and are enthusiastic over the presentation of “The pageant of the seasons,” or “The glad round year,” given mostly by the children of Chelmsford under the direction of Miss Josephine O’Knight, assisted by many capable committees.
Rev. John J. Walker, treasurer of the Massachusetts Home Missionary society, Boston, was the speaker at the Congregational church last Sunday morning and gave a good address of work represented by this society in our own state.
Owing to sickness and absence from town of the members of the program committee of the Tadmuck club, the work of getting out the program for the next season will fall to the executive board of the club and a meeting was held at the home of the president, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Thursday afternoon of this week, to organize and get started with the work.
Arthur E. Wilson is carrying on quite an extensive enterprise of turning logs into lumber. These logs are taken from woodland of his burned over earlier in the season, and the work of getting them sawed during the busy farm season is rather compulsive, to get what value there is in them before worms get in their destructive work. Mr. Wilson carries the logs to Burge’s saw mill with his large auto truck.
Westford A.A. defeated Graniteville at Whitney playground last Saturday afternoon in a good contest by the score of 5 to 2. This week Saturday afternoon Westford meets Shirley A.A. at Whitney playground.
Mrs. B. [Burton] H. Streeter [nee Ida Osgood] has gone to her camp at Alton Bay, N.H., for the remainder of the season.
Many thanks should be given Mrs. A. H. Sutherland who did such good work for the July Fifth parade and which would have been such a successful feature of the day’s celebration if the rain had not interfered.
The tennis court at the playground has been much in use these pleasant summer afternoons.
About Town. Middlesex North Pomona Grange will hold its annual field day meeting at the farm of Warren A. Sherburne, Tyngsboro, on next week Thursday. Music by the Middlesex Training School band of North Chelmsford. Rev. Erwin J. Prescott, of Hampton Falls, N.H., will be one of the speakers. He will be remembered as giving an address before the Pomona Grange last autumn. E. E. Chapman, state master, and J. A. Richardson, state lecturer, will be present as representatives of the State Grange.
The next meeting of West Chelmsford Grange will be held in Historic hall on Thursday evening, July 22.
The Old Oaken Bucket farm folks ate the last of 1914 apples on July 12 and the first of 1915 apples on July Fourth.
The C. R. P. Decatur farm folks have purchased a new, noiseless, easy-geared mowing machine.
Matthew Smith, of Brookside, has bought a farm in New Hampshire.
Some Stony Brook farmers have potatoes up to the blossoms in water and need of a corresponding height downwards. This don’t look much like making hay when the sun shines.
Ralph H. Wylie will resume the practice of dentistry in the Barry building, Main street, Ayer, July 27.
Remember American Watch Factory Company’s band concert and dance, Littleton, July 24.
Graniteville. Mr. and Mrs. John N. Payne and little son, of Lowell, have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Payne.
Timothy Sullivan, with his two daughters, Misses Lillian and Nora, of Marlboro have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Healy.
Mr. and Mrs. John Donahue and child, of Lowell, have been recent visitors here. Mr. and Mrs. John Commerford, of Lowell, have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Defoe.
Graniteville will play the Woodbine baseball team of Lowell on the home grounds this week Saturday and a good game is expected. Graniteville will have a fast club on the field and the Woodbines will be greatly strengthened for this game.
The members of Cameron circle, C.F. of A., held an interesting meeting in their rooms on Tuesday night.
The members of the A. R. Choate hose company held their regular meeting on Monday evening. On Tuesday evening the members had a practice tryout during which many of the hydrants in the village were flushed out.
Both masses in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning were celebrated by Rev. Henry L. Scott, who delivered interesting sermons at both masses. After the first mass a meeting of the picnic committee was held, when sub-committees were formed for the picnic, to be held on August 7. Another meeting in which a large number of the parishioners were present was held on Wednesday evening when other important details were outlined for this event.
Lawn Party and Entertainment. The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church held a very successful lawn party and entertainment on last Saturday afternoon and evening. In the afternoon a well conducted sale of ice cream, cake, home-made candies and food was held on the lawn and all the tables were well patronized. In the evening an excellent entertainment was given in the vestry under the direction of George Wilson that consisted of the following numbers:
Selection, orchestra, composed of Albert Carr, violin, George De La Haye, cornet, Stephen Gardell, ‘cello, George Wilson, piano; vocal solo, “Thora,” Stephen Gardell; violin solo, Albert Carr; piano duet, Misses Alice May Gilson and Madeline Holland; selection, orchestra; vocal solo, “Sunshine and roses,” Miss Bertha Wilson; piano solo, George Wilson; selection, orchestra.
All the numbers were liberally applauded and those taking part were obliged to respond to encores. The affair was in charge of the following efficient committee, who assisted at the different tables:
Mrs. Harry Ingalls, chairman, in charge of tickets; Mrs. Marion Wall, Mrs. Charles Benson, Mrs. Bessie Robinson, food table; Mrs. L. T. Goucher, Mrs. E. Hanning, popcorn and chips; Mrs. Frank Caunter, Miss Stella Shattuck, Mrs. Cora McEnaney, Miss Henrietta Lake, Bertha Wilson, candy table; Mrs. H. D. Wright, Mrs. W. H. Sherman, Mrs. H. N. Fletcher, useful table; Mrs. W. H. Beebe, Mrs. J. Everett Woods, ice cream table.
Quite a neat sum was realized on this event.
Baseball. The Graniteville baseball club met the Westford A.A. in the first game of the series at Whitney playground, Westford Center, last Saturday afternoon, and in a game filled with fast playing and brilliant fielding, met with defeat at the hands of the club representing Westford by the score of 5 to 2. Harry Knight of Townsend, and “Gus” Gilroy, of Maynard, were the opposing twirlers and honors were about even, the hits standing five to six in favor of Graniteville. Both clubs made errors, but this is expected when these two clubs meet. A large crowd was present and the day was ideal for baseball. Westford is expected to play a return game in Graniteville on July 31, and then watch the fireworks. Following is the official score:
Westford A. A. | |||||||
ab | r | bh | rb | po | a | e | |
Shea, 3b | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Hartford, cf | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Baker, 1b | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
Powers, 2b | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Harvey, c | 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 2 | 1 |
Gray, rf | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
O’Day, cf | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Prouty, ss | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
Knight, p | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Totals | 31 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 27 | 10 | 5 |
– | |||||||
Graniteville | |||||||
Murray, ss | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 |
Spinner, c | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 2 |
Buckingham, cf | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Lent?, 3b | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
Spinner, 2b | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Gilroy, p | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 0 |
Prinn, rf | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
Brown, 1b | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 1 |
Gower, lf | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Totals | 36 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 27 | 14 | 8 |
Innings | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | |
Westford AA | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 5 |
Graniteville | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Earned runs, Graniteville 2, Westford 1. [rest of details are illegible]
Forge Village. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Catchpole were recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Kitchen, of Lowell.
James Byrnes, one of our most popular young men, has gone to Newark, N.J., where he will in the future make his home. Mr. Byrnes was well known in musical circles and a [illegible word] member of St. Catherine’s church.
Miss Annie Duffy, of the Ridges, has returned from a [illegible words] visit at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Bradley, of Warren[?].
[two illegible short paragraphs]
Mrs. Fred Davis returned on Sunday night from a visit of two[?] weeks spent with relatives in Amsterdam, N.Y. Her cousin, Miss Else[?] Baker returned with Mrs. Davis for a visit here.
Mrs. Felix Leclerc, who underwent an operation for appendicitis at the Lowell General hospital, is expected home shortly.
Frank Farrell, of Hammond, Ind., is visiting at the home of his mother, Mrs. Margaret Wilson, where his wife and family have been for the past month.
Miss Anna Kelley, of Chicago, is visiting at the home of her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. James Kelley, of Pond street.
The Serbian Helpers, who hold weekly meetings in Recreation hall, are doing excellent work in the way of sewing for the sufferers in Serbia. Dresses for women, pajamas, soldiers’ bags, socks and children’s dresses are some of the articles already made. The club meets at 6:30 and a cordial invitation is extended to all who wish to help the stricken Serbians by plain sewing. A large amount of material is on hand to be cut and made up into various garments.
Frank Lowther, while walking in the vicinity of the brook by the new warehouses of Abbot & Co., caught the largest eel ever known to have been seen anywhere in the vicinity. The eel was 3 ft. 7 in. in length and weighed ten pounds.
Mrs. William Burnett spent Wednesday at the home of Mrs. Chester Blodgett of the Groton Ridges.
Saturday, July 24, 1915
Center. Miss Florence H. Read made a brief visit in town the first of the week greeting old-time friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Knight are spending a month in Maine, visiting relatives.
Pearl Harmon, formerly of Westford, now living in Chelmsford, recently had the misfortune to break his right wrist while cranking his automobile. Also, noted from Chelmsford, is the death last week of the little eight-months-old baby [Emily May Frink, born Oct. 23, 1914, died July 14, 1915] of Mr. and Mrs. Alvah Frink, who recently lived in Westford.
The streets have been oiled this last week, the work being done by two large Standard Oil trucks, the oiling being followed up with the application of a thin layer of sand, allaying the dust and bringing a good all-‘round result.
Mrs. Edward Fisher entertained the Bridge Whist club very pleasantly at her home last Saturday afternoon. In addition to the regular members some of the summer guests in town were among those present. Delicious refreshments were served at the close of the game.
Miss Bertha H. Norris, a former popular teacher at the academy, is spending the summer vacation taking a trip to the California exposition.
Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitney enjoyed a motor trip with Littleton friends to Templeton last Sunday, dining at the Templeton Inn.
Miss Hazel B. Hartford has entered the employment of the John Hancock Life Insurance Co., Boston, and began her new duties on Monday of this week.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Wright, Livingston Wright and H. L. Wright have been enjoying this week touring the western part of the state, and in Vermont, going over as part of their itinerary the famous Mohawk Trail. The party left Westford early Tuesday morning.
During H. L. Wright’s absence at the store this week James B. Hartford has been assisting at Wright & Fletcher’s.
Miss Beatrice Sutherland is enjoying a two-weeks’ vacation from the Lowell office where she is employed and is spending one week at Ocean Park, Me., and one week at Carlisle, N.H., the guest of her aunt.
Miss Lillian Sutherland has been spending a part of this week with Miss Pauline Wallace in Lunenburg, and afterward visiting in Leominster.
Mr. and Mrs. William Warren, son of Fred and daughter of Carrie, of Washington, S.D., were visiting last week with Mrs. Warren’s brother, Ralph Bridgeford. Mr. and Mrs. Warren and family are spending the month of July visiting the latter’s relatives in North Chelmsford and Lowell.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Galusha and three children, formerly of Dorchester, are occupying Miss Ella F. Hildreth’s house on Hildreth street, which has stood empty for some time. Mr. Galusha goes to and from Boston each day to his business.
Elliot F. Humiston received a telegram on Wednesday telling of the death of his uncle, Edwin Flagg, of Frankfort, Kansas. This will be sad news to his contemporaries in his native town of Westford where the Flagg family were so formerly well-known, and to friends and relatives in adjoining towns. Death must have been rather sudden for his nephew had received a letter from him only a few days ago in which he spoke of feeling very well. Mr. Humiston received the telegram announcing his uncle’s death from his cousin, Elizabeth Flagg, from Oakland Cal., who was spending the summer there, making the exposition her vacation grounds. Only last season this same cousin had plans all made for a tour in Europe and a short time before carrying out these plans her mother died. Mr. Flagg’s remains will be brought to Westford for burial.
George Cadman has purchased a Reo truck to carry his produce to the Boston markets. Mr. Cadman has also purchased a fine new Reo roadster.
Perley E. Wright has bought another large truck, a Reo. Mr. Wright expects to carry the produce for the Westford growers to the Boston markets this season, and with this good equipment will be able to do so in good shape. He has made trips this week with shipments of raspberries and early apples.
At the recent special town meeting $200 was voted to install a proper heating plant for the town hall. This money is to be spent under the direction of the selectmen. In relation to the articles for installing electric lighting for the town hall a committee consisting of the selectmen, H. V. Hildreth and Edward Fisher were appointed to investigate the expense and report at the annual town meeting. The matter of purchasing a public dump was left in the hands of the selectmen. Hon. H. E. Fletcher presided at the meeting.
The board of assessors are busy completing their work and the books will soon be given over to the tax collector to issue the bills to the town’s taxpayers.
Postmaster Herbert E. Fletcher made a tour of inspection of the two R.F.D. routes this week with the carriers as ordered by the postal authorities.
Westford A.A. defeated Shirley A.A. at the Whitney playground last Saturday afternoon by the score of 8 to 2. Westford plays Townsend A.A. this week Saturday.
About Town. The new water reservoir on Francis hill has speed force enough to throw it over the roof of the New Stony Brook. It is not controlled by the speed limit laws of the state.
George C. Moore, proprietor of the mills at Brookside and North Chelmsford, is seriously ill at his summer home at Lake Winnipesaukee and under the care of a physician and a trained nurse.
Oscar R. Spalding has bought the standing grass on the John H Decatur place. It is now all stored hay in the barn.
Fishing for bass at the Brookside mill pond is now more profitable than “waiting and watching” for the mill to call to labor.
The Y.M.C.A. of Lowell are camping at Lake Nabnassett. Among the unusual sports and novelties is a straight-blooded North American Indian who comes to the Indian wigwam life in true nature manner and in addition gave an address on Tuesday evening in the Village church [West Chelmsford Methodist Church] on “Camp and conquest life of the North American.”
Foxes are scaling the poultry yards at the Charles W. Whitney farm and disposing of poultry on unreasonable terms.
Miss Luanna B. Decatur is at the old homestead farm for the summer vacation from her school at New Rochelle, N.Y
Harry Saxon is building a house on Oak Hill road at Whidden’s Corner, opposite the house of Walter A. Whidden.
Nabnassett is still the popular summer resort for campers and excursion parties. Last Saturday the North Chelmsford Sunday school gathered here in enthusiastic number and conduct. On Saturday, July 31, St. John’s parish, North Chelmsford, will picnic at this resort and add with spirits and sociability to its popularity and their own.
The Pitkin family on the Read farm have given notice of vacating on August 1.
The attractive band concert at Littleton this week Saturday evening is liable to attract some Westford music fad fans if the weather gets over its unattractiveness.
Haying is still waiting marching order from the weather.
Remember American Watch Factory Company’s [of Waltham] band concert and dance, Littleton, July 24.
Lawn Party. By the courtesy of the weather and the enticements of attractions a large company gathered at Cameron park, West Chelmsford, last week Thursday evening, it being the annual lawn party of the Village church. James Peck, the well-known electrician was lightning agent and decorator of the bandstand where gushed forth appetizing music by the Middlesex Training school band. The decorations, like the music, were of the order of harmony. There were races for the children at the early dawn of the evening under the direction of Rev. Mr. Hancock. Others who gave a good deal of help by personal labors in the sale of eatables and wearables were Mrs. James Peck, chairman; Mrs. Olin Johnson, treasurer; Mrs. James Reid, Mrs. John Burne, Mrs. George H. McGregor, Miss Lottie Snow, Miss Hazel Fletcher, Miss Helen Ripley, Mrs. Harry Saxon, Mrs. Josiah Smith, Theodore Robarge, Ralph Haberman, [and] William Taylor. Westford, Brookside, Westford Corner, Oak hill, Forge Village and Graniteville were all area investors.
Forge Village. The roads of the village have received their annual coating of oil, which is very much appreciated by all.
Mr. and Mrs. James [P.] Kelley of Pond street are rejoicing over the birth of a baby son [James C. Kelley born July 19, 1915].
Mrs. William Burnett, of Pleasant street, together with Mrs. Chester Blodgett, Mrs. Charles Blodgett and little daughter Florence, Mrs. William Blodgett and family, all of the Groton Ridges, enjoyed an outing at Whalom park on Wednesday.
A baby girl [Helena Naylor born July 21, 1915,] has arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Naylor, Pine street.
Mrs. Susan Morton and son Aubrey, of Bridgeport, Conn., have been recent visitors at the home Mr. and Mrs. George Cougle. Mr. Cougle is still ill at his home.
Mr. and Mrs. George B. Watson, of Lowell, are spending their vacation at camp on the shores of Forge pond.
Gertrude Bradley, of Wamesit, has been visiting her cousin, Miss Annie Duffy, of the Ridges, during the week.
Electric lights and town water have been installed in the hose house of the John Edwards hose company.
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Lewis, of New Hampshire, have been recent guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sweatt.
The members of the John Edwards hose company held a tryout on Tuesday evening.
Blueberries are beginning to ripen in the swamps here. Already a number of the pickers have returned with pails well filled.
Graniteville. Edward Payne, the little son of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Payne, while at play here on last Saturday afternoon, fell on a sod cutter, receiving a bad cut on his head that required five stitches to close. Dr. W. H. Sherman attended the injured boy. He is now getting along nicely and no serious results are anticipated.
Both masses in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning were celebrated by the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield. Mr. Schofield has not been here for several weeks on account of illness, but now shows a great improvement in health and he was warmly welcomed by his parishioners on Sunday.
Owing to the warm weather of last Sunday many people from here enjoyed the bathing at Long-Sought-for and Forge ponds.
Workmen have been employed by the Boston and Maine railroad during the past few days repairing the mill pond bridge [over River Street] near the depot. The work was found necessary owing to the heavy traffic over this branch during the past few months.
Members of the Sunshine club enjoyed a day’s outing at Revere Beach on Tuesday. The start was made in the early morning, the trip being made by electrics. All report a very enjoyable time.
The married men and single men played another interesting game of baseball here late Tuesday afternoon and this time the single men were the visitors by the score of 13 to 4.
The berry season is now in full swing and owing to the heavy rains the crop promises to be a very large one.
Baseball. The Woodbine baseball club of Lowell visited here on last Saturday afternoon and met with defeat at the hands of the home team by the score of 7 to 6. Both clubs made their scores in the third and fourth innings with a combination of hits and errors in both cases. Both pitchers then tightened up and the score stood 6 to 4 in favor of the visitors until the home team came in for their final effort in the last of the ninth. Gowers, the first man up, was retired on strikes, and as Allen was pitching well it looked as if it was all over. Spinner, the next man, laid down a pretty bunt. Prinn followed with another along the third base line and both were safe. Buckingham came up as the clean-up man and was right on the job, scoring both runners on a fierce three-base drive over the left fielder’s head, tying the score. Healy also tried the bunting game and was safe at first, Buckingham being held at third. Brown then “took his place in the sun” by putting out a safe drive to right, sending Buckingham home with the winning run. It was certainly some finish.
The game was largely attended, many of the baseball fans from Ayer being present. Graniteville will play in Milford, N.H., this week Saturday and will present a strong lineup. The trip will be made over the road in automobiles and many of the fans will accompany the team.
The batteries for the game last Saturday were Donahue and Spinner for Graniteville, and Allen and Murphy for the Woodbines. John Spinner acted as umpire.
Lunenburg
Death. The many friends of Mrs. Jennie Hopkins will be saddened to learn that her death occurred at her late home in Boston on Sunday and the body was brought here for interment in the North cemetery by the side of her husband, who died on December 26, 1893. Samuel E. Hopkins and wife, with their two daughters, were formerly residents of this town and owned and occupied the farm now owned by C. C. Lane. They were members of the Congregational church, and for several years Mr. Hopkins was one of the deacons, which office he held at the time of his death. Mrs. Hopkins has always retained her membership in this church and was gladly welcomed by all who knew her, whenever she could visit town. She is survived by their two daughters, Misses Alice and Carrie Hopkins, who have many friends in town who will deeply sympathize with them in the loss of their dear mother.
Saturday, July 31, 1915
Center. Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Tuttle have welcomed a little daughter into their home in Tewksbury, born last week Thursday and named Elizabeth Barbara Tuttle.
The J. V. Fletcher library will close at 8:30 instead of at nine o’clock in the evening during the month of August.
Mr. and Mrs. William R. Taylor have moved from the Center to their pretty new home at [23] Stony Brook [Road, formerly the Stony Brook Schoolhouse], and they will be much missed as a village family. Their new telephone ring is 53-4.
Pleasant greetings have been received by the Westford friends from Mr. and Mrs. William C. Roudenbush, en route across the continent to the California exposition.
Mrs. A. W. Hartford entertained a group of relatives at her home on Thursday and Friday of this week as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Charles E. Stebbins of South Deerfield and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Phelps of Greenfield. After leaving Westford the party went for a trip to the beaches.
Dr. O. V. Wells plans to go the last of this week for his annual vacation, spending the time in a camping and fishing trip on an island on Lake Champlain. Dr. Sherman, of Graniteville, takes charge of Dr. Wells’ practice during his absence.
A good number from here went over to Littleton for the band concert last Saturday evening. Several autos and teams filled with passengers went over and are enthusiastic over the fine concert and general management of the affair. Westford people are making tentative plans for a like event in August.
Morning services were held at the Congregational church on last Sunday for the last time previous to vacation which will be for the next three weeks. Evening services will take place every Sunday in charge of the C.E. society. A meeting was held at the vestry on Monday afternoon to make plans for the annual fair in September and on Wednesday a church cleaning bee took place, to be followed by the painting of the vestry floors.
Mrs. Gertrude C. Skidmore gave a very pleasant bridge whist party at her summer home on Friday afternoon of last week with Mrs. John Feeney as accompanying hostess in all the arrangements of the game, decorations and refreshments. There were six tables of whist. Mrs. Skidmore also entertained an informal dancing party on Wednesday at which about forty guests were present.
The body of the late Edwin Flagg, who died suddenly at his home in Frankfort, Kan., was brought to his native Westford on Wednesday and laid at rest beside kindred dust in Fairview cemetery. Miss Elizabeth Flagg, an only daughter, accompanied her father’s remains to Westford from their Kansas home.
The eighth reunion and annual meeting of the Spalding Light Cavalry association will take place in Westford on Thursday, August 12, during the afternoon and evening. There will be the clay pigeon shoot at the playground in the afternoon and other sports. The annual meeting will be held at the association building [20 Boston Road] at 4:30 and dinner will be served in the lower town hall at six o’clock, followed by an attractive entertainment. The annual meeting this year will be a “gander party,” in other words, ladies not invited.
A large crowd from here went over to Townsend last Saturday to witness the annual contest between the Westford A.A. and the Townsend A.A. It is reported as a great [game], Westford losing by the score of 2 to 1
The townspeople regret to learn that Miss Maria Moreland is not coming back to the academy teaching force in September. Miss Moreland has accepted a more desirable position in Boston, which will also be nearer her own home.
Misses Gertrude and Julia Fletcher entertained the Bridge Whist club very pleasantly at their home Wednesday afternoon. There were six tables for the game, which was played on the spacious closed in porch.
Mrs. John P. Wright and daughters, Frances and Alice, spent Thursday at Whalom Park with Mr. and Mrs. Wallace and the Misses Pauline and Rachel Wallace.
Mrs. Annie Campbell and Miss Louisa Crosby left on Thursday of this week for an extended trip to their native Prince Edward Island. Mrs. Alice Lambert substitutes for Miss Crosby at the Mrs. Augusta Prescott’s household.
J. Herbert Fletcher, postmaster, goes on Monday for a two-weeks’ vacation, spending the first week at Merry Meeting Lake, N.H., and the second week at Lake Cobboffeecontee, Gardiner, Me., in company with John M. Abbot. Mrs. Fletcher, John M. Fletcher and James B. Hartford carry on the postoffice and store work during Mr. Fletcher’s absence.
Fire. Shortly after three o’clock last Saturday afternoon word was given L. E. Gates from a passing automobile that the buildings next to his were on fire. These buildings were a short distance away on the Littleton road and known as the Reinhold Stephen place. Mr. Gates had but a few minutes before returned from Lowell, where he had completed the purchase of the place from the Stephen heirs. When discovered, the fire was in the east end of the barn, but had enough headway so that before sufficient help was at hand the ell of the house was on fire. Though but four members of the fire company could be found, volunteer help was abundant. A tree was cut and used to batter down the burning ell and the main part of the house was saved practically intact. We hear of there being $700 insurance on the place. The house was occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Roy Mason, who were absent from home for the day. It was a sorry home-coming for them, finding their household goods all set out across the road from the fire. Mr. Mason lost considerable property in the barn and shed. This house will be remembered as the birthplace of Edwin C. Metcalf, of Auburn, N.Y., the generous donor to the town of our fine soldiers’ monument and the beautiful memorial window in the Unitarian church, the first given in memory of his father and the latter of his mother.
Death. The community was saddened on last Sunday by the announcement of the death of Mrs. Flora Spinner [nee McKay], wife of James Spinner, at her home on Boston road. Mrs. Spinner who was 78 yrs. 5 mos. 11 days [old], had been in failing health for a long time and death resulted from a complication of diseases, asthma being one of the chief causes of suffering. Mrs. Spinner was a native of Scotland, but had lived in Westford for many years, a quiet, home-loving woman, and her death will be keenly felt in the immediate home circle as well as by the wide circle of friends and neighbors. She is survived by her husband, James Spinner, and an only daughter, Miss Mary E. Moran.
The funeral took place from her late home on Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock and was largely attended. Rev. J. Sydney Moulton, of Stow, a former pastor of the Unitarian church, was the officiating clergyman and spoke wise and tender words of sympathy and comfort. Mr. Moulton was the clergyman who united Mr. and Mrs. Spinner in marriage many years ago [May 20, 1882]. The bearers were John Spinner, Edward Spinner, William Cunningham and George Felch. There was a profusion of beautiful floral tributes. Interment was in Fairview cemetery.
About Town. William Donnelly, of Westford Corner, has purchased the store property of Mrs. Matthew Smith at Brookside, the Smith family having purchased a farm in New Hampshire.
Frank A. MacNutt, brother of Mrs. Frank E. Bickford, of West Chelmsford, and a former resident of the village, was on board the Eastland when it capsized in the Chicago river. He was in the lower part of the vessel at the time of the accident, but managed to crawl through a porthole and jump into the river, caught a life preserver and pulled ashore in an exhausted condition and sent to the hospital. He was quite unnerved by the experience, which he says was terrible beyond description. In a recent letter to Chelmsford relatives he expressed the opinion that the boat contained 3500 people. Mr. MacNutt is a graduate of the Chelmsford high school and went west several years ago to enter the employ of the Western Electric Company, being superintendent of the shipping department and was with the excursion on business.
Mrs. Charles Watts, of Brooklyn, N.Y., formerly of Brookside, was here and in West Chelmsford visiting friends last week.
Blodgett Bros., Milestone [sic] hill, lost a valuable young horse last week. After visiting at the old Peletiah Fletcher place on the [54] Lowell road, where it was taken ill, they started for home and telephoned Dr. Davis of Pepperell, but the animal died soon after his arrival.
There will be dancing to the music of the Crescent orchestra at Nabnassett every Saturday evening until the weather calls off dog days.
Congressman John Jacob Rogers was in town on Tuesday invigorating old friendships. His tour included Nashobah, Westford Center, Forge Village, Graniteville and Cold Spring. At this last place those present to break forth into the cordiality of the hand-clasp and social chat included Frank and Seth Bannister, Guy and Gerry Decatur, J. W. Fletcher, S. L. Taylor and George O’Brien. Congressman Rogers has lost none of his cordiality for the common people and everyday simplicity.
David Sherman has finished haying on the Tadmuck farm for W. R. Taylor, where it was estimated to be a shortage of one-twentieth of a ton over last year, not including the meadow sold to Amos Polley.
The three o’clock electric from Westford to Brookside got stalled by a derailment near Brookside on Wednesday afternoon and were not able to resume operations until darkness had gathered the crickets into a serenade.
Mrs. Sarah Bussey is regaining losses by recent illness at Brookside.
Peter Fifield, long in the employ of Charles Whitney, has resigned his position.
Sweet corn at the Old Oaken Bucket farm is what won out for eating Monday. This partially offsets the June defeat for early pas. The lawn tennis court at said farm is waiting to be courted by any contestants.
The tennis game at Whitney playground on Wednesday between Taylor brothers and Marden Seavey and Leon Hildreth was won by the former. This is a reverse of a previous game.
Additional Information. Allusion was made in last week’s issue, under Lunenburg news, of the death of Mrs. Jennie Hopkins, who with her husband, Samuel E. Hopkins, were former residents of the town. A few additional facts might be of interest to her friends. She was of Scotch parentage, the daughter of Peter and Mary (Taylor) McAlpine being one of eight children, and was born in Lowell [Framingham]. Her illness was brief and death sudden, due to hemorrhage of the brain. The funeral was from her home in Brookline, where she died, aged seventy-one years, the services being conducted by a lady of the New Thought School of Religious Culture. She is survived by three brothers, William J. of Lawrence, Alexander and John McAlpine of Cleveland; two daughters Alice and Carrie of Brookline, the former being remembered as giving an address and illustration in the high school, Groton, by invitation of the school committee on “The individual system of teaching.” She has accepted a position to teach this new system in Orange, N.J., in October. Mrs. Hopkins was a close cousin to the Old Oaken Bucket farm folks, who attended the funeral on last week Wednesday.
Grange Notes. There was a small gathering but large enthusiasm at West Chelmsford Grange on last week Thursday evening. The lecturer’s hour was fully covered in time and discussion on three important questions. “What more can West Chelmsford Grange do for this community?” was started off in vigorous style by J. R. Cole. The next question, “Is the fish and game commission a benefit to the farmer?” in which James Peck, deputy game warden related his experiences and observations, defended the present laws and the commission. Samuel Naylor, master, started the discussion on “What is the influence of the daily paper on the community?” in real fashioned oratory and continued in a vigorous way, concluding with the thought that the influence of the daily papers would be better if the best that was in it was read. After the regular debaters came the discussion by the Grange and Messrs. Loupin and Vickery of Chelmsford Grange, Hancock of Milbury Grange and S. L. Taylor of Westford Grange sailed into each other and the subject without boxing gloves and the three questions got quite an upsetting. The next meeting will not be held until the fourth Thursday in August.
Middlesex-North Pomona Grange as the plans called for, held their annual field day meeting at the farm of Warren A. Sherburne in Tyngsboro last week Thursday. This farm, with saw mill attachment, is in a romantic nook by a brook that outlets into Willow Dale and Mud pond. The situation is lovely, with forest and wild flowers, and bird and hum of the frog. The day threatened to keep everybody at home and then it threatened not to and several hundred left haying to the custody of the clouds. Music by the Training School band of North Chelmsford made everyone feel like a quick step in feet and spirit. Dinner was served by those who arrived with it on a table cloth of green furnished by the mother of us all. After-dinner speeches were made, Charles A. Wright of Billerica, as master of Pomona Grange, called to order and introduced E. E. Chapman, master of the State Grange, who made some telling hits on and against the new Ellis milk bill, which is not a bill. Other addresses were made by State Chaplain Wheelock, of Marlboro; Rev. Elwin J. Prescott, of Hampton Falls, N.H.; Mr. and Mrs. George S. Ladd, of Stowbridge [sic], and J. H. Williams, of Boston. Sports of all kinds and sizes, with the above program, furnished mirth to many sizes of people.
Middlesex-North Pomona Grange will treat itself to an excursion by land on Friday, August 6, leaving Paige street, Lowell, near Merrimack Square, at eight o’clock in the morning, thence to Billerica, where they will be joined by others. A stop will be made two miles south of Billerica at the thrifty farm of George P. Greenwood on the banks of the deep peace of the Concord river, through Carlisle to Concord, where an hour’s rest will be served in Sleepy Hollow cemetery and at other historical resorts, including the farm of Charles W. Prescott where the government is making history in experimenting with asparagus rust. The trip will include “Nine acre corner,” the home of Secretary Wheeler of the Board of Agriculture, home through Acton, Littleton and Chelmsford Center to the point first mentioned. It is hoped that the memories of Concord, the home of “fired the shot heard around the world,” and the home of thought at first hand, will induce an excursion with full ranks. Any member of Westford Grange or citizen who has named it as their intention of joining this excursion will phone or wireless the Old Oaken Bucket farm folks, and they will be provided with transportation.
Graniteville. Mrs. P. H. Harrington, Mrs. B. R. Caunter, Mrs. C. T. Brooks and Miss Alice Harrington are spending a very enjoyable vacation at Salisbury Beach.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. John Boyd, of West street, was the scene of a pleasant gathering on last Saturday night when the many friends of their daughter, Miss Sarah Boyd, assembled for the purpose of celebrating her [19th] birthday anniversary. A very large number were present and the time was enjoyably spent in playing games and dancing. Refreshments were also served during the evening. A pleasant incident in connection with the affair was the presentation of a beautiful gold bracelet to Miss Boyd in honor of her birthday anniversary. The whole affair was in the nature of a surprise to Miss Boyd, but she responded in a fitting manner and made things very pleasant for everyone during the evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank P. Hawkes, of Melrose, have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Hawkes.
Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Healy, with Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Roche, of Haverhill, have recently returned from an automobile trip to the White Mountains.
M. J. Rafferty has been a recent visitor here.
Graniteville will play the Princetons of North Chelmsford at the picnic [grounds] in Forge Village on August 7. It is understood that the Sullivan brothers will do the battery work for the North Chelmsford team.
The members of Cameron circle, C.F. of A., held their regular meeting in their rooms on Tuesday night. In spite of the warm weather there was a large attendance. Business of a routine order was transacted. Four candidates were initiated and several applications for membership received.
Baseball. The Graniteville baseball team went to Milford, N.H., last Saturday and in a loosely played game met with defeat with the assistance of the umpire by the score of 12 to 8. The Milford management boasts that it has not lost a game this year and in the judgment of the large number of fans from here who were present at last Saturday’s game, the team will not suffer a defeat for the next seven years, provided they have the same man to handle the indicator. It seems a rather poor excuse to blame the loss of a game on the umpire, but if Graniteville had won it would not have altered their opinion any as to the fitness of the man for the position. A large number of fans accompanied the team, going over the road in automobiles. Graniteville will play at home this Saturday, when they have the strong South End club, considered one of the fastest teams in Lowell, for their opponents. Graniteville will have a fast lineup and a good, hot game is looked for. Game called at three o’clock.
Forge Village. Mary E. Sullivan of Pond Street, who has been spending the past two weeks as a guest of Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham of Boston, has returned.
Rev. A. L. Bumpus, of St. Michael’s Episcopal church, of Brooklyn, N.Y., will occupy the pulpit at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday morning at 9:30. Caroline E. Precious is substituting as organist at St. Andrew’s church, Ayer, in the absence of Prof. E. H. Higley, of Groton, who is enjoying his vacation.
A son [Victor Daly born July 23, 1915] was born last Saturday [Friday] morning to Mr. and Mrs. John Daly, Pond street.
A party of nurses from the South Framingham hospital, including Miss Helen Lord, formerly of this village, are enjoying camping at Forge pond for two weeks.
Napoleon Milot has purchased the house on Pine street built and owned by P. H. Harrington, of Graniteville. It is reported that Mr. Milot’s son Ephraim has purchased a lot of land on Union [now E. Prescott] street and intends building a house thereon.
Miss Violet Collins, of Providence, R.I., was the guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Collins, on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Percy Hargreaves of Beverly visited their grandmother, Mrs. M. A. Lowther, on Saturday and Sunday.
Miss Stella Carkin is enjoying her vacation motoring through the South. The trip will cover eight hundred miles in distance, the stopping places being New York, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Miss Carkin expects to spend some time in Virginia before returning homeward.
Rev. Williston M. Ford, pastor of St. Andrew’s mission, is enjoying a vacation of a month. With the exception of the first Sunday in August the mission will be closed until September.
Two local baseball teams played for the championship of the village at Cameron park on Saturday afternoon, the Tigers and the Red Sox. The game, which proved very interesting, resulted in the victory for the Red Sox by only one run. Another game will be played in the near future.
Mrs. Fred Davis has been confined to her home by illness.
Mr. and Mrs. Miles Collins held a most delightful gathering at their home on Sunday in honor of the thirteenth birthday anniversary of their daughter, Miss Ethel M. Collins. Among those from out-of-town who were present were: Miss Violet Collins of Providence, R.I., Mr. and Mrs. James Dugdale and Mrs. Albert Dugdale of Haverhill, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Hancock and Mr. and Mrs. George Butler and family of Methuen and Miss Lillian Bailey of Lowell. Miss Ethel received many very pretty gifts, including a watch and pin from her sister, Miss Violet.
Townsend
Baseball. Townsend A.A. defeated Westford A.A. last Saturday afternoon on the home grounds by the score of 2 to 1. The score:
Townsend A.A. | |||||||
ab | r | bh | tb | po | a | e | |
LaBuff, 3b | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Green, lf | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Eastman, c | 4 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
Phillips, ss | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
Morse, 2b | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
E. Swicker, cf | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Parker, 1b | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 11 | 1 | 0 |
V. Swicker, rf | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Press, p. | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
Totals | 31 | 2 | 5 | 5 | 25 | 14 | 3 |
-. | |||||||
Westford A.A. . | |||||||
ab | r | bh | tb | po | a | e | |
Shea, 3b | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Hartford, lf | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Baker, 1b | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
Powers, 2b | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Grey, rf | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
Harvey, c | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | 0 |
Prouty, ss | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 |
Ryan, cf | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Knight, p | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Totals | 30 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 24 | 7 | 6 |
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | ||
Townsend A.A. | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
Westford A.A. | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Stolen base—E. Swicker. Bases on balls—By Press 1, by Knight 2. Sacrifice hit—Gray. Left on basses—Townsend 6, Westford 4. First base on errors—Townsend 2, Westford 2. Struck out—By Press 2, by Knight 3. Passed ball—Harvey. Wild pitch—Press. Time—1 hr., 30 min. Umpire—D. McCormick.