The Westford Wardsman, June, 1909
Saturday, June 5, 1909
About Town. Westford grange was well represented at Concord grange Tuesday evening. Two barge-loads left Westford Center at 5:30, others went by private team. Fifty-four in all went over, this including the ladies’ degree team, who worked the third degree with a promptness and elasticity of manner and movement that has not been equaled. On the return trip the large dome at the Concord reformatory served as a guide to a barge-load of four, that they were not headed direct towards their own home door. Acton, Littleton, Chelmsford, Carlisle and Lexington granges were invited, and were liberally represented, as well as other granges not specially invited. Concord grange furnished icecream with its usual alluring temptation, free in its liberality from any chilly sensation.
S. L. Taylor had the first mess of peas of the season Tuesday June 1, they were neither bought, borrowed nor hired, but the really genuine outdoor winter-planted Taylor pea that is warranted to get there first every time, raised on a patch remote from the farm, which he had forgotten about when he wrote the last yarn. Come on now, you Stony Brook farmers, and Smith of Graniteville by name. What makes you so pokey, slow and lame.
Charles Philbrick, the blacksmith at Westford station, has moved from North Chelmsford into the cottage of John H. Decatur on the Lowell road.
Mrs. S. L. Taylor, Esther Perry Snow and Perry Taylor Snow left Tuesday for the sunny, salubrious, sandy attractions of New Jersey. Band concerts every night and all rainy days, by the old-time, ever-present mosquito, that the state at much expense is unable to prevent entertaining with its song and biting with is prong.
Arthur O’Brien, an old-time Stony Brook scholar and brother of James H. O’Brien on the Stony Brook road, is seriously and hopelessly ill at his home in South Framingham, the result of a paralytic shock.
Henry B. Read has been resting preparatory to haying. While thus resting he has been entertaining Dr. Varney, who said it was nothing serious or alarming, and that he might go playing farming; simply tonsillitis that had alighted, a brief introduction to its foes, such as the doctor knows, and it withdrew without prolonged adieus.
Among those in town Decoration day was our old-time citizen of Stony Brook school association, Edwin E. Heywood of Lexington, as ever still youthful and buoyant of spirit, although past the three score and ten limit. He is wisely guiding his trend towards the four score, with more legs than in the youthful days of yore.
John A. Taylor gave a reading by invitation of Dunstable friends at a church entertainment in that town Friday evening, May 28.
The ballgame Decoration day between the Westford team and the Wanderers of Lowell resulted in a victory for the town team by a score of 10 to 5. In the same line of goods last Saturday the Stars of Brookside defeated the Grays of Westford by a score of 7 to 5.
Center. Mrs. George E. Jenkins of Morristown, N.J., has been making a short stay in town, visiting friends here.
Mr. and Mrs. Will E. Carver spent Sunday and the holiday among their Westford friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Alva Bicknell of Somerville were visitors at Mr. and Mrs. David L. Greig’s “Fairview farm,” Monday.
Judge and Mrs. F. A. Fisher of Lowell have the sincerest sympathy of their Westford friends, in their sorrow from the death of their baby daughter Lois [died May 27, aged 6 months and 1 day], from peritonitis, Thursday of last week.
The assessors have completed their work of taking the inventory of taxable property in town, and with the result are busy making up the taxes at the town hall.
Wm. F. Carkin of Marlboro, N.H., was the guest of his brother Warren over Sunday and Monday. Mr. Carking is chauffeur for Henry M. Follansbee, superintendent of the Geo. B. Webb Construction Co., of that place.
Mrs. Alfred W. Hartford attended the funeral of her grandfather, Almon Hawkes in South Deerfield, Saturday of last week. Mr. Hawkes was a nonagenarian, being ninety-four years of age, and up to within the last year of his life was remarkably well for a man of his years. He [died May 26 and] was a veteran of the Civil war.
Edward Abbot, J. Herbert Fletcher and Wm. A. Woodward enjoyed a fishing trip this past week up to Francistown, N.H., going in Mr. Abbot’s automobile. Mrs. Woodward took this opportunity to visit former friends in Milford, N.H.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Sutherland and son Wm. of Lynn were guests at Wm. Sutherland’s in this village over Sunday and Monday. This represented three generations of Wm. Sutherland.
Mr. and Mrs. Lyman E. Wilkins drove up from their Cambridge home with their fine driving horse and spent the holidays at H. G. Osgood’s.
Among those who attended the Unitarian conference of churches at Chelmsford from this village Tuesday were Mrs. Wm. L. Woods, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Miss Mary Moran, Mrs. J. M. and Miss Eva Fletcher, and Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitney.
Accident. Clarence, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Colburn’s little three-year-old son, had a narrow escape from serious injury Monday, if not from being killed outright. He was on the common with his parents not a moment before, but with the swiftness of the average small youngster got into the street and right in the path of a horse and carriage coming at a brisk pace. Before the occupants of the carriage really saw him he was right under the horse’s feet. Those who saw the accident said it seemed as though the horse was possessed with one of those splendid streaks of equine intelligence and managed every way to keep his hoofs from coming down on the child. He was quickly rescued and Dr. Wells was summoned and upon examination found nothing worse than a fright and some slight bruises and scratches. Clarence is a popular little fellow and his many friends are thankful for him and his parents for his narrow escape.
Grange. The rally night or neighbors’ night of Concord grange took place Tuesday evening in their historic town hall. The delegation from Westford grange numbered fifty-two and they were conveyed in two large barges, one in charge of Fred A. Smith and the other of Will E. Wright, besides a good number who went in their own teams. It was a pretty good distance to go for an evening visitation, but the perfect moonlight evening was a great help toward its accomplishment. The ladies’ degree staff of Westford exemplified the third degree by special invitation upon a class of eight candidates, and the regular officers of Concord grange attended to the fourth degree. The Westford staff were at a little disadvantage in a strange hall but performed the work with many additional features, in their best manner, which won them many hearty encomiums.
At the conclusion of the degree work refreshments of icecream and cake and fruit lemonade were served to the large gathering. There was a delegation of forty-two from Acton, forty-four from Carlisle, and other granges represented with smaller groups were Lexington, Chelmsford, Boxboro, Stow, Littleton and Billerica, making a total of fully two hundred and fifty.
Memorial Day. The beautiful weather and the successful carrying out of the day’s plans made the “day of memories” successful and enjoyable, notwithstanding the undercurrent of sadness this day brings to many hearts, to the G.A.R. men, and to many others, particularly to those who decorated mounds made in “God’s acre” since last Memorial day.
The veterans decorated every soldier’s grave in the four cemeteries, either Sunday or Monday, with flowers and a flag which signifies so much to the soldier heart.
The day’s exercises began at nine o’clock, when the procession formed at the town hall and proceeded to Fairview cemetery. Capt. S. H. Fletcher was chief marshal and the veterans in barges were escorted by the Nashua military band of twenty-five pieces, the Sons of Veterans and a large company of school children carrying flowers for the use of the veterans. Upon arrival at the cemetery the ritualistic service of the G.A.R. was carried out in charge of Commander Wesley O. Hawkes.
Upon returning to the hall the program of the day was carried out with smoothness and efficiency. Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher was the orator of the day and gave an address that was followed with the closest appreciation and attention by the large audience. John Adams Taylor, whom Commander Hawkes introduced as one of “our boys,” and who has just accepted a position in a western university, rendered “The perfect tribute,” in a way that won him the heartiest applause of the audience. Mrs. Armand of Graniteville repeated by special request of the veterans the story she gave the day previous of “The little bronze button.”
The fare on that almost world-wide known branch of the Lowell and Fitchburg from Westford to Brookside installed another rate of fares and limit lines before sunrise Thursday morning. It is now seven cents from Westford to Brookside with a five-cent fare tacked on to several cowyard bars along this distance. Better do all your riding now as there may be another change that may take more change before e’er you read these lines.
Veterans’ Reunion. Our patriotic Hiram Dane is to hold a “campfire” reunion at his farm on the shores of “Long Sought pond,” on Thursday, June 17. Mr. Dane saw much severe active service in the Civil war, and as a member of Westford Veterans’ association he has selected this anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill to gather many of his nearby comrades, who took part in the longer battle of the war of the rebellion. Those invited are Geo. S. Boutwell post, G.A.R., Woman’s Relief corps and the Sons of Veterans’ camp of Ayer, the veterans of Acton, Harvard and Shirley, Old Shirley chapter, D.A.R., the Westford veterans, their wives and families. Boats on the lake; speaking, singing and reading, and the old New England open barn floor for those who have a lively turn of mind with their feet. Coffee served free. The balance of the ration will be a “basket lunch without any punch.” Conveyances are expected at the Dunstable road where the electric cars will stop. Should the day prove stormy the Saturday following will be observed.
Forge. Mrs. Stuart entertained the ladies’ whist club of Chelsea this week.
The annual memorial services of the I.O.O.F., M.U., were held in St. Andrew’s mission Sunday morning and were attended by a large number of people. The services were very impressive and at the close Wm. Burnett, John Spinner, Frederick Davis and William Baker, past grands, drove to Fairview cemetery, where the graves of their departed members were decorated with beautiful floral offerings.
Miss Mary L. Morton, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton, celebrated her ninth birthday by giving a party to her little friends. A very pleasant time they all had and gave to their little hostess many pretty presents. Refreshments were served and they departed wishing little Mary many happy returns of the day.
The ladies sewing circle met with Miss Holbrook at Fensmere farm on Thursday and a large number were present.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hyde have returned from their bridal trip and are settled in their new home at Barry Plains.
Word has been received from Mrs. Nelson Prescott of her arrival at Ellsworth, Me., where she intends spending the summer.
Mr. and Mrs. James Berry of Lawrence were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Comey on Sunday.
Miss Lena Bryant of Maine is at Mr. and Mrs. George O. Jackson’s.
Miss Elizabeth Kittredge, a student at Vassar, is with relatives at “The birches.”
Miss Randlett, a former teacher, but now of Harvard, visited Mr. and Mrs. R. D. Prescott Sunday.
A pleasant surprise party took place Saturday evening at the home of Mrs. M. A. DeRoehn, when a number of the young friends of her son Emerson called upon him and presented him a gold signet ring. Daniel Sullivan made the presentation speech. Refreshments were served and all enjoyed themselves so much that they hoped for another social time at Mrs. DeRoehn’s, for she knows so well how to make a pleasant time for the young people.
Mr. Northrop, one of our oldest respected citizens, was taken suddenly ill Saturday evening and for a time his condition was very serious, but if nothing new sets in he hopes to be about again in a few days. Dr. C. A. Blaney attends him.
About Town. Miss S. Ella Calderwood of Lowell has been engaged as organist at the Unitarian church until the summer vacation, commencing her duties last Sunday with a ringing voluntary. She is well and favorably known to some in the rear platoon of the choir.
By the kindness and efficiency of Mrs. A. J. Abbot an organ recital will be given in the Unitarian church Tuesday evening, June 15, by Arthur Spaulding, organist of the Kirk st. church, Lowell. He will be assisted in solo work by Mrs. George Spaulding of the Unitarian choir, Lowell.
The academy ball team will play Chelmsford high school this afternoon, Saturday, June 12, at Chelmsford Center and the Westford A.A. team, which means always active, will play the Shirley team at Shirley on the same date. Both teams are strong enough to win, but only one will round up with a grin.
Edward Littlefield, son of Mrs. Clara Walker Littlefield, of Fitchburg, who was so low with typhoid fever last summer, has been visiting at the old Walker homestead on Main st.
Miss Belle Walker has just returned from a visit to her brother, John J. Walker in Natick, and friends in Wellesley. Her brother, Rev. Seth Walker, while on a visit to the old homestead, while out looking for Mayflowers in June, the season being late, came across three black snakes, which he caused to become unconscious. The three measured sixteen feet long, an average of five and one-third each. The Walker homestead is noted for its generous hospitality, but there is not enough of it to cover such long snakes; hence the measurement of their days was taken as well as their bodies.
Worldly-mindedness of all shades of digestibility was responsible for not promptly reporting the patriotic exercises at the old Stony Brook school on Friday afternoon prior and preparatory to Decoration day. The schoolroom was trimmed with Mayflowers, the fruitage in part of the warm April showers. There was the regular old-fashioned turnout visiting scene on this occasion, and a regular old-fashioned, last-day fixing up. The exercises were all a patriotic forerunner of the greater event on the Monday following at the town hall. Miss Mellen, the teacher for many years, had the scholars drilled right down to the associations clustering around Decoration exercises.
The Boston and Maine railroad have been installing the new automatic signal service on the Stony Brook road the past week.
Amos Polley has really begun to hay, and has got along quite a way; he also has potatoes nearly ready to blow. Old Story, early bird catching the caterpillars, don’t you know. This Stony Brook valley is an early clime, if you can climb with the speed of the time.
The Spaulding Light Cavalry association will hold a special meeting at headquarters on the Boston road on Saturday, June 19 at three p.m., to make further arrangements for the annual reunion and outing to be held at Nabnassett in August. Come everybody, including those who say they will go, but so far it is never so.
The selectmen give out that there is to be another adjustment of fare rates and limits on the branch line of the Lowell and Fitchburg. Oh, my, me, rates and limits change so often on this line that when you get on you know not where your money will land you, whether on a railroad crossing or on an imaginary line, and when you return it may be more contraction or extension reduced down fine.
The assessors are working hard to start the sweat from the tax payers’ brow, for that future when we must face our own music, the words to which were written by the voters at the annual meeting, “No discount but early interest.” A new tune and a good one. I love it, we must all learn to.
The alumni of Westford academy are making preparation for the annual reunion to be held at the town hall at the close of the spring term, Friday evening, June 25. It is expected that the Salem Cadet orchestra will furnish music for dancing. Further particulars when they arrive.
Westford will have a Fifth of July celebration this year, so say those active lives who are always so, and would like to make the town take after them and keep it so. The Nashua military band has been engaged. Full particulars when full particulars arrive.
Result of Railway Hearing. The railroad commissioners have rendered their decision on the petition of the selectmen for a reduction of fare between Westford and Brookside on the electric road. The report in substance says: “The fare is unreasonable and excessive and we are unable to find anything by way of comparative rates on this road or elsewhere in the state.” The recommendation of the commissioners is practically an order for the selectmen, town council and officials of the Lowell and Fitchburg to hold a conference and adjust the rate at some reasonable figure. But lo and behold, as of old, said railroad ignores the town and does its own readjusting on a basis of no less rate for any one, but a high rate for some. For people living at Brookside and vicinity under the new revised reduction ascending reformation it will cost thirteen cents to get out of town, and this self-foisted readjustment from lower to higher is since the commissioners practically ordered lower rates, for before said order you could get out of town from Brookside for five cents. True, you can now ride under the ascending reduction scale from Westford to Fletcher’s crossing for fifteen cents, a few rods beyond Brookside, where no one has any wants requiring this as a terminal for travel, or in other words, you can ride a few rods further now than ever for fifteen cents, to a point that has no point to it except the point of imposition, for be it remembered that the fare to Lowell, the real terminal, is the same now as before the decree of the railroad commissioners calling for a readjustment.
On the return trip from Lowell, people a short distance westerly of Brookside, could walk rather than pay eight cents for a ride out of all proportion to rates in the state. Now they will have to alight at Fletcher’s crossing. No they won’t, they will alight off the steam cars at Brookside. For this generous reduction from lower to higher, the citizens of Westford ought to vote somebody into a vote of thanks and buy some one a plaster for their back in tipping such heavy fares off empty seats.
Obituary. Arthur O’Brien, who died at South Framingham last week Thursday, was a native of Westford, the son of James and Nancy (Teague) O’Brien, and was born at the old homestead on the Stony Brook road, where his half-brother, James H. O’Brien resides. He was educated at the old Stony Brook school and is well remembered by the older scholars for his genial good-natured ways, and his fairness in games and plays, and many a collar and elbow wrestling match has the writer had with him. There were no pin-fall matches in those Stony Brook days, but something of a thud and stirring of snow in winter and dust like a young whirlwind in summer.
After graduating from school he learned the blacksmith trade in Boston and for a time was in the employ of Chamberlain’s shop at Chamberlain’s corner. Soon after this he gave up blacksmithing and entered the employ of Williams & Co., grain dealers of South Framingham where he remained nearly twenty years. Of recent years he has been in the employ of the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad. He has been ill since last January, the cause of death being paralysis.
He leaves two children, Arthur and Alice of South Framingham. His wife died six years ago. Of the family circle of five children, all younger than himself, composing his father’s family, only one remains, James H. The funeral took place last Saturday and burial at South Framingham. He was sixty-four years old.
Center. The contract for repairing and resurfacing a section of Main st., which was awarded to H. W. Tarbell of Lowell, has been completed. At the annual town meeting in March the town voted to expend $1,000 this year on the roads at the Center. The plan of the selectmen has been to finish a section of road near the residence of Ai Bicknell, and then commencing near George T. Day’s and repairing the street toward the Center as far as the sum voted would permit. Last year about $600 was expended in putting in stone gutters and catch-basins to take care of the water and this has proved a wise expenditure.
Mrs. Oscar R. Spaulding has been entertaining the following group at camp this past week: Mrs. Frances B. Prescott, Miss Charlotte Prescott and Misses Grace and Mary Burbeck.
Miss Harriet M. Hodgman has been visiting former friends in town, being the special guest of Miss Emily Fletcher.
The W.C.T.U. met with Mrs. Andrew S. Wright Wednesday afternoon, with a good attendance of the members. Plans for the summer ’s work were made, also arrangements for a field day to be held soon at Long pond, Littleton. Wednesday evening, June 16, the subject of the C.E. meeting is on Frances E. Willard’s work and by invitation of pastor, the members of the union are to take charge of the meeting with especially arranged program.
J. Henry Colburn and his helper, Joe Sears, have just finished painting a large set of buildings for Emile Paignon, Jr., at Chelmsford.
Owing to a lapse of memory, which even a gatherer of news items is liable to, in mentioning holiday visitors last week, we failed to include Misses Carrie E. and Florence H. Read, whom it was so pleasant to greet on the common during the concert. They came over in Daniel Houghton’s automobile from Littleton. Beside Mrs. Houghton there was also Mrs. E. G. Boynton, making the group of Read sisters complete.
The Edward M. Abbot Hose Co., No. 1, held their regular monthly try-out and drill last week Friday evening and by special request of the selectmen wet down the section of freshly graveled road just completed. The men did a good job but the quiet forces of nature did a better one a few hours later with a good steady downpour of rain.
During the firemen’s drill Peter Clement and Henry Colburn got a thorough ducking. They were at the hydrant near Geo. Heywood’s house [7 Main St.] and the men at the hydrant above, nearer the village, shut off the water from there, which so increased the pressure that these men lost control of the hose for a minute or two, getting the full force of the stream.
The sewing circle connected with the Ladies’ Alliance of the Unitarian church held a sewing meeting at the church parlors Wednesday and with the sewing made plans and chose committees for the annual fall fair.
Arthur E. Day has recently purchased of Geo. T. Day a strip of land on Graniteville road. With the moving of the stone wall this increases the street frontage of Mr. Day’s premises.
The triangular piece of ground at the junction of Main and Depot sts. is a beautiful sight now. The shrubbery is one mass of bloom. The credit of this aesthetic enterprise belongs to our former townsman, Charles A. Chamberlain.
The Wm. E. Frost school closed Friday for the long vacation, and the out of town teachers returned to their respective homes, Miss Cushing to Southborough, Miss Grant to Gloucester, and Miss Platt to East Milton.
Celebration. Plans for a good celebration of July fourth go steadily on, under the capable direction of Rev. C. P. Marshall. Those assisting him on the committees are: Mrs. Carrie E. Woods, Mrs. Jennie E. Hartford and Miss Mary E. Moran. At present writing they have raised about one hundred and forty dollars. They wish and expect to make this one hundred and fifty. There is much interest shown and yet the committee in charge bespeaks the hearty cooperation of everyone to make it an all-round success. At a meeting held at the parsonage Monday evening the following outline of program was planned: band concert by the Nashua military band, forenoon and afternoon; parade in the morning, to start at eight o’clock, accompanied by the band, the ball teams and the fire company; ball games by the regular players at the field at Westford depot, and the other later in the day on the common by the young ladies. There will be also a list of sports with prizes. There will be a substantial prize for the best float in the parade. Joseph Wall is chairman of the committee for this part of the program. A. H. Sutherland, master of the grange, is chairman of the committee on sports, and Miss Mary E. Moran for the ladies ball game.
Grange. The annual children’s night in the grange took place last week Thursday evening and was a happy occasion for the little people, and was reflected in a quieter degree among the interested parents and friends. The weather was ideal for the pretty white frocks, the June flowers and the feast of icecream and cake. The children entertained with the following program:
Mother Goose songs, chorus; recitation, Charles Miller; song, chorus; piano solo, Rachel Wall; recitation, Jennie Kimball; song, Grace and Maud Robinson; song, Justine Jenkins, Chester Blaisdell, Clarence Dane, George Murray; recitation, Edward Blodgett; Mother Goose songs, chorus; piano solo, Marion Blodgett; recitation, Evelyn Reid; Mother Goose songs, chorus; recitations, Paul Wilson, Clifford Wood; duet, Elizabeth Kimball, Bertha Woodbury; recitation, Allan Reid; piano duet, Hazel Hartford, Miss Fletcher ; recitation, Daisy Kabele; piano solo, Charles Wood; recitations, Beatrice and Lillian Sutherland; piano and violin duet, Grace Robinson and Walter Steele.
Those in charge of this successful affair were, for the entertainment, Misses Cushing and Grant; for the refreshments, Mrs. John Feeney and Mrs. David L. Greig.
Graniteville. Cameron circle, C. of F. of A., held a very interesting meeting in its rooms on Tuesday evening. Business of importance was transacted, three propositions received, and two candidates initiated into membership of the order. The two delegates who have recently returned from Springfield gave a very interesting report of the convention which was held in that city under very trying circumstances.
The ladies’ aid society of the M.E. church held an ice cream social in the church vestry on Thursday evening, which proved to be a very enjoyable affair. The social was largely attended and all had a very pleasant time.
Miss Hulda Carlson and Miss Catherine Dunn of West Chelmsford have been recent visitors here.
Mrs. John Downing, who has been visiting with her relatives, Mr. and Mrs. David Moran in this village for the past few weeks, left here with Mr. Downing on Sunday for Vernon, N.H., where Mr. Downing is engaged in construction work.
Walter, the eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. William Robinson, is quite ill at his home in this village.
Baseball. The Graniteville Blues played a picked team of local players at Hillside park late last week Friday afternoon and defeated them in a five-inning game by the score of 11 to 5. The picked nine was no match for the regulars, for the Blues played a fine article of ball from start to finish. T. McCarthy and Ledwith did the battery work for the Blues, while B. McCarthy and Hemen performed a like service for the picked team. Florence Sullivan was in charge the losing side and played first base, while the heavy batting and clever base-running of DeLorenzo was one of the features of the game.
On Tuesday afternoon of this week “Furbush’s Filibusters” met the Blues in what was supposed to be a six-inning game. The Filibusters started off with a rush, scoring five runs in the first inning. In the next inning they scored one more run, when the Blues settled down and prevented them from further scoring. In the meantime the Blues played a hard, uphill game and by timely hitting tied the score in the sixth. Neither side scored in the seventh, but in the eighth the Blues by good batting aided by errors on the part of the Filibusters’ infield, scored two runs, winning the game 8 to 6. McCarthy and Ledwith were the battery for the Blues, while Howarth and Hemen were in the points for Furbush’s team. Both clubs played good, snappy ball at times, and this game proved to be one of the most interesting of the season.
Owing to the rain of last Saturday the Graniteville-Forge Village game was called off. Graniteville will play the Pawtucket Blues in Lowell this Saturday.
Saturday, June 19, 1909
About Town. The second call for proposals for carrying the United States mail from Westford station to Westford Center have been closed and the proposals opened, and the contract awarded to Mrs. Frank W. Banister.
When you have nothing else to think of think of this and think of it often, and forget much else that is inferior to this: the alumni association of Westford academy will hold its annual graduation dance and social reunion Friday evening, June 25. Concert from eight to nine, dancing until one a.m. Music by the Lynn Cadet orchestra. This is to be the time of the year, come and bring thy dear. This is to be a town hall affair, and always have a lasting, wholesome wear.
The committee on Fourth of July parade held its first meeting Monday evening. Every member of the committee seemed alive and no prospect of danger from contact with dead wires. The prospect looks encouraging for a long, large, heterogeneous parade, and folks and affairs are liable to have their pictures taken as never before. The Nashua military band will lead the parade, and our ever-willing Joe Wall will act as chief aid.
The ballgame last Saturday between Westford and Shirley resulted in a win for Shirley 5 to 3. the Westford team was short of two important men; expect to lose every now and then.
Westford academy team played Chelmsford high school last Saturday and caught the down and out from the regular Westford team and were defeated 8 to 7.
As the Sunday evening meeting of the Enterprise club the subject for consideration was the life of Edward Everett Hale. As a sort of chairman of exercises for the evening, a phonograph performed as reader, speaker, singer, in solo and choruses, monologue, and dialogue. The whole affair was attractive to the eye and moral sense.
Wallace Johnson has sold out his ice route in West Chelmsford to John Marinell of North Chelmsford.
John A. Taylor attended the wedding Tuesday in Everett of Miss Ellene Blodgett, a classmate at Emerson school of oratory and on Thursday at the Old South church, Worcester, the wedding of Walter Virgie Spaulding, a classmate at Amherst college.
Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey took part in the exercises of installation of Rev. Granville Pierce at Ashby last week Thursday, and the one hundredth anniversary of the founding of the parish.
A cat of Mrs. Banister and a dog of Charles Whitney were killed by the same electric car last week. Keep better company next time.
Patriotic Gathering. Over 250 people attended the old-fashioned campfire held at the residence of Hiram Dane on the shores of Long-Sought pond in the northerly part of the town last week Thursday. Special electric cars brought comrades and friends from Ayer, Acton, Shirley, Groton, Littleton, Dunstable, Tyngsboro and Lowell. Post 145, D.A.R. of Shirley, the oldest organization in the state. Several other cities were represented by veterans and sons of veterans. With all appropriateness, Comrade Dane gave the address of welcome, he having served during the war in the Second Massachusetts regiment, enlisting from Roxbury; so after the scars of battle he could consistently welcome his comrades to a review of these scenes by the fireside of peace on the patriotic anniversary of the battle of Bunker hill. With his usual adept courtesy, George E. Gould volunteered free transportation from the station on the Dunstable road to the pond; also, through the kindness of Fred A. Snow of the “Overlook” farm, his large motor boat was devoted to the old veterans for this occasion.
The forenoon was largely devoted to boating and war reminiscences by the veterans.
The house was appropriately decorated for this patriotic day and gathering, with American flags and bunting. The style, arrangement and designing was the labor of George E. Gould and Mrs. Arthur F. Blodgett, who also in addition had a neatly arranged and attractive restaurant. The afternoon was largely devoted to the literary program. Comrade Dane read a paper entitled “Pacific branch, national home of disabled volunteer soldiers.” This home is sixteen miles northwest of Los Angeles, contains 737 acres of land, with parks and gardens; it is the home of more than 3,000 veterans. Following this paper was a song by Comrade Mellish of Shirley, chorus by the company, reading by O. W. Balcom of Shirley, remarks by Comrade William Jubb of Shirley, who will be remembered as a resident of Westford Corner for many years and a member of Spaulding light cavalry, reading by G. F. Lewis, remarks by Rev. A. D. Stroud of Ayer, reading by Mrs. Moore, cousin of Abraham Lincoln, with the following cast: Grandmother Bustle, Sarah Precious; Mrs. Bustle, May Lord; Mary, Marion Lord; Hazy Black, Bertha Collins; Biddy O’Rafferty, Helen Lord; Kitty Clover, Rachel Cherry; Miss Moon Shine, Rose Northrop; Bridget McGinn, Edith Precious.
It was a very enjoyable play and the ladies took their parts well and pleasing. The sheds which were built last October caused quite a debt, which is fast lessening by the untiring efforts of the guild and ladies’ sewing circle.
About Town. The assessors are nearing the haven of rest for themselves, but possible unrest for the taxpayers, who will pay taxes this year on a basis of $15.70 on a thousand, as against fourteen dollars last year. The state tax was $600 less than last year, and the county tax $300 more. Many thanks, Messrs. Assessors, for your kindness toward dumb animals in fixing a harmless rise. It is a surprise.
Mrs. Houghton G. Osgood is seriously ill at her home on Main st., and medical authority has prescribed a rest. This is another form of hard work for everybody except lazy folks.
Center. Mrs. Lyman Smith, one of our aged residents, died on Thursday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Sydney B. Wright. She had been in failing health for a long time. A more extended account will be given next week.
Miss Burroughs of Lowell was an over Sunday guest at Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright’s.
“Betsy,” the faithful black horse used by the late Charles Whidden [who died April 22, 1909] for carrying the mail for so many years, died the first of the week. She out-lived her master but a short time, and the two were faithful in Uncle Sam’s service for a long time.
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Merritt have been recent victims of the grippe.
The ladies’ missionary society met with Mrs. John P. Wright Thursday afternoon.