The Westford Wardsman, June, 1912
Saturday, June 1, 1912
Center. The funeral services of Mrs. Mary Abigail Wright took place from her late home on last Saturday afternoon at two o’clock. There was a large gathering of relatives, neighbors and other friends. Rev. David Wallace, Mrs. Wright’s pastor, was the officiating clergyman, and he paid a very sincere and tender tribute to the life and memory of the deceased. The Mendelssohn quartet of Lowell rendered beautiful selections as follows: “Lead kindly light,” “Abide with me,” and “The christian’s goodnight.” The floral offerings were numerous and of great beauty. The bearers were relatives of the deceased and interment was in the family lot in Fairview cemetery.
It was defeat for the Westford-Littleton high school baseball team in their game with the Harvard Bromfield school team last week on Thursday afternoon at Whitney park with a score of 12 to 4. Again Saturday afternoon in the suburban league the Red Sox crossed bats with the Y.M.C.A. Indians of Lowell, losing to the latter 14 to 5.
Miss Althea Smith, who recently underwent a serious operation for appendicitis, is now making a good convalescence at the Lowell General hospital.
Mr. and Mrs. Will R. Carver, two children and maid came up to Westford on Tuesday, where Mrs. Carver and the children will spend the summer. The workmen are nearly through working on their summer home, and while it is being made ready for occupancy, they are staying with Mr. and Mrs. John Feeney. Mrs. Gertrude Carver Skidmore also came to Westford this week and opened her summer home and will be here as much as she can during the summer.
The tennis court at Whitney park has been re-surfaced and put in good order this week, and some of the devotees of the game have had initial try-outs of the season.
Mrs. Oscar R. Spalding entertained the Thimble club at her home on Wednesday of this week. There was a good attendance present and it was the first very pleasant piazza party of the season.
Quite a delegation of Westford grangers went over to Acton on Tuesday evening of this week for their special meeting and report a very pleasant time.
Mrs. Emma Abbot Kebler’s Westford friends regret to hear of her serious illness from pneumonia at her home in Brookline.
Resolutions Passed. Westford friends will be interested in the recent action of the faculty of Bryn Mawr college, at which it was voted to make the following record in the minutes:
Whereas, the Faculty of Bryn Mawr college have heard with sincere regret of the death of Nettie Maria Stevens, A.B. and A.M., of Leland Stanford Junior university, graduate scholar in biology in Bryn Mawr college 1900-01, president’s European fellow 1901-02, resident fellow in biology 1902-03, doctor of philosophy of this college in 1903, sometime research fellow in Carnegie research department and Alice Freeman Palmer research fellow, and since 1904 as reader and then as associate in experimental morphology, a member of the teaching staff and the faculty.
Resolved, that we the faculty of Bryn Mawr college desire to record our appreciation of her talent for research, of the skill and assiduity with which she carried on different investigations, achieving a fame that placed her in the very first rank of students of science and gave her a world-wide reputation among workers in biology. No less would we recognize the faithfulness with which as a member of the faculty she responded to every call for her services in teaching or in any general work of the college. We deplore her loss. We honor her memory.
Resolved, that copies of these resolutions be sent to the relatives of Dr. Stevens, to the board of directors, and to “Science.”
Taken from the minutes, Joseph W. Warren, Secretary.
Bryn Mawr, May 5, 1912.
Social. The “electric light social,” which was the last in the season’s series at the Congregational church, certainly had additional electrical features not exactly scheduled in the plans. A series of three severe thunder storms with severe lightning during the afternoon and evening was a serious drawback to the evening’s success.
However, fully fifty people were present and partook of the excellent supper served from 6:30 to eight o’clock. Miss L. G. Atwood and Mrs. Ida M. Gould had charge of the supper, assisted by a group of willing helpers. The menu consisted of cold ham, rolls, coffee, egg salad, strawberries and cream, cake and pies. The tables were prettily decorated with spring flowers and runners of red, white and blue, and each plate a small flag.
Owing to the storm the singer engaged from Lowell was unable to be present, but Mrs. Colburn sang with excellent effect a spring song, accompanied by Miss Grace Lumbert at the piano. Mrs. Perley E. Wright read most capably and her interpretations of the following selections were most enjoyable: “Old red candle,” “Woman’s rights,” “The little bootblack,” and “Good-bye.” These numbers were interspersed with graphophone selections from Miss Nellie Fletcher’s graphophone loaned for the occasion. The last social of the season was in charge of H. G. Osgood, Sunday school superintendent, and other officers and members of the Sunday school.
Did a Lot of Damage. The severe thunder storm with its accompaniment of hail and lightning on last week Friday afternoon did considerable damage, the most serious being the burning out of the main telephone cable in front of the residence of William L. Woods. In spite of a good gang of workmen since, the service has been sadly crippled, the majority of the subscribers having been entirely without the use of their machines for a number of days. The streets and sidewalks were badly gullied with the torrents of rain, and the hail did considerable damage to the tender vegetation. Window glass was reported broken in various places and lightning struck the barn of H. L. Wright and ripped off clap-boards and tore the structure in bad shape. A coincidence about this damage is that this is the third time that this set of buildings has been the victim of lightning.
Real Estate Sales. Real estate changes of interest in our village reported this week is the sale of the cottage house known as the Gilman Wright place [9 Depot St.], by Will R. Carver, to Mr. and Mrs. John Bright, of South Royalton, Vt. Mr. and Mrs. Bright are Mrs. John P. Wright’s parents and a home so near their daughter’s will be very pleasant. Mr. and Mrs. Bright do not expect to move to their new home until fall, and the present occupants stay where they are until then.
Although the papers have not been passed, the second sale is that of Miss Ida E. Leighton’s place [56 Main St.] to George E. Gould. This last is a centrally located place, and for many years has been a most profitable small fruit farm. Mr. Gould does not expect to occupy until fall, but is storing considerable property on the place.
About Town. Mr. Sargent, living on the Heywood place, took one of his horses to the blacksmith shop at Westford depot on Wednesday afternoon, where the animal was taken suddenly sick. Dr. Murray, of Littleton, was called and pronounced it a serious case of black water [rhabdomyolosis]. The horse is unable to be removed from the shop.
Services will be held in the Long-Sought-for chapel on Sunday afternoon at the usual hour. The continuance of these services are encouraged by the interest shown in the large attendance two weeks ago.
All the rights and interest which John J. Sheehan, deceased, had in the home place on Stony Brook road was sold at public auction on last week Friday afternoon. His rights were bought by the remaining heirs. Judge F. A. Fisher, of Lowell, was present to look after the rights of Mr. Sheehan, and Lawyer J. J. Enright, of Lowell, was present representing the other heirs. James P. Emerson, of Chelmsford, was auctioneer.
Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton E. Whitney are the happy parents of their first child, a daughter [Susan E. Whitney], born on Friday, May 24.
Drowning Accident. While fishing on Monday afternoon at the railroad bridge near Westford station, George W. Richardson, eight years old, fell into the water and was drowned, although the young Cutter boy, who was fishing with him at the time, gave the alarm and J. Herbert Fletcher, Norman Phillips and Frank W. Banister ran to the rescue. J. Herbert Fletcher was the first in the water and succeeded in locating the body, and by the help of the other two succeeded in bringing it to the surface. It was a quick response and heroic work. Drs. Wells and Blaney were hastily summoned in an effort to resuscitate, but it was too late, life was extinct. The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon from the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Richardson. Rev. David Wallace conducted the services. The bearers were schoolmates and the burial was in Fairview cemetery.
Union Memorial Service. The usual seating capacity of the Old First Parish church was not adequate on last Sunday for the union Memorial service and extra seats were required. The day being unusually inviting in weather conditions, an audience of about three hundred was gathered, representing the Methodist, Union Congregational and Unitarian churches, and others of unaffiliated sources. The veterans, under command of J. Everett Woods, assembled at the town hall and were escorted to the church by the local branch of the Sons of Veterans.
The following printed program was distributed by Edward Fisher and William L. Woods, who served as ushers: Organ prelude, George R. Smith, organist of the church; “Praise God from whom all blessings flow,” by the Congregation; invocation, Rev. Hugh Layton; choral, “Let us have peace,” dedicated to President William H. Taft, and the cause of peace world over; Psalter, Rev. Lyman B. Weeks, and response by the congregation; anthem, “Sing aloud unto God”; scripture, Rev. Hugh Layton; anthem, “Consider and hear me”; prayer, Rev. David Wallace; solo, “Trusting in thee,” John S. Greig; sermon, Lyman B. Weeks, “Memorials of liberty.”
The sermon by Mr. Weeks was an eloquent review of the triumphs of liberty from the days of Moses down to the present time. When the Puritans could no longer endure the oppression of England, they set up their standard of liberty in our historic Plymouth. Their standard of liberty was much like the liberty they had protested in England, conform or be banished like Roger Williams. Liberty in our own country prior to the civil war was the liberty to determine who among the sons of men should be denied all personal rights. The dangers and paralyzing effects of this standard of liberty was enunciated by William Lloyd Garrison, Wendell Phillips, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Abraham Lincoln and numerous other protestors against “auction block liberty.” This practice led to the pitched battle between state rights and the supreme authority of the national government, and in the mix-up of this contest Abraham Lincoln launched forth the liberty that gives every individual, the unabridged control of its own personality.
This new interpretation of liberty has built and equipped institutions of learning by the class and for the class who for so long a time had submitted to the auction sale of their natural rights. Some of the former slaves are able to give points to their former masters. “In what liberty has done for us,” Booker T. Washington has no peer in the world today, all things considered, and there are many Booker T. Washingtons not quite in his class but they plainly show the effects of the new interpretation of liberty.
The choir and congregation sang four verses of the hymn, “Great God of nations now to thee,” and “America” was the closing number, which made the old church ring anew with liberty as in the early days of the civil war. The singing of the united choirs was exceptional in its effect upon the spirit of the day. In duet, Mrs. Seavey and Miss Gertrude Fletcher, as at all times, charmingly blending. The new voices in solo in this church were Mrs. Charles D. Colburn and Miss Edna Ferguson. John S. Greig in his solo, “Trusting in thee,” was finely rendered, as it applied to the spirit of the day. Benediction, Rev. David Wallace.
After the services the veterans were provided with a dinner in the vestry of the church, after which they were carried in a barge by George E. Gould to all the cemeteries in town and the time-honored custom of tenderly remembering the graves of soldiers by the usual decorations of flowers was reverently performed.
Death. Joshua C. Decatur, who died at his home in Winthrop last week Thursday [Wednesday, May 22], after an illness of nearly a year, was a native of Westford and forty-three years old. He was the only child of Calvin A. and Emma (Norton) Decatur. His early school days were passed in the old Stony Brook school, and latter at the school of tender memories—Westford academy.
For a few years he was associated with his father in the management of the J. Henry Read farm and later went into business for himself in Faneuil hall market. He evidently in personality had a clear adaptation to this class of business career, as the farmers of his native town, who have dealt with him in the sale of fruit, can testify.
He was a member of the Spalding Light Cavalry for several years and was promoted to sergeant. After the company was disbanded he became a member of Troop F Cavalry association and presented the association with the flag that was displayed at half mast at his death, which was the first death in the association.
The funeral was from his home on Saturday and burial in Westford Sunday afternoon. The funeral party arrived on the 2:30 train from Boston. At Westford station a large delegation of former members of the cavalry were present to do escort duty under command of Lieut. H. V. Hildreth. On arrival at Fairview cemetery the usual appropriate burial service was conducted by Rev. Lyman B. Weeks. The Adelphi male quartet of Boston sang with much feeling, “Still, still with thee,” “Abide with me,” and “The home land.”
The bearers, all former members of the cavalry, were Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, Capt. John J. Monahan, Lieut. Edward Fisher, Quartermaster John Feeney, Alec Fisher and John Fisher. The services concluded with the farewell sound of taps over his grave by Bugler Carl of Lowell.
It was a large company that assembled in Fairview—neighbors, friends, relatives and those associated with him in business. He leaves many relatives in Westford and other places; also, a widow, formerly Miss Georgie Dalrymple of Groton, who for many years was a teacher in Stony Brook school.
The following is a list of flowers:
Floral arch with closed book of flowers, from business associates; wreath of red roses and lilies-of-the-valley, from Boston Fruit and Produce Exchange; square and compass, from Massachusetts lodge of Masons; wreath, from Market Men’s Relief association; crescent, from employees of McGourthy and Decatur; wreath, from A. A. Patten, of Marston’s restaurant; spray of white pinks and violets, from C. E. Aldrich and family, Brookline; spray, from Mrs. F. C. Wright; spray of Easter lilies, from Mr. and Mrs. Sanford; pillow and spray of roses, from Georgie Decatur; pillow of white roses and pansies, Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Woodbury and Mr. and Mrs. P. J. McGourthy; large wreath, from Spaulding Light Cavalry association; spray of pink roses, Conant & Stockwell, Cambridge; spray of pink carnations, from Henry Read and family; spray of carnations from Miss Ruth Tuttle; spray of Easter lilies, Mr. and Mrs. F. G. Everett, Milton; oval pillow, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fisher; pink carnations, Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Davis, Somerville; American beauty roses and sweet peas, from Wyman Bros., Arlington; spray of Easter lilies, Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Carver; spray of pink carnations, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Marshall, Woburn; wreath of magnolia leaves and American beauty roses, Amos Whipple; spray of white roses and sweet peas, from Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Butler, Somerville; spray of white roses and sweet peas, from Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Smith, Somerville; wreath galax and pink carnations, from the Norton family, Allston; spray of carnations, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. White and Mrs. Heywood; spray of white roses, from Mr. and Mrs. John Fisher, Hartford, Conn.; spray of pink carnations, from Winthrop neighbors; spray of white pinks and violets, from Mr. and Mrs. Davenport, Somerville; set piece of roses and Easter lilies from Frank Di Marco.
Forge Village. The feast of the Pentecost was fittingly observed in St. Andrew’s mission on last Sunday. Holy communion services were held at 9:30 in the morning, Rev. A. L. Bumpus officiating. On Sunday, June 2, the feast of the holy trinity will be observed at 7:30 o’clock in the evening. Sunday school will be at 3:30 in the afternoon.
What many of the older residents claim to be the worst storm which has ever struck this village came on last week Friday afternoon. Although distant thunder was heard early in the afternoon nothing alarming was expected until about four o’clock, when a gigantic thunder and lightning storm crashed on, followed by hailstones varying from one-half inch to two inches in diameter. The rain fell in torrents and the streets were actually poor looking roads when the storm was over.
Miss Letitia V. Ward, principal of Cameron school, played two piano selections at the 155th recital given by Prof. Edward Everett Adams at his studio in Lowell on Tuesday. Mr. Adams tendered the recital as a memorial to his first teacher, the late Mrs. George Byam.
Mrs. John Jones of Worcester was the guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett, of Pleasant street, on Saturday and Sunday.
The Cameron school garden is now ready for planting. Each pupil has been given a piece of ground on which to do his own gardening work, and the children will find plant growing both an interesting and pleasing addition to the school duties. Miss Ward has the charge of the classes.
Last Saturday afternoon in Cameron park the Forge Village Tigers defeated the Graniteville Busters to the tune of 17 to 9. The Tigers also defeated the Busters last week.
Mrs. John Edwards and her niece, Miss Gladys Baker, spent a few days recently as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Coley of Worcester.
George B. Watson and Rep. Kearns of Lowell are enjoying the season at Oak Grove cottage.
Oak Bluff cottage is rented for the season to the Imperial campers of Lowell.
Abbot & Co. are to build three new cottages on Pine street in the early fall.
Alvin S. Bennett returned this week from Worcester, where he has been visiting relatives.
Dr. Harrison Bennett of Washington is the guest of his brother, Alvin S. Bennett.
Mrs. Lucretia Reed entertained at her home on Sunday Mrs. Susan Reed, Monroe Bennett and Miss Irene Bennett, all of Lowell.
Operetta. On last week Friday night, in Abbot hall, the members of St. Catherine’s choir, West Graniteville, presented for the first time here the pleasing pastoral operetta, “Sylvia,” in two acts, written by Maude Elizabeth Inch, music by W. Rhys-Herbert. The hall was packed to the doors, standing room even being at a premium before the opening overture by the American orchestra of Lowell.
The long faithful work on the part of the members of the choir was certainly rewarded by the excellent way in which all took their parts and the little mission of St. Catherine’s is to be congratulated on having such a talented choir to handle such an operetta in the able manner as on Friday night. James A. Murphy of Lowell directed in his usual expert manner and his earnest endeavors to bring out the most in the voices of the young people met with every success.
Joseph Wall of Graniteville was the stage manager and was also most successful in his efforts. Miss Lillian Moran in “Sylvia,” the leading lady, did most excellent work. She is a young [aged 22] musician with a soprano voice of rare promise and was heartily encored at every appearance. Miss Clara McCoy, as “Betty,” was particularly good. Her alto voice was very sweet and her acting was as well done. James Byrnes, as “Sir Bertram de Lacy,” did himself credit. His tenor solo was encored heartily.
“William,” the farmer lad, was taken by R. J. McCarthy and as usual he made a hit with his “rubish” [sic] talk and acting. Fred Defoe, as “Prince Tobyton,” kept the audience in roars of laughter at every appearance and was certainly a true man of consequence, as he sang the song of that name. “Arabella and Araminta,” two court ladies, were ably filled by Misses Sadie and Mary Gardner. “Polly,” a neat little country girl, was portrayed by Miss Carrie Prinn and Miss Katherine Ward took the part of “Milly.” Both did excellently. Miss Katherine May in her part as “Dolly,” a farmer’s daughter, did very good and with the other members deserves to be congratulated on the work done.
After the performance ice cream and cake were served, followed by dancing. The American orchestra played for the dance.
Saturday, June 8, 1912
Center. A large force of skilled workmen started on Monday morning of this week to connect the new central telephone exchange which has been recently installed with the 112 subscribers. The automatic system that has been in use the last few years has been especially unfortunate recently owing to the severe electrical storms. Subscribers have had all the way from not any service for two weeks to varying degrees of intermittent and complete service, and they, as well as the company, hope and expect the new system will be more satisfactory. Mrs. Isles, assisted by her daughter Hilda, are in charge of the new exchange, and for the present an expert operator from the Lowell exchange is with them.
The pupils of the William E. Frost school held very interesting and appropriate Memorial day exercises on last week Wednesday afternoon. The entire school marched in orderly procession to the [town] hall where a program of recitations and music was given that was unusually good. Many parents and friends were in attendance. Miss Edith Forster was in charge, assisted by the other teachers, Mrs. Coggshall and Misses Smith, Grant and Forster.
William A. Green has recently resigned from the charge of the Brigham farm and John Feeney, jr., who has been there for two years takes his place as foreman. Mr. Green goes to his home town of East Bridgewater for a brief vacation before taking up new duties. The Brigham farm is one of the largest apple farms in this section.
Mr. and Mrs. Archie Blanchard, of Swampscott, are visiting Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fisher.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur T. Blodgett and George E. Gould moved this week, going to their place on the Merrimack river between Lowell and Lawrence. Mr. Gould stored a good deal at his recently acquired property bought of Miss Ida E. Leighton. Miss Leighton and her sister, Mrs. Stone, have not yet decided where they will locate. Mrs. Isles and Miss Moran have moved into their house this last week vacated by Mr. and Mrs. Blodgett.
The house occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Anderson is having an addition which gives them one more room on both first and second floors, making their home more commodious for themselves and family.
A collection of valuable minerals with a cabinet to contain them, belonging to the late Prof. William E. Frost, has been purchased by some of his former pupils and placed in the J. V. Fletcher library, where they may be available under proper restrictions and regulations for students’ use as they may be required in their studies.
Charles Carpentier, who has run the Frank Miller blacksmith shop and lived in his house, has removed with his family to Graniteville.
Rev. Alfred Woods, a former minister [of the Methodist Episcopal Church] at Graniteville, has recently been in town visiting former parishioners.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening of this week. Seven hydrants were opened and tested by the men. Afterward at the headquarters, Mr. Watson, 1st lieut., furnished birch beer and cigars to the company.
Warren Gould, a former blacksmith at the Center, and who of late years has had a large blacksmith and repair shop at Middlesex Village, has recently removed with his family to settle in California.
Mrs. George E. Jenkins, of Morristown, has been visiting former friends in town.
The tent presented by the Tadmuck club to the Boy Scouts was nicely set up on the common on Memorial day for their headquarters.
Young lady students of the academy conducted a refreshment booth on the old store piazza on Memorial day. They did a good business in spite of weather conditions, and the proceeds will be used in connection with the graduating exercises.
Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Coburn and daughter, Miss Clarissa, were Memorial day guests of Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Watson and Mrs. Edmund Day.
The Fred A. Hildreths, of Malden, spent the holiday with the H. V. Hildreths.
More than passing mention is deserved by our townsman, J. Herbert Fletcher, for his effort to rescue little eleven-year-old George Richardson, who was drowned in Stony Brook the week before last. Without a second’s hesitation as soon as the call came, he plunged into the cold water and made a heroic search for the body, which had already sank. Had it been his own well-loved son he could have made no more effort, and if the other children could have warned him of the accident a little sooner probably through Mr. Fletcher’s efforts the little body might have been resuscitated by the physicians.
Fairview cemetery was unusually beautiful this year. The season and the work of the caretakers combined to have everything in good condition, and the decorations were unusually beautiful.
Mrs. Mary Fletcher, owing to continued illness and weakness, and under the care of physician and trained nurse, is denied callers, and her many friends wish for her a sustaining sense of their continued loving interest.
Miss Amelia W. Lambert has been spending a brief vacation with her home people, coming from Westmoreland hospital, Greensburg, Pa., where she holds a responsible position.
Memorial Day. Memorial day that everybody likes to have one of the beautiful out-of-doors holidays of the year, proved cold and stormy. While it did not rain as severely as the day following, the threatening skies and occasional showers made a difference in the attendance and in the carrying out of the day’s plans.
The line of march formed at the Cavalry association building at 10:30 o’clock in the following order: Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, marshal; Nashua military band, the twelve veterans, sons and daughters of veterans and a delegation of Boy Scouts.
The impressive service of decorating the soldiers’ monument presented two years ago to the town by Col. Metcalf, of Auburn, N.Y., was conducted by J. Everett Woods, Fred A. Hildreth and Wesley O. Hawkes, after which the line of march was taken to the town hall and the following program given:
Call to order and word of welcome, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher; prayer, Rev. Hugh Layton; festival hymn, Grace church quartet; “War memories,” Nashua military band; “Vacant chair,” Grace church quartet; address, Rev. Lyman B. Weeks; duet, “Devotion,” Messrs. Lajoie and Tolles; duet, “Flowers we bring to deck each grave,” Mr. and Mrs. Burns; “Star spangled banner,” Grace church quartet; “America,” by the audience and band.
Rev. Lyman B. Weeks gave a thoughtful and interesting address, sketching the conditions that lead up to the war and many other phases of the great struggle of the rebellion.
A substantial dinner was served in the lower town hall after the exercises by the Daughters of Veterans to the veterans, the members of the band and other guests of the day. Owing to the rain in the afternoon the concert that was to have been given by the band on the common was given instead in the town hall. While the effect of a band of so many pieces was not as good indoors, they gave an excellent concert which received the attention it so well merited. Many were heard to express the opinion that this Nashua band which has been hired so many times never gave better music than on this Memorial day.
About Town. The Hiram Dane farm bordering on Long-Sought pond, and sold within a year to Boston parties, is being laid out into streets and camp lots. That part of the farm lying between the Dunstable road and the pond already has several streets and summer camps. An office has been established close to the Dunstable road under the management of The Long-Sought-for Pond Camp Company. The first three streets are named after the pond—Long street, Sought-for street and Pond street. The farm is owned by Boston parties and appearances indicate that summer Boston is about to be annexed to Westford. The electric cars are near enough to increase the value of this Long-Sought-for summer resort.
The W.C.T.U. held their monthly meeting on Wednesday afternoon in the vestry of the Orthodox church, which was appropriately decorated with flowers. This meeting was for mothers and their children, and about twenty mothers and twenty children were present. The committee in charge of refreshments was Mrs. H. M. Seavey, Mrs. Mae Gould and Miss Gladys Fletcher. The entertainment was in charge of Mrs. Clara Greig and Mrs. Perley Wright. A lull-a-bye song was given by Mrs. C. A. Blaney, select reading by Mrs. Perley Wright. Mrs. Langley read a paper on the state convention which was encouraging to the local branch. Mrs. Daisy Colburn entertained with the graphophone and Mrs. D. Colburn with vocal music.
The contest for the first green peas this year seems to be between Smith and Smith, Brookside Smith and Graniteville Smith. Brookside claims he is already to proceed with the eating and as manners are not involved he doesn’t propose to wait for any one. Graniteville planted his peas in February and they barely missed blossoming in March. With this early start he ought not to be sitting at the second table.
At the sale of the rights of John J. Sheehan in the Sheehan farm, the report that the other heirs bought this right was incorrect. His interest in the home farm was sold to Byron H. Brow, of Dunstable, for $150.
At the Unitarian church on Sunday Rev. Lyman B. Weeks will take for his subject “Making merchandise of the keys to the kingdom of heaven.” In the afternoon he will by request give an address at the Long-Sought-for chapel.
C. R. P. Decatur, who has been seriously ill, has taken a sudden turn for the better and has been able to get out on the lawn with the aid of a wheel chair.
Samuel Ogley, a former superintendent of Brookside mills, recently visited old friends. He was one of the most popular superintendents of the mill. His old friends were all pleased to see him again. He holds a responsible position in Providence, R.I.
Columbus Pickup, of Fitchburg, overseer of the spinning room of Brookside mills, has moved into the house recently occupied by Charles L. Watts.
Mrs. Samuel Ogley and Miss Jennie Frazer, of Brookside, are in Rockly and Carrington, Nova Scotia, for the summer.
The Royal Oak club gave their first social dance at Marshall’s hall on last week Wednesday evening. Clark’s orchestra, five pieces, furnished music. The committee in charge were Lotta Brown, general manager, Eva Carlson, floor director, and Bertha Coburn, Mary Flynn, Minnie Savage, Janet Brown, Etta Douglas and Hulda Carlson, aids.
Mrs. George E. Jenkins, of New Jersey, a former resident of Westford, was a visitor in town on Memorial day, remaining in town over Sunday and attending the Unitarian church.
Mrs. Collins, who died in Haverhill, was brought in town for burial on Monday afternoon in Fairview cemetery. She was seventy-six years old and the mother of Myles Collins, of Forge Village.
Graniteville. Both masses in St. Catherine’s church on Sunday morning were celebrated by Rev. M. E. Doherty, and he also delivered a short, but highly interesting sermon on “The holy trinity.” At the second mass R. J. McCarthy was heard to excellent advantage in a fine vocal solo.
Rev. Alfred Woods, a former pastor of the M.E. church here, has been a recent visitor in this village.
Mrs. Julia B. Wall and Mrs. Margaret McCarthy, of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., of this village, attended the annual convention of the grand circle that was held in Worcester this week.
All the schools in this village closed here on Friday for the annual summer vacation. The schools will reopen for the fall term on September 2.
Fred Longbottom, of Arlington, made a brief visit on friends here this week, coming over the road on his new motorcycle. Fred is a great lover of the “bike,” and finds the power driven machine far superior to the one he drove in former days by foot power.
The fine weather of the past few days has brought many visitors from the city to the different camps that are situated about the various ponds in this vicinity.
Some of the young men of this village are now planning on holding a minstrel show in the near future. Frank Charlton will have general charge of the affair and it promises to be a “hummer.”
Baseball. The regular Graniteville baseball team visited Lowell on last Saturday afternoon and on the South common met the South End baseball club in a fast and well played game that was won by the Lowell club before a large crowd of spectators by the score of 6 to 4. Although the Graniteville club outbatted their opponents and were faster on the bases, errors coming at a critical stage of the game proved to be their undoing, for the South Ends took advantage of every opportunity and squeezed in the necessary runs that landed the game.
The playing of both teams was sharp and timely, and gave the fans a fine afternoon’s sport, and with the proper backing of his team mates Spinner, the local pitcher, would surely have landed the game.
The White Sox of the Suburban league dropped another game on the home grounds here on last Saturday afternoon when they were defeated by the Cubs, of North Chelmsford, by the score of 7 to 3. A new pitcher from Lowell, that the White Sox were trying out, was the real cause for the loss of the game, for after McCarthy, the regular twirler, went into the box the Cubs stopped scoring. The White Sox will play in Westford on this Saturday afternoon.
Forge Village. Cameron school closed on Friday, June 7, for the annual summer vacation. School will reopen on September 2.
Memorial day was passed rather quietly here this year. The rainy weather prevented many from attending the exercises at Westford. Old Glory was displayed at many homes.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Jones, of Worcester, spent Saturday and Sunday visiting relatives here. Mr. Jones returned on Monday morning, leaving Mrs. Jones visiting her sister, Mrs. James [Ada] Whigham, for a week. Mrs. Jones was formerly Miss Janie Cottrell, of this village.
Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, of Westford, on Memorial day.
On Sunday evening services will be held at St. Andrew’s church at 7:30 o’clock.
Miss Edith Precious was the guest of her sister, Mrs. Michael Keefe, of Townsend Harbor, on Memorial day.
On the holiday, Alvin S. Bennett entertained at his home his grandson, Walter Bennett, and three great-grandchildren, Helen, Irene and Gordon Bennett, of Townsend.
Miss Emma Dufort, of Lancaster, was the guest of her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Daly, over Sunday.
A delegation from Loyal Self Help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., drove to Fairview cemetery, Westford, on last Sunday morning and decorated the graves of departed members.
Mr. and Mrs. Collins and family attended the funeral of Mr. Collins’ mother, who died in Haverhill on Saturday. Interment was in Fairview cemetery, Westford.
Archie, Whigham, of Barre, and Miss Sarah Hunt, of Ware, have been recent visitors at the homes of William and Edmund Hunt.
Mr. and Mrs. John Paquette [nee Evaline M. Leclerc], of Nashua, N.H., spent Memorial day with Mrs. Paquette’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Felix Leclerc, of Story street. Mr. and Mrs. Leclerc also entertained their daughter, Mrs. Edward Hyde [nee Eva Josephine Leclerc], husband and baby.
Mrs. Joseph Mason [nee Annie Catchpole] and children, of Lowell, were the guests of [her parents] Mr. and Mrs. Henry Catchpole last week.
The annual sale of the ladies of St. Andrew’s mission will be held on Saturday afternoon, June 8, at Recreation hall from three until six o’clock. A lot of fancy articles and aprons will be displayed for sale, and candy and ice cream will also be on sale. The Ladies’ Sewing Circle, favorably known for its fine sewing, has an unusually large assortment this year, especially children’s clothing. As no admission fee will be charged, it is hoped that a large number will patronize this sale and thereby help a worthy cause, which is for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission.
Mrs. George Alderman and children, of Somerville, and Percy Hargraves, of Beverly, were guests of Mrs. M. A. Lowther last week.
The cut worms have been and still are doing their deadly work in the gardens of many amateur farmers here this season. Over one hundred were found in one garden after great havoc and loss had been discovered. It is to be regretted that a remedy for such pests cannot be affected.
Miss Elizabeth Plummer was called to the bedside of her brother in Beverly recently on account of his severe illness.
A large box containing the foliage of the Oregon grape was received from Mrs. W. E. Precious [sic], Vancouver, Wash., who formerly resided here. Mrs. Parsons [nee Hannah Prescott] sent the foliage to be placed on the family tomb in Westlawn cemetery on Memorial day.
Saturday, June 15, 1912
Center. At Whitney park last Saturday afternoon the game between the White Sox of Graniteville and the Red Sox of Westford resulted in the honors going to the Graniteville team with the close score of 11 to 8.
Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher and son John go to Ludlow, Vt., this next week to be present at the graduation and attendant festivities of Mrs. Fletcher’s niece, Miss Amy Brickhold from Black River academy.
H. V. Hildreth was among those present at a reunion of the class of ’85, Institute of Technology, of which he was a member at the home of one of the members on Buzzard’s bay, near Onset, last Saturday and Sunday. Out of a class of over three hundred only about thirty-five were able to be present.
Mrs. Helen R. Leighton was an over Sunday visitor at Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher’s last week.
Children’s Sunday at the Congregational church will take place Sunday, June 30, the last Sunday of the month.
Alfred Patten and family have moved into Mr. Miller’s house recently vacated by Mr. Carpentier and will work for Mr. Miller on the roads.
Quite a large number from this village responded to the lure of the circus in Lowell Tuesday. In the evening Will E. Wright took a barge load of people to and from the city.
Workmen from Lowell Electric Co. have been busy this week setting poles and installing the additional electric lights. They have been extended on Boston road and on Graniteville road and Main street extension and spaces filled in through the village.
The graduating exercises of the academy will take place Friday morning, June 28, at the town hall at 10:30 o’clock. There is a class of eleven to be graduated this year as follows: Misses Beatrice Sutherland, Lillian Sutherland, Nellie Healey, Evelyn Hamlin, Margaret Sullivan, Catherine Sullivan and Mary Donnelly, Herbert Walkden, Chester Burnham, Lawrence Holbrook and Albert Collins. The address of the day will be given by the president of Cushing academy, whose name will be given in these columns later. A dance will be given in the evening under the direction of the juniors.
Frederick A. Chase, city librarian of Lowell, with his family, is occupying Miss Hildreth’s picturesque log cabin on Prospect hill.
A recent real estate transfer is the sale of the home [3 Depot St.] by Mrs. Amanda T. Fisher to her son, Alec Fisher.
Archie A. Hartford is at home for the vacation from White River Junction, Vt., where he is a teacher in the high school.
John L. Hartford is reported as having gone to work as conductor on the electric cars between Waltham and Lexington.
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright attended the wedding of Lowell friends on Wednesday evening, the bridegroom being Frank Edmund Field, and the bride Miss Cora Alice Draper. Mr. Wright and Mr. Field were old school friends and Mr. Wright filled the gracious office as usher at Wednesday evening’s event.
Miss Edna Ferguson is at home from her teaching in Beverly for the long vacation and her sister Jennie likewise from Presque Isle, Me.
Grange. Children’s night in the grange on last week Thursday evening proved an interesting event to the young participants and their interested parents and friends. Mrs. Ella May Wright had charge of the evening and all the details of the evening’s program were well carried out. The following numbers were given:
Song, Sadie McMasters; recitation, Frances Wright; song, Catherine Connell; recitation, Fred Robinson; recitation, Clarence Colburn; song, Lillian Sutherland; recitation, Alice Wright; recitation, Edward Murray; song, Florence Wilson; recitation, Fred Decatur; piano solo, Daisy Kabele; recitation, Edna Day; recitation, Everett Sweetser; recitation, Clifford Woods; song, Clifford Johnson; violin and piano duet, Evelyn Hamlin and Adrith Carter; recitation, Charles Miller; recitation, Austin Murray; piano duet, Mildred and Marion Fletcher; recitation, Rachael Wallace.
While all the young people acquitted themselves well we cannot refrain from mentioning the Fletcher twins [born July 1, 1902] in their piano duet and Clarence Colburn [born Oct. 18, 1906] in his recitation. These were first appearances for these little people and they certainly scored a hit with their audiences and will certainly be an attractive addition to future programs.
At the close of the entertainment, ice cream and cake were served in the lower hall.
The next meeting June 20 will be an evening with the young men in charge of Benjamin Prescott.
Academy Alumni Reunion. The academy alumni reunion and banquet June 28 promises to be one of the interesting events of the early summer. The secretary of the association, Miss A. Mabel Drew, has sent out several hundred invitations. These invitations are as follows, giving the plans for the occasion:
“You are cordially invited to attend a dinner and reunion of the Westford Academy Alumni association to be held at the town hall on Friday afternoon, June 28, 1912, at 1:30 o’clock.”
Any graduate or any past pupil whose attendance ceased during or prior to the year 1911 is eligible to full membership in the association upon signing the constitution. The initiation fee of one dollar entitles the new member to a seat at the dinner. There are no annual dues. Members are privileged to invite their husbands and wives to the dinner. Dinner tickets for members and guests are one dollar each.
Mrs. George T. Day, who has about completed a catalogue of the graduates and past pupils of the academy, will read a paper dealing with the early history of the institution. A rare opportunity is in store to renew old friendships and listen to the after dinner speakers who have been associated with the past history of the academy. Will you not make a special effort to be present and join in the festivities this time? It is hoped there will be a large attendance.
Please extend the invitation to any past pupils known to you who have not received this notice. There will be a reception and annual meeting at the new academy building from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. All those expecting to attend will please notify the secretary before Friday, June 21.
These meetings are to be held annually and will take the place for the past graduates of the evening concert and ball which has been held for many years and as a chance to meet once a year and renew old friendships and as a real reunion may prove more efficacious. Many have already signified their intention to be present and to become members of the alumni association.
About Town. Henry Drake, foreman farmer for Hon. H. E. Fletcher on Oak hill, is running the farm like the successful stone quarry close by on the push-ahead principle, and has cucumbers away beyond the blossoming stage. This is the smart start of some in the Stony Brook valley that have not yet got beyond the get out of the ground stage, but perhaps it is best to remain where you were covered, for the valley crops reported a frost last week Friday night and everything in the pumpkin, squash, cucumber line felt shocked at such chilly treatment. Crops generally, except grass and foliage, are displaying cold weather signals. When they hear the bark of dog days they will feel more like boosting skyward.
Miss Inza Johnson has opened a boarding house at Westford Corner [Nabnasset], in one of Joseph Marshall’s tenements.
The Scandinavian socialists held a rally at Marshall’s hall last week Saturday evening and many promising ideals were brought out as remedies for present ills.
C. R. P. Decatur is still improving and able to spend an increasing number of hours on his sandy lawn with his friends.
Work at Brookside mills has begun to pick up quite noticeably since Christopher Pickup, the new superintendent, has taken charge.
The Nabnassett Greenhouse Company, having disposed of its large stock of flowers, is now offering a large display of vegetables.
Mrs. Fred A. Snow read a paper on Sunday evening at the village church on “Ralph Waldo Emerson.”
Henry O’Brien, the eldest son of James H. O’Brien, is working for P. Henry Harrington, learning the carpenter’s trade.
Met Untimely Death. Frederick P. Shaw, who was assassinated in Honduras on June 5, was well-known to many Westford people, he having spent a part of his summer vacation for several years in town, his grandfather, Thomas S. Shaw, having owned for several years the McMaster farm, near Chamberlin’s corner. While a summer visitor in town he joined Westford grange and was exceptionally social and jolly in his companionship and ready at all times, with the smile of good nature, for a friendly game on the lawn or park, or a stroll in the field. The optimism which braced up his life in business or friendly sport never failed him.
He was born in Lowell in 1877, was graduated from Lowell high school in the ‘90’s and soon after entered the Lowell machine shop. He was promoted from one position to another until he became paymaster, and finally he became superintendent and continued such until the corporation was re-organized, when he organized the Shaw Machine Company for the manufacture of woolen machinery. After this company resolved to dissolve, he went to New York.
About four months ago Mr. Shaw was appointed a representative of the Chicago Title and Trust Company, with the power of attorney to take possession of a fruit plantation in Honduras and which had been seized by natives, four of whom had been convicted of various offences. Two others were at large, and it was while he was in pursuit of these two that he was assassinated. The country is so hostile to American enterprise that it would be unsafe to pursue and attempt to arrest without a well-armed force. Later reports, however, bring the news that the assassin has been captured.
Mr. Shaw married the daughter of Alexander Gibson, a lumber and cattle magnate of New Brunswick. She and her son, ten years of age, are living in New York city. Mr. Shaw is survived by his father, Dr. Thomas P. Shaw, a sister, Mrs. Arthur A. Frye, and his grandfather, Thomas S. Shaw, aged ninety-one years of age, all of Lowell.
Graniteville. The White Sox baseball club of this village visited Westford on last Saturday afternoon, where they met and defeated a team composed of Red Sox and high school players, by the score of 11 to 9. The game was hard fought from start to finish and it was only by a strong ninth inning rally that the local club was able to slip one over the players on the hill. Quite a number of rooters accompanied the team from here. McCarthy, Buckingham and Pracnack did the battery work for the White Sox. The Y.M.C.A. Indians will meet the White Sox on the home grounds here on Saturday afternoon, June 15.
Rev. Edmund T. Schofield announced Sunday that those interested in the annual picnic would meet at the church on Tuesday evening. The meeting was held on schedule time and was well attended. The different committees were appointed and it was decided to hold the picnic at Cameron grove, Forge Village, on Saturday, June 22, afternoon and evening. Edward Riney is general manager, James Byrnes, assistant manager, R. J. McCarthy, chairman of the committee on sports, and Mrs. Rose Hennen matron and chairman of the soliciting committee.
Joseph Carpentier, the well-known blacksmith, who has been suffering with rheumatism for the past few days, is now able to resume his duties once more.
Through some misunderstanding, the game scheduled between the Bleachery A.A., of Lowell, and the regular Graniteville team did not come off last Saturday, as the Lowell club did not show up. It is thought that they took the wrong car. Graniteville will probably play the Brooksides in Dracut on this Saturday.
Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held a well attended and highly interesting meeting in their rooms on last Tuesday evening. Considerable business of importance was transacted, five applications received, and three candidates initiated into membership of the order. This circle is now in a very prosperous condition and is progressing finely. The members are planning on holding a big class initiation in the near future.
Wilbur Hart, of Ayer, has recently joined the office staff of the Abbot Worsted Company here.
Miss Alice Harrington, of this village, is now spending a few days in Charlestown as the guest of her cousin, Miss Margaret Horan.
Forge Village. On Sunday, June 30, Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, of Leominster, former vicar of St. Andrew’s parish (1901-1910), will occupy the pulpit at the mission. Mr. Bumpus will exchange with Mr. Fisher.
The regular meeting of the John Edwards hose company was held at their rooms last week. The resignation of Capt. Edward T. Hanley was read and accepted. Francis Lowther was elected captain in place of Mr. Hanley, Finnemore Morton, 1st lieut., and William Hosmer, 2nd lieut.
Cameron school closed for the summer vacation last week Friday afternoon. The graduates from the grammar grades were: Edith Spinner, Lottie Parrott, George Sanborn and Francis Sullivan. Ice cream and cake were served by the teachers to all pupils. All the teachers were reelected for the coming year.
A most delightful party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Orr, Pond street, last Saturday evening. After games and music were enjoyed, refreshments were served and guests departed at a late hour.
Miss Lillian Rose, of Belmont, was the guest of Mrs. Elizabeth Splain on last Saturday and Sunday.
Mrs. John Carmichael [nee Harriet Precious] and her little niece, Miss Mildred Precious, visited in Townsend Harbor over the weekend.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Leclerc and daughter left on Monday for Canada, where they will spend the next few weeks with relatives.
A twelve-pound baby boy [John J. Daly] arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Daly, of Pine hill, on Saturday morning, June 8.
Miss Eva Pyne, of Pine Ridge, is visiting in Dorchester and intends to remain for the next few weeks.
Mr. and Mrs. Kelley and family, together with Mrs. McNiff and Miss Katherine McNiff, arrived here on Thursday from Keighley, England. They are to make their homes here in the future.
Mr. and Mrs. William Wright, of Center Rale, R.I., visited recently at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George Sanborn.
The annual picnic of St. Andrew’s parish, combining Ayer, Shirley and this village, will take place this year at Whalom park.
Pleasantly Surprised. The Hanley cottage on the shores of Forge pond was the scene on last Wednesday evening of a most delightful surprise party, given by the members of St. Catherine’s choir in honor of the director, James A. Murphy, of Lowell, and the organist, Miss Mary F. Hanley, of this village. All the members of the choir were present and presented Mr. Murphy with a beautiful silver baton as a mark of appreciation for his untiring work in directing the choir for the past year. Mr. Murphy was completely taken by surprise, but responded in his usual pleasant manner.
Miss Mary F. Hanley was then presented with a beautiful amethyst rosary as a remembrance for her hard and patient work as organist. Miss Hanley has been the faithful organist at St. Catherine’s church for the past nineteen years, and her work has been director and organist as well until the past year when Mr. Murphy was engaged as director.
The presentation speeches were made by Miss Christina Lowther and Henry Leclerc, the oldest members of the choir.
Successful Sale. One of the most successful sales held at St. Andrew’s mission for a long time was held last Saturday afternoon in Recreation hall. The tables were all well arranged and attractively trimmed and presented a fine appearance. The Ladies’ Sewing Circle had on their table a large assortment of aprons, children’s clothing and useful articles, and was well patronized. This table was in charge of Mrs. R. D. Prescott, Mrs. W. H. Fernald and Mrs. Bert Canney. The candy table in charge of Misses Bertha Collins and Marion Lord did a rushing business. Miss Edith Forster and Miss Rachael Cherry on the fancy table disposed of nearly all their stock.
The ice cream stand in charge of Miss Sarah Precious and Emily Collins was sold out before the afternoon was half over. The children attracted by the fish pond drew a large crowd. Miss Caroline Precious and Ethel Collins were in charge here. Ham sandwiches and hot coffee were served by Mrs. R. D. Prescott, Mrs. George Sanborn, Mrs. Henry Catchpole, Mrs. Hugh Ferguson and Mrs. Nelson Prescott.
Mrs. Lord was unable to be present owing to illness. The proceeds netted will be used for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission.
Saturday, June 22, 1912
Center. Emory F. Hosmer, boatswain U.S. navy, formerly of Lowell, has been enjoying a few days’ visit at the home of his aunt, Mrs. W. M. Wright; also, at the home of his cousin, Mrs. W. J. Merritt. Mr. Hosmer, who is on furlough, is stationed at Asiatic Station, with headquarters at Manila, P.I. For some time he was in command of the U.S.S. Nompatuck on that station. Boatswain Hosmer left on the Battleship Louisiana on the cruise around the world in 1908. Off and on he has been thirteen years on the Asiatic station and in the naval service sixteen years. Although a quiet man, but with the wider vision that extended travel always gives, Mr. Hosmer was a most interesting talker when one was fortunate enough to get him started. He has fully enjoyed a New England June.
Westford Center would like to join right in for honors with the Brookside-Forge Village-Graniteville contest for first green peas of the season. M. P. Maloney, gardener for A. J. Abbot, picked on June 13, three quarts of peas with pods well filled out, of the Alaska variety that were planted on April 12. Next!
On Sunday, at the Unitarian church, the annual children’s Sunday will take place to which all are cordially invited. The exercises, which are to begin at eleven o’clock, will consist of songs and recitations by the children and violin solos, followed by a christening, after which Mr. Weeks, the pastor, will make appropriate remarks.
Mrs. Thomas Lindsey, of Somerville, who formerly lived at the Brigham farm, sailed on Tuesday for a two-months stay in England.
Albert W. Woods met with a rather serious accident while going down the Graniteville hill last Saturday evening. Fresh gravel has recently been put on the road, and while going around one of the curves he struck a stone and was violently thrown. Daniel Maloney, who was with him, found him unconscious when he reached him. He got help from the Blanchard family nearby, and Dr. Sherman was summoned and brought the injured boy home in his auto. Cuts and bruises about the head and a vicious wrench to his neck proved the extent of his injuries, and after resting a day or two he was much better.
Miss Gertrude Hamlin, from Wellesley college, and Miss May Day, from Mt. Holyoke college, are at home for the long vacation.
Mrs. E. J. Whitney, Mrs. C. H. Wright, Miss C. S. Atwood, Miss May Atwood and Miss Arabella Walker were among those present at the fiftieth anniversary of the Temperance Union at Ayer on Monday of this week, and report a most enjoyable day.
Mrs. Oscar Anderson and three children have gone to Philadelphia to visit relatives during the extensive repairs and alterations on their home.
Miss Ruth Tuttle is at home from her teaching in Winthrop for the long vacation.
William Graves, of Cold Spring farm, is having quite extensive repairs done at the place owned by him at the foot of Graniteville hill, occupied by the Blanchard family. The barn especially has been put in good repair. Warren E. Carkin is in charge of the work.
The monthly missionary meeting of the Congregational church took place on Wednesday afternoon. This session was scheduled at the parsonage [23 Main St.], but by invitation and owing to the beauty of the afternoon, adjournment was made to the summer house on the grounds of the neighboring Prescott family [Mille Fleurs, 21 Main St.]. There were twenty present.
Mrs. Amanda T. Fisher and daughters, Misses Clara, Lila and Ruth Fisher, are moving into the large vacant house on [10] Hildreth street owned by Miss Ella Hildreth.
Miss Alice Howard, of Westford and Cotuit, was among those present at the annual meeting of the Massachusetts Library club at the Art museum building in Springfield on Thursday, June 6, and was among the speakers on the discussion of some of the problems of the public library, and the community. There were many excellent addresses and the session was a most valuable one to library workers.
Mr. and Mrs. George C. Lawrence, of Campello [a section of Brockton], were over Sunday guests of their daughter, Miss Edith Lawrence, and Mrs. Lawrence remained for several days for a more extended visit.
H. S. Cowell, principal of Cushing academy, will give the address at the graduating exercises on next Friday morning, his subject being “Education and life.” This promises to be a busy and interesting day for many people with the graduating exercises for eleven young people at ten o’clock and the alumni reunion and banquet at 1:30, and the dance given by the juniors in the evening.
The prospective change in the teaching staff for another year at the academy is much regretted. Principal Coggeshall resigns to go to the Newton Technical high school history department, and Miss Edith Lawrence resigns to go to South Manchester, Conn., where she will teach in the high school, history and English being her special branches. At the present time Miss Bertha Norris expects to remain in her present position next year.
Much sympathy has been felt by the townspeople for William Pollock and family, who were so unfortunately burned out last Saturday night. A practical manifestation of which has been the gathering of a very substantial sum of money for the family.
About Town. Rev. N. S. Hoagland, of Tyngsboro, conducted the services at the Unitarian church last Sunday, taking for his subject, “Pay thy vows.” This Sunday will be observed as children’s day and an interesting program is prepared and an encouraging audience is hoped for.
The West Chelmsford Debating society added vigor and enthusiasm to the village life by a social time with music, games and refreshments on Cameron park last week Friday evening. The old village is more youthful for this evening on the park. Cameron park is the contribution to village life by Donald Cameron, of Westford, and has been filled up with settees and other easy ways of park life. With pond and boats adjoining it ought to add to the desirability of the village as a vacation resort.
John A. Taylor is home at the Old Oaken Bucket from his teaching at the University of North Dakota, which is first in flax and second in wheat, but dear old New England for vacation days. It is the garden of poet and thinker.
Miss Belle Walker attended the fiftieth anniversary of the Middlesex North-West Temperance Union at Ayer on Monday. Among others who attended were the Misses Carrie and May Atwood, Mrs. E. J. Whitney, Mrs. Charles H. Wright, the president of the local W.C.T.U. They report hope and enthusiasm.
The Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher family spent last Sunday at Northfield.
Rev. Louis H. Buckshorn, a former minister of the Unitarian church [1896-1899], is reported to have bought of [his brother-in-law] Alec Fisher the land on the south side of Cummings road, and more orcharding is likely to be the result, as he is already a successful orchardist on a small farm near Concord, N.H.
William Kelly, who has been enjoying the hospitalities of ill health at the Old Oaken Bucket farm, has returned with his enjoyment to his home in Lowell.
George W. Bussey, of Brookside, who has been in ill health for several years, is now falling rapidly, having passed the sitting up point, and only allowed to see a few intimate friends.
The Greig farm [124 Main St.] have got the busy movement on strawberries and are employing a large amount of youthful help in harvesting. A dozen crates a day or more gives the old farm a well-known business record of keeping in touch with modern progressiveness.
Miss Sarah Richardson, of Brookside, celebrated her ninety-fourth birthday last week Friday. The future looks hopeful for more of these celebrations, which are void of all demonstrations and quiet is the chief quest.
Potatoes were in blossom on June 17, on the farm nestling ‘neath the morning shadows of Frances hill.
Destroyed by Fire. The farm buildings of William Pollock, situated on Cold Spring road, were totally destroyed by fire about midnight last Saturday. Nearly all the personal property in the house and barn was destroyed, including a valuable farm horse. Mr. Pollock had been to Lowell, returning on the last electric car, and after emerging from the Cold Spring woods a short distance from his buildings, he saw what he thought was the light of a lantern in the barn. It soon proved to be a blaze, and he made haste to secure help and attempt to save the personal property. David Sherman and William Perkins, the closeby neighbors, and the only available help at this critical time, pitched in heroically in an effort to rescue the personal property.
The horse was reached but the flames gained so rapidly and fierce that the rescue had to be abandoned. Fortunately the cows were in the pasture. As only about fifteen minutes elapsed from the time the fire was discovered until everything was consumed, accounts for the small amount of property saved. The origin of the fire is a mystery, and cannot be accounted for on any grounds of carelessness on the part of the family.
Mr. Pollock has the sympathy of the community. He had a small insurance with a Lowell agent. Mr. Pollock and family have moved into the cottage closeby, occupied by Mrs. Pollock’s father, Daniel W. Sherman.
Graniteville. The Graniteville White Sox and the Y.M.C.A. Indians played a very interesting game of baseball on the home grounds here last Saturday that was won by the White Sox by the score of 13 to 9. The local club was never headed during the game and won mainly through the clever battery work of Pracknack and McCarthy. A large crowd of rooters were on the side lines and cheered their favorites during the game. The White Sox are now in the first position in the Suburban league, and are the youngest club in the league.
Miss Nellie McCullough left here a few days ago for the Hawthorn Inn, Gloucester, where she will spend the summer.
Mrs. Thomas Fisher and Miss Blanche Cranen, of Lowell, were recent visitors here.
Workmen from the Westford Water Company have been busy this week making connections from the main line of pipe to a large water tank that the Boston and Maine railroad company are erecting near the Graniteville station. This water tank will supply the many freight locomotives with water that run between Lowell and Ayer.
The members of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., are now making active preparations for their big class initiation that will be held in the very near future.
The people in Westford Center intend to have a big Fourth of July celebration this year and two baseball games between Westford and Graniteville will prove to be one of the great attractions. A street parade will also probably be one of the features.
The grand minstrel show that will be held in Page hall, Ayer, on Wednesday evening, June 26, under the management of Frank Charlton, promises to be a big event. There are about thirty people in the cast and the soloists are of high merit. The show will be up-to-date in every particular, and the entertainment promises to be very pleasing. After the show dancing will be enjoyed, and a late car will run from Ayer to North Chelmsford after the dance. The entire troupe, including ladies and gentlemen in the cast, are from Graniteville.
Arrange for Picnic. In St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning, both masses were celebrated by Rev. M. E. Doherty. After the second mass the picnic committee met for a brief time in order to perfect arrangements for the annual parish picnic that will be held at Forge Village on Saturday, June 22. This promises to be the very best picnic given by St. Catherine’s parish and that is saying a whole lot. The main feature no doubt will be the baseball game between the newly organized Manhattans of Lowell, and the Graniteville team. Both clubs are very strong and will surely put up a fast article of ball. “Pete” Condon, who has done such fine work for the T.R. & T.’s of North Billerica, will be on the mound for the Lowell club, and the catcher will be Cluck, formerly of the Y.M.C.A. team. The Spinner brothers, “Jack” and “Dick,” will do the battery work for Graniteville. The game will start at two o’clock in the afternoon. Aside from the ball game there will be a band concert by the Industrial School band from North Chelmsford, James P. Larkin, leader.
There will also be many mid-way attractions and on the whole it will be a very enjoyable afternoon. Dancing in the evening to the music of the Colonial orchestra, of Lowell, in Abbot hall.
Forge Village. Mrs. Cross and Mrs. Isabel Carney, of Groton, visited the young ladies of St. Andrew’s mission in Recreation hall on last Monday evening and a most pleasant time was enjoyed. Cake and lemonade was served by Mrs. Cross. These ladies have taken a great interest in the young ladies here during the past winter and it is with regret that their last evening with them has come to a close. Both Mrs. Cross and Miss [sic] Carney were presented with a bouquet of beautiful flowers as a mark of appreciation for their interest in the young people of the mission. Mrs. Cross is to leave for New York with her husband at the close of the school year.
The annual picnic of St. Andrew’s mission will be held at Sandy pond on June 22. A list of sports, music and games will be held and it is hoped that a large number will be present and enjoy a fine day’s outing.
Daniel Sullivan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Sullivan, has returned from St. John’s hospital, where he underwent an operation for appendicitis four weeks ago.
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Burnett attended the reunion of the Lowell high school alumni on Friday evening. Mrs. Burnett [nee Ellen McArdell] graduated with the class of 1911.
Miles Collins left this week for Philadelphia, Pa., on a business trip.
Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael recently entertained Mr. and Mrs. Alvah Bicknell, of Somerville.
The sympathy of the village friends is extended to the bereaved family and relatives of Mrs. Josephine McCabe Quigley, of North Chelmsford, who died at St. Elizabeth’s hospital, Boston, June 16. Mrs. Quigley had many friends here and was well liked by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Children’s day will be observed at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday. Services will be held at 4:30 in the afternoon, instead of at 7:30 in the evening. Special music will be sung by the vested choir. An unusually fine program has been arranged for the children.
Miss Roxy Bennett and Andrew Kavanaugh, of Worcester, were guests of Miss Bennett’s grandfather, Alvin S. Bennett, and Mrs. H. E. Randall on Saturday and Sunday. The trip was made by automobile.
Saturday, June 29, 1912
Center. Mrs. Olive Haven, of Los Angeles, Cal., with her little daughter, is visiting her cousin, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher.
Mrs. Dorothy Sleeper Hartwell and little daughter and son have been in town this last week calling on old friends.
Mrs. Homer M. Seavey was among those present at the marriage of her niece, Miss Marion Louise Mitchell, to Edgar Bryan Donaldson on Wednesday of this week. The wedding was a very pretty home affair at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederic M. Mitchell, of Newtonville.
The electric light workmen finished placing the additional electric lights this week, and they are decidedly appreciated, especially in some places on our tree-lined main street.
Misses Edna and Jennie Ferguson had as over Sunday guests Miss Cooper and Miss Soule, associate teachers and friends.
Conductor Walter Cutter and family have recently moved from the O’Brien cottage at Wilkinson’s corner to the Frank Miller house on Forge Pond road.
Mrs. A. W. Hartford has been confined to her home this week, an unfortunate sufferer with ulcerated teeth.
Since completing the painting of the buildings an attractive new sign has been placed over the piazza at the long established store [now the Edward M. Connolly Insurance Agency, 7 Lincoln St.] facing the common. This is the fourth sign which has been placed there. The first, many years ago, read John B. Fletcher; the second one, John B. Fletcher & Son, and later, for many years, it has read John M. Fletcher. Now this last one is inscribed J. Herbert Fletcher. This has a black background with gilt lettering and measures sixteen feet across. This little chronicle so briefly outlines the changes as characteristic in every country town.
Word came to Westford friends this week of the passing of the sweet spirit of Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Perkins at the home of her son in Grafton. While Mr. [William A.] Perkins was preceptor [1905-1908] of the academy here, Madame Perkins was also a member of the household and made many friends through her gracious personality. She was eighty years of age.
Dr. and Mrs. O. V. Wells have recently returned from a brief holiday in the pleasant Lake Sunapee region in New Hampshire.
At Whitney park last Saturday afternoon the Westford A.A. team defeated the Unions of North Chelmsford with a score of 5 to 0.
There will be games morning and afternoon the Fourth, arrangements for which have not been completed at time of writing, but Graniteville will be one of the opposing teams.
Children’s day will be observed Sunday morning at the Congregational church.
An important real estate transfer is being much discussed this week, but at this time no papers have been passed and full confirmation or denial will be given next week.
Among the sick ones, Mrs. Wayland Balch has recently been able to go for an automobile trip to Nashua and back. Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher has been resting quite comfortably these last few days.
Grange. At the grange on last week Thursday evening the program was in charge of the young people with Benjamin Prescott as chairman. A number hunt had been arranged and Miss Beatrice Sutherland found the fortunate number which brought a prize of a box of candy. Edson G. Boynton was present for the evening and sang most enjoyably. Delicious home-made candies were abundantly distributed and the young people enjoyed dancing after the meeting.
At the business session the committee on securing a drinking fountain were given further time. This committee have had a number of conferences, but need further time.
The next meeting, coming on the evening of the Fourth, it was voted to omit that meeting.
A committee was chosen to consider a celebration for the Fourth. This committee was decidedly well intentioned, but after getting started and under way, it was found best to abandon the project for this season.
About Town. Seth W. Banister, right fresh from the studies and fields of Amherst Agricultural college, is home for the summer vacation and will spend part of these days in field demonstrations at the old homestead at the “Banister.”
Edward Littlefield, of Fitchburg, has been visiting his aunt and uncle, Miss Belle and Charles E. Walker, at the old homestead that is kept trimmed to make home-coming attractive to those and theirs who have been associated with its social and domestic life.
The old Levi T. Fletcher home at Brookside [120 Lowell Rd.], now owned by Miss Ella Wright, of Cleveland, is receiving its annual June trimming and pruning, which gives it the appearance of a large modern summer resort. Augustus F. Whidden, of the Oak hill Nabnassett district, and well-known in landscape layout, is the directing factor with the sickle and shears.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Read have been visiting the Misses Carrie and Flossie Read at Barre. During their absence, Mr. and Mrs. Edson G. Boynton have had charge of the running gear of the Read farm.
Eleanor Read fell from a bicycle last week and broke her collar bone so that she is unable to wear a collar as it should be worn. Time and physician are making repairs.
John A. Taylor has been attending commencement at Amherst college.
Mrs. J. R. Draper, Miss Lillian and John went this week to Oak Bluffs for two weeks. Miss Lillian will take a secretarial course at Simmons college this summer. John will be at the Vineyard Sound house Falmouth Heights for the summer, and Mrs. Draper and Lillian will be in Auburndale until late in August.
Children’s Day Observance. Children’s day at the Unitarian church last Sunday was encouraging in attendance and the character of the exercises. The children were entertaining in song and recitation.
At the christening of Esther Fisher, Rev. L. B. Woods adopted a new and original method, one more serviceable to modern life and thought. With little Esther in his arms he gave a wholesome, practical talk from the text, “Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.” The emphatic thought was the innocence and purity of childhood. This he urged with persuasion upon mature life, reciting several impressive poetical illustrations.
The new departure is made in harmony with the advice of one of old, “Put new wine into new bottles.” [Mark 2:22 and Luke 5:37-38.] It was more heavily charged with inspiration than the old-time fixture of changeless form. The superintendent of the Sunday school, Harold Hildreth, had charge of the exercises.
Agricultural Field Day. The State Board of Agriculture held a successful field day last week Friday at the C. J. Hood farm in Tewksbury and Andover. By invitation of George W. Trull, president of Middlesex North and member of the State Board, trustees of Middlesex North, and invited guest and speakers of the day assembled at the New American house, Lowell, and after a brief friendly exchange of emotions, took an auto ride by courtesy of President Trull to various points of interest in the city, including Fort Hill park, where the speakers in looking off got a fresh jolt for their afternoon thoughts.
On arriving at the Hood farm a large gathering had assembled. The program of demonstration included: “Tools for the cultivation of the soil,” Henry M. Howard, of Newton; “Farming by gasoline,” W. L. Dempsey, of Ohio; “Haying tools and machinery,” E. F. Richardson, of Millis; “Points in a dairy cow,” Prof. Plumb, of Ohio; “Farming with dynamite,” by the E. J. DuPont Company.
Forge Village. Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, of Leominster, formerly vicar of St. Andrew’s mission, will preach at the mission on Sunday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock. Services will be held at this hour until further notice.
Mrs. Joseph Mason [nee Annie Catchpole] and children visited at the home of her father, Henry Catchpole, on Wednesday.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle met in Recreation hall on last week Thursday afternoon. No further meetings will be held until September.
Miss Eva F. Pyne, teacher of the lower primary grade of Cameron school, is ill at her home at Pine Ridge.
The Misses Lillian and Marjorie Rose visited last week at the home of their grandmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Splain.
Mr. and Mrs. John E. Burnett spent Saturday and Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hennessey, of Lowell. On Sunday morning they attended the graduation exercises of St. Patrick’s school, held in St. Patrick’s church.
Mrs. Joseph Bennett and children are visiting at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Vicars, of Stafford Springs, Conn.
Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael entertained their sister, Mrs. Michael Keefe, and son David, of Townsend Harbor, Saturday and Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. William Hanley, of Marlboro, are visiting their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hanley.
Mrs. Lucretia Reed [Read] is the guest of her daughter, Mrs. Susan Reed, of Lowell.
William Burnett, while at work in the mill of the Abbot Worsted Company, received an injury to his left thumb on Monday morning. Dr. C. A. Blaney, of Westford, is attending him.
The fife and drum corps formed in this village some time ago, paraded in uniform for the first time on Wednesday evening. They certainly looked “pretty Kippy” in their new suits.
Miss Marion Blodgett played piano solos at the flower recital given by the Lowell Conservatory of Music in Colonial hall, Lowell, on Wednesday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. John H. Brown entertained Saturday and Sunday at their home Robert Stimson and son, Robert, jr., and daughter May, of Worcester.
Miss May Lord is spending her vacation at the home of her parents Mr. and Mrs. David Lord.
A fire, which was quickly extinguished, broke out on Sunday at one o’clock in a shed adjoining the house and barn owned by Edward T. Hanley. The fire department was quickly on the scene but by that time the flames had been put out. No damage was reported.
Many from this village attended the minstrel show given by Graniteville young folks in Ayer on Wednesday evening.
Edwin Cherry, of New York, is spending a two-weeks’ vacation at the home of his grandmother, Mrs. M. A. Lowther.
Children’s day was observed at St. Andrew’s mission last Sunday. Recitations by the children and special music by the vested choir concluded the services.
The annual picnic of the Sunday school of the mission was held last Saturday at Sandy pond. A special car left at 9:45 and returned at 5:15 in the afternoon. The weather was certainly more than could be expected, and the children enjoyed their day’s outing immensely. At noon a basket lunch was held, after which the following sports took place: Small boys’ race won by Thomas Blowey; small girls’ race, Adelaide Hosmer; second girls’ race, Margaret Orr; third girls’ race, Lillian Baker; boys’ race, Albert Mountain; girls’ 3-legged race, Margaret Orr and Alice Hosmer; boys’ ½ mile race, Edwin Blodgett; girls’ 75 yd. dash, Annie Orr. The cottage and boats of Mr. Pierce were kindly donated for the day.
Graniteville. James B. Healy has recently recovered from a severe illness and is now able to attend to his usual duties once more.
Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held a very interesting meeting in their rooms on Tuesday evening with Maria J. Wall, c.c., in the chair. Considerable business of importance was transacted and the following officers duly elected for the ensuing term: Maria J. Wall, c.c.; Edith M. Brooks, s.c.c.; Mary J. Sullivan, rec. sec.; Bridget Healy, fin. sec., Julia B. Wade, treas.; Martha Doucett, r.g.; Sophia Kulick, l.g.; Emily McNiff, l.g.; Annie McNiff, o.g.; Margaret McCarthy, 3d year trust.; Mrs. Catherine Daley dep.
Many pupils from this village attended the recital given by the pupils of Charles Sladen in Lowell on last Tuesday evening, the affair being made notable by the excellent singing of Miss Lillian Moran.
Picnic. The annual picnic of St. Catherine’s parish was held at Cameron grove, Forge Village, on last Saturday afternoon under ideal conditions, and was a great success socially and financially. The committee in charge had worked well and faithfully under the able leadership of Rev. M. E Doherty, who had general supervision of the affair, and their efforts were certainly crowned with success.
The main feature from the sporting point of view was the baseball game between the Manhattans of Lowell and the Graniteville team. The locals started off well and had a commanding lead of their opponents, with everything working nicely when “Dick” Spinner, the Graniteville catcher, while at the bat was hit on the head with a pitched ball and was forced to retire from the game. Ledwith went behind the bat, and Manager Heman, who has been out of the game for some time, replaced Ledwith at first base. The sudden change coupled with the fact that nobody really knew the result of “Dick” Spinner’s injuries, unmanned the Graniteville twirler and upset the whole team to such an extent that the Manhattans won handily by the score of 15 to 5.
Following the baseball game a list of sports were run off that resulted as follows: 100-yd. dash, Ledwith 1st, Nystrom 2nd; hop, step and jump, Gaudette 1st, Doherty 2nd; broad jump, Bondreau 1st, Riney 2nd.
Aside from the baseball game and sports, the Industrial school band of North Chelmsford, James P. Larkin leader, were in attendance and their fine playing pleased the large crowd present. The cane stand in charge of Joe Wall did a fine business during the afternoon and the “dodger,” in charge of Joe Riney, kept things moving lively at all times. Refreshments of all kinds were served during the afternoon and a fine old-fashioned supper was also served under the trees at five o’clock.
The picnic came to an end in the evening with a dance in Abbot hall, music being furnished by the Colonial orchestra, of Lowell. Both the picnic and the dance were very well attended and the whole affair reflects great credit on the committees having it in charge.