The Westford Wardsman,, March, 1908
Saturday, March 7, 1908
About Town. The board of registrars held a meeting at Brookside Thursday evening of last week, and one person only was all the employment that the registrars found to add to the list of voters. The next meeting was held at Forge Village the following Friday evening. As no one appeared to register, the board opened a hearing at Graniteville last Monday evening, where ten persons were willing to stand cross examination. All passed examination and were admitted to practice voting in Westford, commencing at the democratic caucus Wednesday evening and adjourning to a wider and more varied range at the annual town meeting March 16. The last meeting of the board will be held at [the] selectmen’s room, Saturday, March 7, from twelve m. to ten p.m.
The Brookside mills started up last Monday with about fifty hands, it being not quite half the help employed when running at full capacity. The help comes mostly from Lowell on the early morning electrics. Economy is being practiced in running the mill, and only water power is used.
Mrs. S. Augusta Butterfield of Ayer has been a recent visitor at her old home, the Levi T. Fletcher place at Brookside, where her aged aunt, Miss Sarah Richardson, resides. Miss Richardson, while close on to the nineties, still has the youthful spirit of the sixties.
The Stony Brook school, by the generosity of its teacher, Miss Mellen, went on a sleighride Tuesday afternoon. Everything was decked with flags and keyed to music. If everybody didn’t have a good time, then the symptoms were misleading. A two-horse motor power was used, which was furnished by Albert W. Decatur.
There was no service at the Unitarian church Sunday, on account of the continued illness of Rev. B. H. Bailey at the home of his son in Malden. Many of the members of the guild attended by invitation a musical service at [the] Unitarian church in Lowell Sunday evening.
The W.C.T.U. held a meeting at Mrs. J. A. Walkden’s Wednesday afternoon. After the business meeting, relating to the progress of the temperance movement, a general social time followed. Nineteen were present, including six visitors.
Town Affairs. The selectmen and assessors had closing meetings and greeting Saturday evening, Feb. 22, preparatory to closing up reports to the town. The selectmen were also busy drawing up the warrant for the annual town meeting, to be held Monday, March 16. A petition liberally signed by legal voters was sent to the selectmen, asking them to insert in the warrant an article relating to the adoption of certain provisions of law, whereby three road commissioners will be elected by the voters, in place of one road commissioner appointed by the selectmen, as under the present system. If the town adopts the provisions of this law it will go into effect at the annual meeting in March, 1909. Under this new system the commissioners will be independent of the selectmen. This may have its dangers, but is offset by more road repairing earlier in the spring, so it is claimed by its promoters. That there are sides enough to this question for every voter to have a side is evident; now to prove that it will be the noisy article in the warrant.
Another important article in the warrant by petition relates to choosing a committee to investigate and report a plan and expense of reconstructing the Graniteville road on the hill near Westford Centre.
Caucus. One of the largest democratic caucuses in the history of the town was held at town hall Wednesday evening. The meeting was called to order by Edward Fisher, chairman of the town committee, who read the caucus call and called for a nomination for a chairman. Joseph Wall nominated John M. Fletcher and he was elected. On motion of Edward Fisher, Albert R. Wall was nominated for secretary and elected; also, on motion of Mr. Fisher it was voted to proceed to nominate candidates for town offices, and that the candidate for selectman be the last to be nominated, this office being the chief contest of the evening. For assessor, J. Willard Fletcher was nominated, and the secretary was instructed to cast one ballot for the nominee. Nominations still continuing to be in order, Nahum H. Wright was nominated for treasurer. Although he had only one vote, as no one else had any more or less, he won over all competitors. Leonard W. Wheeler was nominated for tax collector, an office close to the money affairs of every taxpayer, with a possibility that too much urging may make a gap in friendships; but his ability as collector was the only visible influence in his nomination. William R. Taylor was nominated for auditor. A mild contest arose for school committee and a ballot was ordered, resulting in the nomination of Walter C. Wright and John Spinner, the former was also nominated as trustee of the J. V. Fletcher library. Edson G. Boynton and Walter Precious were nominated as constables, David L. Greig and Horace E. Gould as cemetery commissioners. A right smart campaign contest was precipitated for tree warden, although one person got about all the ballots. Nominations were in order and W. E. Green, James Spinner and Henry Catchpole were placed in nomination, the ballot resulting in election of Green by a vote of 67, to 6 for Spinner and 1 for Catchpole. In the contest for selectman, Edward Fisher nominated Oscar R. Spaulding, and Albert Wall nominated Joseph Wall. Frank Healy and Daniel Harrington were appointed tellers. Total number of ballots cast, 142; Spaulding had 75 and Wall 47. At the close of the balloting Edward Fisher moved that the party designation be omitted in printing the ticket. This caused some discussion, but the motion prevailed and the dissolution of the meeting followed.
Electrics. Last week Friday evening the electric car due to connect at Brookside with the six o’clock steam cars, got stalled on Edwards hill, owing to inability to release the brakes, which persisted in remaining set. After a half-hour’s effort to start the car it was abandoned, and the passengers, conductor and motorman walked to Brookside and boarded that car for Westford. The delayed passengers were just congratulating themselves on an early realization of that old sentiment, “There’s no place like home,” when suddenly the car left the rails on the curve near the residence of C. R. P. Decatur, and the passengers alighted voluntarily and walked to their homes.
After an hour’s delay Conductor Smith got the car onto the rails and started up to complete the trip. When only about a car-length had been run the car was again derailed. The maneuvers of the first derailment were repeated in getting it back onto the rails, and the trip to Westford was finished. The next day the car due at Westford at 6:30 was derailed there. After a short delay it was encouraged back to the rails. The cause of derailment is not known for a certainty. C. R. P. Decatur should be entitled to at least a free five-cent ride without derailment, for his usual generosity in furnishing lanterns and tools in this emergency, including valuable advice.
Center. The music lovers of the village are anticipating a pleasant event when the grand opera company comes to Lowell later in the month. They have arranged for a special car for the home trip, going down on the regular 6:30 car. This is for the evening of March 20, when the opera, “Il Trovatore,” is the attraction. If there are those who would like to go and have their tickets secured, Eliot Humiston is the one to make arrangements with.
Coasting parties have been quite in vogue evenings this week, the long stretch down Richardson’s hill being in fine shape for the sport. Some of the venturesome young spirits, anxious to try something new, succeeded one night recently in attaching a big double-runner to the 7:30 electric, and enjoyed a lively spin.
Miss Amelia W. Lambert has returned to Loomis sanitorium [sic], Liberty, N.Y., to fill a position in special dietary cooking.
The Westford friends of George Whidden, son of Charles Whidden, are sorry to learn of his serious physical condition. Some two weeks ago he suffered a paralytic shock at his home in Waltham. This, with other complications, makes his condition serious.
George W. Cummings and daughter Sadie availed themselves of the electric car service and came out from Lowell to the Unitarian banquet last week Wednesday, and enjoyed renewing former associations.
Mrs. James Marshall of Dover, N.H., has been the guest of her son at the Congregational parsonage for several days.
The snow on the tracks Monday morning and Tuesday interfered with the running of the cars on schedule time. Both mornings the snowplow had to make the trip previous to the regular cars.
Miss Natalie Sleeper and Miss Lucy Lambert are at home from Northfield seminary for a few days.
A. H. Sutherland, who has had such a serious attack of grippe, is much better.
Miss Dorothy Sleeper has been spending a few days with relatives in Manchester, N.H.
Mrs. G. E. Gould has placed in the library collection [of] curios and interesting things a cane carved by her father, E. G. Osgood, when a young man at his home in Maine. He modestly called it whittled out with a jack-knife evenings, but the most ordinary observer would at once call it a fine specimen of skilful wood-carving. It is octagonal in shape, of white maple, with cherry head. The entire body is made hollow, and the duplicate wood is left in the spaces, all carved into various interesting objects. In the carved head of the cane is set a compass, and there are various inscriptions carved up and down its length. The trustees of the Boston museum at one time offered Mr. Osgood fifty dollars for this article of skilful workmanship.
Social. Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Wright, in conjunction with the social committee of the C.E.S., gave a delightful social at their pleasant home on the Boston road on Wednesday evening. There were about fifty present, and games of various kinds were much enjoyed; also, music on the graphophone. Refreshments of sandwiches, cake, coffee and cocoa were served in the spacious dining room. The long table was prettily decorated, with the color scheme of delicate pink and green, with centerpiece of pink geraniums. It was a success in its genuine spirit of sociability, and in a good result for the society’s treasury. Those having the affair in charge were Mr. and Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Arthur E. Day, Mr. and Mrs. Marshall, Miss Eva Pyne and Mrs. Chas. D. Colburn.
Graniteville. Graniteville members of the Westford grange are rehearsing for a pleasing comedy that is to be presented at one of the grange meetings in Westford in the near future. Joe Wall will have charge, as well as having a prominent part in the play, and will be assisted by Andrew Johnson, J. Everett Woods, Will Fletcher and the Blodgett brothers, Charley and Fred. It is too bad that this is not going to be a public affair, so that all could enjoy it, but this is one of the many privileges to be derived by becoming a member of the grange.
John Manchester of Townsend, well known in this vicinity as a former baseball pitcher on the West Groton team, is making quite a reputation as a vocalist in Lowell musical circles.
Bert DeRoehn, cheese and coffee. There was about twenty present, and the report goes out of an informal good time and the result, in a pleasant way, of strengthening the bonds of church fellowship.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert A. Hildreth have the sympathy of the entire community in the death of their little son, Ralph Albert, born to them on Monday, and who died the following day. A funeral service was conducted at the house Wednesday afternoon by Rev. C. P. Marshall, in the presence of the immediate families. Interment was in Fairview.
Dr. O. V. Wells has returned from a visit to Vermont relatives.
Mrs. A. W. Hartford and her father, W. O. Hawkes, enjoyed a trip to South Deerfield this week, visiting relatives.
For a few hours last week Friday afternoon the various householders who enjoy the new water supply noticed that their faucets did not respond very well. This was caused by a leak in the main pipe below Ai Bicknell’s [2 Main St.], which was repaired in a few hours.
The eighth grade and Center primary are having their two weeks of spring vacation, and the coming week will be vacation at the academy.
Frank Sleeper of Duluth, Minn., is the guest of his brother, Dr. W. J. Sleeper.
Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Calvin D. Howard recently observed the thirty-sixth anniversary of their marriage at their pleasant home in the westerly part of the town. The real anniversary came March 14, but a group of their friends, mostly members of Littleton grange, made a little mistake and came the Saturday preceding, but they were none the less welcome and they assisted this worthy couple to make the event a memorable one. They brought with them a beautiful large lamp for presentation. Ice cream and cake were served and a happy, social time enjoyed, and later a good, old-fashioned Virginia reel, after which the party dispersed, with many good wishes for happy returns of the day.
Mr. and Mrs. Howard have three sons, Charles, George and John, and a daughter, Alice. A second daughter, Sadie, died in childhood.
Graniteville. Westford has voted for license for the first time in a number of years, and many are the comments as to whether the selectmen will refuse to grant permission, or place the price so high that no one will care to take the chance. There are many on the alert, however, and if one or two men do manage to secure a license, it is safe to say that they will only hold the job for one year, for the vote for “Yes” was arrived at only by the merest chance and is due in a great measure to the over-confidence and carelessness that many of the citizens took in voting, or failing to vote, on this question. There was not agitation on either side, and to say that the result of the vote was a surprise to everybody is putting it mildly.
Initiation. Sunday proved a great day for court Westford, M.C.O.F., for on that day seventeen new candidates were initiated into the order in their rooms in Healy hall. Degree team of court Wannalancit of North Chelmsford was present and performed a very pretty initiative ceremony, which met with the approval of all present. Visitors were present from Lowell and Haverhill, and a large delegation from North Chelmsford. After the initiation the following members of court City of Haverhill gave addresses: Daniel H. McGuire, who represented the high standing committee; Richard Dwyer, D. F. Roche, John E. Murphy and Thomas F. Bough. All the speakers were listened to with great interest and made a deep impression. After the speeches the invited guests and the newly initiated members were invited to the lower hall, where a fine supper had been prepared. Of course the old members of the local court managed to do their share in stowing away the good things. The entire party then repaired to the upper hall, where a short but pleasing program was given, which came to an end by the entire company, headed by Owen F. McNally, D.G.C.R., and J. F. McManimin, singing “America,” followed by “Auld lang syne.”
Many thanks are due court Wannalancit for its hearty cooperation in this affair, particular mention being made of Thomas Murphy and the other members of [the] degree staff, who helped to make it the success it proved to be. Court Westford is now in a flourishing condition, having sixty good financial members on the roll.
Club. Many people from this village attended the meeting of the Fortnightly club in North Westford, last week Friday evening. The meeting was called to order by the president, Carl Wright, after which the following pleasing program was given:
Opening hymn, “Let a little sunshine in,” by the audience; orchestra selection—Mabel Miller, piano, Everett Miller, violin, Arthur Blodgett, cornet; recitation, H. E. Gould; reading, Frank Chandler; song, “Throw a kiss to papa,” Maud Robinson; reading, Mr. Olney; song, “When mamma was a little girl,” Carrie Prinn; reading, Fred Blodgett; song, “I’m afraid to go home in the dark,” Alfred Prinn; reading, Mrs. W. W. Wyman; duet, “I’ve grown so used to you,” Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Gould; orchestra.
Owing to the fact that some of the members who were to take part in the debate were absent, the program was somewhat changed, the closing number being the discussion of the town warrant, which was acted upon at town meeting Monday last. The discussion was general, the principal speakers being Mr. Olney, J. E. Woods, Joe Wall and Frank Wright. The meeting then adjourned till March 27.
Forge. Hose company No. 3, W. F. D., held its first meeting this week at the home of John Edwards. Meetings will be held once a month. Men were chosen and officers elected as follows:
Captain and Chairman, Elmer E. Nutting; first lieut., Richard D. Prescott; second, Edmund J. Hunt; treas., Frederic A. Sweatt; sec., Francis Lowther; standing committee, Edward Hanley, Corney Precious, Edmund J. Hunt; regular firemen, E. E. Nutting, H. D. Prescott, E. J. Hunt, F. A. Sweatt, F. Lowther, Wm. Hunt, Fennimore Morton, Wm. E. Hosmer, C. Precious, E. Hanley; call men, Geo. Weaver, James Whigham and Arthur Drolett.
Henry Lewis of Littleton, N.H., is visiting his sister, Mrs. Sweatt.
Miss Bertha Wilson was taken very ill last week Friday afternoon with heart trouble. At time of writing she is a little more comfortable, although not out of danger.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hanley spent Sunday with their daughter and family at Portsmouth, N.H.
Mrs. Amison of East Dedham is at her daughter’s, Mrs. Haley, for a few days.
Miss Stella Carkin is visiting her sister in Leominster for the week.
Mrs. J. Ruiter from Enosburg Falls, Vt., was the guest of her brother, A. W. Carkin, and family last Saturday. Mrs. N. Ruiter and Mrs. Prescott of Lowell called on friends in town Sunday.
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Catchpole were held at the mission house Friday afternoon, March 13, and were largely attended by relatives and friends, many coming from a long distance. Rev. T. L. Fisher was the officiating clergyman and the impressive service of the Episcopal church was used. The choir sang three beautiful hymns, “O lamb of God,” “In the hour of trial,” and as the casket was borne from the church, “There is a blessed home.” Miss Edythe Normington presided at the organ. There was a profusion of beautiful flowers, showing the regard of the neighbors and friends of the departed one. It will be hard indeed for the loved ones to take up the burden where she has lain it down, and carry on the life work as before.
Burial was in Fairview cemetery, Westford. The bearers were James Whigham, John Edwards, Fred Davis and Edmund Hunt.
Saturday, March 28, 1908
About Town. At a meeting of the selectmen last Saturday evening Oscar R. Spaulding was appointed chairman, Edward M. Abbot secretary. A. A. Hildreth, W. O. Hawkes and Dr. Sherman were appointed board of health. However much the selectmen may personally be opposed to licensing the sale of intoxicating liquors, they have decided, and wisely so, to obey the verdict of the people and will grant two licenses at $1500 each. All applications must be in the hands of the selectmen before March 30, who reserve the right to reject all bids. Present indications are suggestive of an abundance of willing spirits to sell spirits; it also seems to be conceded that Forge Village and Graniteville will be the abode of the spirits. This is fitting as making it convenient for those who believe that having voted “yes,” they should be swayed by what follows.
The registrars of voters made a recount of votes for tree warden, as petitioned for by Wm. E. Green, the defeated candidate. The recount took place at the selectmen’s room last Saturday. Final results were not changed. Harry L. Nesmith gained two votes, Wm. E. Green gained one, and the final count of the registrars was Nesmith 156, Green 154.
The browntail moths on the Read farm on Francis hill, which have had such a sightly [sic] view ever since they learned to roost high, have been compelled to roost lower, per order of tree warden, Harry L. Nesmith.
Miss Belle Walker has been the recent guest of her sister, Mrs. Clara Littlefield, at Fitchburg.
Herbert Mills has moved from Providence road to Mr. Moore’s double tenement house at the junction of Depot st. and Lowell road.
The next meeting of Middlesex North Pomona will be held at Oddfellow’s hall, Lowell, Friday, April 3. Westford grange will furnish the dinner. The fifth degree will be conferred in the evening.
Mrs. Ida Cummings Allen of Ayer, accompanied by her little junior Allen, has been visiting friends in town, who are so numerous that one visit would not resume old-time associations with them all.
The republicans of Westford are requested to meet at town hall Tuesday evening, March 31, to choose delegates to the state and district convention.
As the firm of H. E. Fletcher & Co. has dissolved by the withdrawing of Henry A. Fletcher, it will be correct form to say that Hon. H. E. Fletcher closed work on his quarry last Monday to allow the voters an opportunity to attend Chelmsford town meeting, which was only prevented from declaring in favor of license by a majority of six votes. As the mother of Westford she does not seem to be enthusiastically ashamed of the conduct of her daughter in declaring for license by a majority of twenty-four votes the week previous.
The barn of Alvin J. Blaisdell on the South Chelmsford road was entered Tuesday night and a horse, wagon and harness were stolen. Constable E. G. Boynton was notified and has been perambulating the neighboring town lines, but like fishing sometimes, he had no luck catching.
Center. Hiram Whitney, a well-known Lowell business man, who resided in Westford, died very suddenly in the corridor on the third floor of the Hildreth building in that city Thursday morning. Death was due to heart trouble. Mr. Whitney was about seventy-five years of age. He is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Wright of Boston, and sister, Mrs. James Smith of Lowell.
Dr. W. J. Sleeper and brother, Frank Sleeper of Duluth, Minn., and Walter, jr., spent the weekend with the Manchester relatives.
The regular business meeting of the W.C.T.U. will be held at the home of Mrs. Henry Colburn, Wednesday, April 1, at 2:30 p.m. A good attendance is especially desired as plans are to be completed for a medal contest to be held some time in May.
Mrs. Henry McCluskey and son Donald of Worcester are spending a week in town, dividing the time with Mrs. H. G. Osgood and Mrs. A. S. Wright.
Miss Edith A. Wright, who teaches in Ayer , Miss Edna Ferguson at South Dartmouth, Miss Mary Balch at South Hadley and Miss Edith A. Bicknell of South Royalton are enjoying the spring school vacation at their several homes.
Mrs. George A. Drew met with an unfortunate accident Thursday of last week at her home on the Boston road. Her dog, a Boston bull terrier, and a hound belonging to Ray Hamlin got into a fierce fight and Mrs. Drew thought she saw an auspicious moment in which to lead her dog, which was badly wounded, into the house. This was an unfortunate move, for the Hamlin dog sprang at her and bit her badly in the left hand. At this writing the injured hand is quite comfortable.
The second meeting of the grange for March was held Thursday evening of last week. Eighteen candidates were voted for and the first degree will be conferred April 2. When this class is added it will bring the membership well toward the two hundred mark.
Mrs. Thomas R. Fisher entertained the Thimble club at her home in Lowell Friday of last week. Progressive whist was the order of the afternoon. Mrs. H. V. Hildreth and Miss Ruth Fisher were awarded first and second prizes. A delicious supper was served, followed by vocal and instrumental music.
A good attendance at the well-filled supper tables and a pleasing entertainment by home talent, combined with merry sociability, were the features that went to make up a successful social at the Congregational vestry Wednesday evening. Fully one hundred people were served at the supper tables, presided over by Mrs. John Wright, Mrs. S. L. Taylor and Mrs. A. H. Foss. Afterward in the vestry a pleasing program was given.
Hose company No. 1 met at the town hall Wednesday evening for organization. It was voted to name the company Edward M. Abbot hose company. Voted to accept with hearty thanks a proffered gift of fifty dollars from Mrs. Alice M. Abbot. Voted that the standing committee procure metal badges, the same to be the uniform of the members of the company. A full list of officers and members will be given next week.
Graniteville. At the 9:45 o’clock mass celebrated in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, spoke eloquently of the life and personality of Governor Curtis Guild, who is dangerously ill at his home in Boston. At the conclusion of the mass Fr. Schofield led in the prayers that were offered up by the congregation for the speedy recovery of the governor.
Mrs. H. J. Healy and Miss Catherine Harrington visited friends in Leominster recently.
The Lenten devotions held in St. Catherine’s church Thursday evening were largely attended.
A. R. Choate hose company No. 2, W.F.D., will run a social dancing party in the Westford town hall shortly after lent.
The Westford overseers of the poor met at the town farm last Monday night and organized for the ensuing year—Chas. L. Hildreth, 2d, chairman; Arthur Burnham, secretary. The board then appointed Dr. C. A. Blaney of Westford town physician on behalf of the overseers of the poor.
Cameron circle, C.F.A., will soon commence rehearsals for a minstrel show, to be given early in May.
With the many fraternal organizations, temperance societies, fire company, social clubs, etc., now formed or being formed here, it is rather difficult to say whether it will be possible to pick out a baseball club. Nevertheless, some of the sporty ones will try it and a meeting will be held shortly for that purpose.
The people in this village have recovered somewhat from their surprise at Westford voting “yes” on the license question, and are wondering who will be the successful applicant, as the selectmen have already granted the privilege to sell. It is said that one well-known business man in town has already secured several signatures of citizens in this district, which he will present to the selectmen when he makes his formal application for a license. To use a common phrase, this man is “red hot” after it, as are several others, and the location for carrying on the business is ideal from a financial standpoint.
Fr. Schofield in the course of his remarks Sunday morning scored the “yes” voters. He said that any man who voted for license should be ashamed to own it, as such a man was taking a backward step and staining the town of Westford with disgrace. Fr. Schofield said that it would not only act in a bad way for the young men here, but would bring in an undesirable class of people from the surrounding towns. He said that the temperance society that was spoken of some time ago will be formed at the earliest possible moment.
Forge. The ladies’ sewing circle met last week Thursday afternoon with Mrs. H. E. Randall, the first meeting since the death of Mrs. Prescott and Mrs. Catchpole. Mrs. William Burnett was chosen treasurer, and after a few minor articles of business were disposed of work was resumed. During the time that no meetings were held Mrs. Randall, with the assistance of friends, finished the two quilts and one was sold. The other is to be sold. As soon as possible after lent there will be a supper and sale of what articles the ladies may have. During the afternoon Alvin Bennett entertained the ladies with selections on the graphophone, which were very pleasing, especially the good old-fashioned music.
G. H. Prescott received word first of the week of the arrival of twin boys at the home of his daughter, Mrs. E. [C.] T. Maston [Matsen?], in Fitchburg. Later word came that one child lived only a few hours. Mrs. Maston and child are doing as well as can be expected.
Mr. and Mrs. John Baker’s little one was christened at the mission house Sunday afternoon. Mrs. Dinah McMurray, William Baker and Frederick Davis were sponsors for little Frederick Orion.
Mrs. Weaver injured her thumb very seriously this week while turning a wringer. Dr. Blaney was called, and it will be some time before she can use her hand.
Miss May Lord went to Bristol, R.I., to work Tuesday morning. Her many friends wish her success.
Miss Bertha Wilson is reported a little better.
Miss Ethel Morton of Bridgeport, Conn., is visiting friends in the village.
Mrs. A. M. Mountain writes to friends here of the beautiful weather at Vinemont, Ala. The roses are in bloom and peach trees also, while she can sit by the window and enjoy the beautiful weather, so warm and sunny.
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Catchpole were held at the mission house Friday afternoon, March 13, and were largely attended by relatives and friends, many coming from a long distance. Rev. T. L. Fisher was the officiating clergyman and the impressive service of the Episcopal church was used. The choir sang three beautiful hymns, “O lamb of God,” “In the hour of trial,” and as the casket was borne from the church, “There is a blessed home.” Miss Edythe Normington presided at the organ. There was a profusion of beautiful flowers, showing the regard of the neighbors and friends of the departed one. It will be hard indeed for the loved ones to take up the burden where she has lain it down, and carry on the life work as before. The following is a list of the flowers and the givers:
Pillow of roses, inscribed “Wife and mother” from the family; cross of pinks and white roses, Ada and Janie Cotterell, G. Cotterell, Mr. and Mrs. W. Blodgett, nieces and nephews of deceased; wreath of roses and lilies, Mr. and Mrs. H. Catchpole and family, Boston; sprays of pinks, Mr. and Mrs. Kirk, Clinton, Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Kirk, Groton; hyacinths, Mr. and Mrs. J. Foster, Worcester; broken circle, inscribed L.S.C., Ladies’ Sewing Circle, of which the deceased was a member; pillow, inscribed “Fannie,” Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Weaver, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Baker and Mrs. De Rhoen [DeRoehn]; sprays of pinks, Mr. and Mrs. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Gilson, Mr. and Mrs. Gordon, Kate Lowther and Miss Sykes, Mr. and Mrs. Lord and family, Mr. and Mrs. Wadleigh, Mrs. Blowey, friends from East Dedham, Mrs. Shugrue and daughter, Mrs. Bennett and daughter; a large spray of white pinks, ferns and sweet peas from the choir of the mission chapel, Mrs. J. Carmichael, Misses Collins, Precious, Lowther and Cherry, Jas. Whigham, Wm. Bennett; sprays of 58 pinks, G. H. Prescott and Mr. and Mrs. E. Hunt; spray of pink roses, Mr. and Mrs. Hanley and family; spray of jonquils, Mr. and G. Sanborn; spray of lilies, Mr. and Mrs. Styles; spray of sweet peas, Miss L. Orange; cut flowers, Miss A. Wilkinson; spray of pinks and mignonette, Mr. and Mrs. Wilson and family; spray of pinks and ferns, Mr. John Brown and family; cut flowers, J. Mason, Lowell; spray of jonquils and pinks, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Collins; tulips, Mrs. Normington and Mrs. Carrick of Worcester; spray of Easter lilies, friends in Littleton; pinks and roses, Mr. and Mrs. Kirk, Worcester; spray of pinks and roses, Mr. and Mrs. A. Kirk, Worcester.
Burial was in Fairview cemetery, Westford. The bearers were James Whigham, John Edwards, Fred Davis and Edmund Hunt.
Lenten sermons at Forge Village mission, 7:30 p.m.:
April 1, Rev. Robert F. Cheney
April 9, Rev. H. Usher Menro.