The Westford Wardsman, May 18, 1918
Center. The long anticipated improvement in the dangerous curves on Graniteville road will be undertaken this summer. The contract for straightening and reconstruction of 3000 feet of highway, known as the “Curves” has been awarded to George D. Greenough, of Acton, for $10,327. John C. Abbot has done much to accomplish this undertaking. At the last town meeting $4000 was voted toward it. The state will pay $4000 and the county $4000. These blind curves have been dangerous and especially so since the advent of so many automobiles, and there have been numerous accidents. This promises to be one of the best projects in road improvement undertaken in a long time.
The unusual severity of last winter’s weather was disastrous to many ornamental shrubs and vines. Since the leaves have come out much winterkilling is in evidence, especially among what are considered hardy varieties.
A threatening fire got started last week in the woods of the camp section of Westford owners at Forge pond, although being in Littleton territory. Fortunately, the only destruction was a barn belonging to the Stewart camp and also a barn belonging to Oscar R. Spalding.
A short time before Miss Grace Robinson’s recent marriage to James B. Hartford, which took place last week, a very pretty miscellaneous shower party was given in Miss Robinson’s honor by friends in Lowell, at which she was the recipient of many pretty gifts.
Mrs. E. G. Boynton, of Medfield, who has been visiting her sister, Mrs. D. G. Houghton, in Littleton, was in Westford on Wednesday, greeting old friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Abiel J. Abbot returned home last week from their winter and spring trip spent in Arizona and California.
The common and the streets at the Center have been having their usual spring renovating in charge of Roadmaster [Alexander] McDonald, and the village is looking most attractive.
Mothers’ day was appropriately observed at the church services last Sunday.
Allister MacDougall, of Northampton, who has been sick for a number of weeks with gastritis and nervous breakdown, is spending some time at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Alec MacDougall.
Measles are prevalent and among those afflicted are Mr. and Mrs. Harry Prescott’s daughter Betty, Rev. and Mrs. L. H. Buckshorn’s son Fisher and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Hamlin’s daughter Edna.
At the meeting of the Ladies’ Missionary society held with Mrs. John P. Wright, Thursday afternoon, a part of the program was a memorial service in memory of the late Miss Louise Crosby and Mrs. Annie Campbell, who were both so deeply interested in missionary work.
The men of the home guard hold much of their weekly drill on Tuesday evenings in the open air, using Whitney playground for the purpose. This company will turn out for escort duty for the veterans on Memorial day, and the Nashua Military band, according to long custom, will be in attendance.
Don’t forget the Red Cross benefit concert this week Friday evening. The entertainers are Mrs. F. L. Roberts, Miss Etta Thompson, James Donelley and Harry Pascall, assisted by Mrs. Lillian Dodge Haskell, reader.
All member of the Westford Red Cross are earnestly requested to take part at the Red Cross parade in Lowell next Tuesday evening.
About Town. George O. Spalding, having thought he had sold his farm on Francis hill, gathered together his personal property and then gathered ye inhabitants together last Saturday afternoon and bid them bid on antique and ancient relics of nine generations on this Spalding farm, which of late years has been known as the Francis Hill farm. Owing to the long and honorable history of the Spaldings on this farm there was sharp competition on the antiques as souvenirs, while much that was recent and not related to the place were disposed of at one hard worked up bid. Owing to the poor condition of the sleighing and other causes, sleighs sold for twenty-five cents apiece, or two for forty-nine cents. There were spinning-wheels, flax-wheels, mahogany bureaus and tables, a real old sun dial and many things which lovers of antiques are interested in.
Arthur W. Fletcher, owner of the well-known Cold Spring farm, has gone to Fort Slocum, N.Y. He went on May 10 and was the only man from the town to be drafted on that date. Mr. Fletcher has been much interested in this fine old farm of his grandfather’s [Jonathan Varnum Fletcher (1812-1899)]. Lately, he has been living in Boston, but claims Westford as his legal residence.
It is a terrible sensation to be aroused in the night by the crackling of flames and know that your house is on fire. Such was the experience of John J. Dunn and family, of West Chelmsford on last Saturday morning. Miss Mary Dunn was awakened at about three o’clock by the faithful family dog and she could hear the crackling of flames. Upon looking out she saw that the shed adjoining the house was ablaze, and aroused the family, who barely escaped. Neighbors rushed to the scene and some of the household goods saved. The horses and some of the cows and the auto were saved, but some cattle perished. The fire spread rapidly and burned not only the house but the large barn and four sheds. The Chelmsford fire department came a long distance and arrived in time to save the log woodpile of ten cords of sawed wood. Mr. Dunn’s place was on the Chelmsford road, not far from West Chelmsford.
The double tracking of the Stony Brook [rail]road is now being pushed on the sharp curves below West Chelmsford. These curves have always been a friction binding on long freight trains, being steep grade and curves northerly and southerly after the outline of the letter S. These curves are now being straightened up with steam shovel by Wilson & English, the contractors, who are operating a small dummy engine of their own on the Stony Brook tracks, and everything promises an early double tracking.
There is an unusually large apple blossom on Francis hill, both early and winter fruit, and the old Chamberlin blacksmith shop never has seen a setting of more pin-white beauty and fragrance, but as reported last week in the lower levels of the Stony Brook valley, except a full bloom of early apples, there is less than a fourth of winter fruit blossoming. An occasional Baldwin that bore last year has blossomed this year, while trees that did not bear last year have declined a satisfactory explanation. Mention was made last week of a tree of which one half is split to the ground being in full bloom and the upright has failed to blossom. In looking about another tree has been discovered with the same freak tendency. Also, a young Opotascent [sic – Opalescent is probably meant here, an American antique apple developed about 1880] apple tree, loaded white with blossoms, girdled to the quick with mice. Who said that trees girdled would die? Banking with moist earth is the best antidote. The writer has had several and never lost any.
James H. O’Brien, who has been seriously ill at his home on Pigeon hill with pneumonia and blood poisoning and hemorrhages, is cited as much improved.
Mr. and Mrs. William R. Taylor and Samuel L. Taylor attended the anniversary of Tyngsboro Grange on Tuesday evening. By invitation, S. L. Taylor gave a talk comparing civil war times with those of today.
Miss Harriet Hodgman, who has been making her home in Dunstable, will come to Westford to be a companion for Mrs. Augusta Prescott.
William H. Mills, who was the first enlisted man from Westford, writes home most interesting letters from France. His sister Ethel has a good government position in Washington.
The May party for children has had to be postponed on account of the prevalence of measles.
Mrs. Sarah Hildreth, who is 100 years of age, is ill at her home.
The Harvard Red Cross will open a tea-room on Harvard common at noon on Thursday, May 30. Lunches can be ordered in advance. Telephone connection.
Death. Joel Albro Fletcher, aged eighty years, a veteran of the civil war, died at the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea on last week Friday afternoon. He served with the 4th Massachusetts Regiment during the civil war and was a member of the Westford Veterans association and of Post 185, G.A.R., of Lowell. He was a native of Westford and attended school at the little red schoolhouse located on the Groton road at the intersection of the Oak hill road. The building has long since disappeared and in its place was built the modern, attractive home of the deceased, where he lived until recently when it seemed advisable for him to go to the Soldiers’ Home.
He was a man of extensive reading and had a reliable memory. He was an interesting conversationalist and a good report of history. He was a close student of biblical and religious literature generally, and when health permitted he was an attendant at the village church in West Chelmsford. Although his life was lived comparatively quiet, he had well defined convictions of duty to his neighbor, the world and himself, and loyally stood by his convictions during his long life.
The funeral took place on Sunday afternoon from the residence of his nephew, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher. Members of the Lowell post and veterans of the town attended the services which were conducted by Rev. Charles Maurer of the West Chelmsford church [pastor 1918-19]. The burial took place at Fairview cemetery.
Graniteville. The Graniteville A.C. baseball team met and defeated the Middlesex A.C. of Lowell on the home ground here last Saturday in a very interesting game by the score of 8 to 5. Batteries—Graniteville, Griffin and Reeves; Middlesex A.C., Ross and Brodear. The Graniteville team will play the Red Sox in Forge Village on Saturday.
Privates Fred Stuart and Joseph Carpentier, the former now stationed at Tenafly, N.J., and the latter at Camp [illegible], visited relatives and friends here recently.
The members of Cameron Circle, C. of F. of A., held their regular meeting on Tuesday evening in Healy’s hall. After the meeting progressive whist was enjoyed, followed by dancing, and a very good time was enjoyed. Refreshments were served.
Wedding. Miss Anna Beatrice Rafferty, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Rafferty, of this village, was united in marriage to Private William Peters, of Camp Devens, at a nuptial mass celebrated in St. Catherine’s church on last Tuesday morning at nine o’clock, Rev. C. P. Heaney being the officiating clergyman. Miss Theresa Peters, sister of the groom, was bridesmaid, and James Rafferty, brother of the bride, was best man.
The bride was becomingly attired in a costume of white Duchess satin. She wore a veil and carried a bouquet of white carnations. The bridesmaid’s costume was of grey charmeuse, and she wore a picture hat of the same prevailing shade. Frances and Charlotte Gainer, two little nieces of the bride, were flower girls.
Immediately after the ceremony the wedding party went to the bride’s home on West street, where a wedding breakfast was served that was attended by the members of the immediate family and a few intimate friends. The happy couple were the recipients of many beautiful presents.
In the early evening Mr. and Mrs. Peters left for a brief honeymoon trip that will be spent in Rhode Island. The best wishes of a wide circle of friends is extended to them in their new life.
Dies in Service. The death of private Adlat J. Langley of the 95th Aero Squadron, who died of a fractured skull somewhere in France in May, has caused deep sorrow to his many friends here. Private Langley was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Langley, of this village [Graniteville], and was a bright, active lad only twenty years of age. He first tried to enlist in the navy, but was rejected on account of his height. He was not discouraged, however, but tried another branch of the service, when he was accepted for the aviation corps. He enlisted last summer and saw training in Mineola, Long Island, N.Y., later in San Antonio, Texas, and Canada.
He visited his relatives here for a few hours last fall before his departure for France. Since his arrival on foreign soil he has written many pleasing letters to relatives and friends here, and was always cheerful and deeply interested in his work. His death came as a great shock to his relatives and friends here, for he was a very intelligent youth, with a good head for mechanics and a bright future before him.
He is the first Westford man to die in the service during the present world war. The deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family of Private Langley in their affliction.
Forge Village. A large barn near the summer cottage of Oscar Spalding, of Westford, and a garage adjoining the summer residence of Mrs. Charlotte Stewart of Chelsea, were burned last week Friday afternoon at Forge pond. Only the excellent work of the mill fire department saved further property from destruction, as a very high wind was blowing at the time. The Forge Village department was already on hand and had it under control when the Westford fire department arrived.
John Venn, who underwent a successful operation at the Lowell General hospital, is expected home this week, as his condition is very much improved.
Mrs. Helie Gadaway underwent an operation at the Lowell General hospital this week.
Miss Alice Wright, of Westford, was the guest of Pamelia Precious over the weekend.
The Forge Service Unit held its weekly meeting on Tuesday evening at St. Andrew’s mission, under the direction of Miss Eva Pyne.
Miss Mary B. Raynes of Lowell, Miss Grace Litchfield of Chelsea, and Miss Ethel Kimball of Lowell are at their summer cottage for the season.
The tulip beds of the Abbot Worsted Company are now in full bloom and afford the residents here much pleasure. John Brown also has a beautiful display of early spring flowers.
While working in the mills of the Abbot Worsted Company, Joseph Bennett injured his back last week Friday. He is confined to his home, under the doctor’s care.
The Goldenrod troop of Girl Scouts presented its cantata, “An American girl,” by Victor and Charles Vincent, in Abbot hall last week Friday evening. The hall was filled to the doors while many stood outside. The affair was very successful, due to the untiring efforts of Misses Margaret Eaglesfield and Marjorie Peabody, assisted by Mrs. Warren Sturgis. Lantern slides of Girl Scouts at work and play were shown by Mrs. John Harwood, of Ayer. Previous to the operetta the Brownies gave several of their songs, which were much enjoyed by the audience. Refreshments were served. The patronesses were Mrs. William Precious, Mrs. John Harwood, Miss M. Eaglesfield, Miss Theresa Lowther, Mrs. William Baker, Miss Marjorie Peabody and Mrs. James Barstow. After the cantata dancing was enjoyed. The music was furnished by members of the Girl Scouts, ably assisted on the violin by the Misses Eaglesfield and Peabody. After all expenses were cleared, over forty-five dollars was turned over to the Federation of Girl Scouts
By the order of the school physician Cameron school was closed last week on account of the prevalence of the measles.
The meeting of the Girl Scouts was held on Thursday evening instead of on Tuesday at St. Andrew’s mission.
Miss Gladys Daley, who fell and injured her back the latter part of the winter, is able to be about again.
Littleton
News Items. Five hundred soldiers from Devens passed through King Street and Great Road, on their way to Watertown arsenal Wednesday. Most of the boys were walking, some were mounted, and others drove the mules and rode with the camping equipment.
The entertainment given by boys from Camp Devens in the town hall on Wednesday evening was well attended and proved a very pleasant affair. The concert program included vocal and instrumental selections, dancing, numbers by the Mandolin club, etc. Afterwards there was general dancing. Miss Elsie Whitney assisted at the piano in part. The King’s Daughters served a very toothsome supper in the lower town hall to those who gave the entertainment. Ice cream and tonics were sold on the lawn. Receipts are to be given for the benefit of the boys’ clubhouse at Camp Devens.
Three companies from Camp Devens have again been living in tents on the plain bordering Warren lake this week and enjoyed the relief from regular routine.
Townsend
Center. Last week Friday one hundred soldiers from Camp Devens, who were on a hike, pitched tents and camped for the night on the Fitchburg road, near the Scales place.
Hiking Trip. About 800 of the 301st Regiment of Engineers, with full equipment, who were on a thirty-five mile hiking trip from Camp Devens to Ashburnham, passed through town Monday afternoon and camped for the night at Athletic park. The schools were closed for a time and as the regiment passed through our village streets they were given a royal welcome by the citizens and children who had gathered along the highway in anticipation of the coming of the soldier boys. At the park they were met by the selectmen, who gave them welcome in behalf of the town. During the afternoon and early evening many visited the camp and were deeply impressed as to the manner of camp life and were given an idea as to what real camp life is in France. At 7:30 in the evening a band from the regiment gave a very pleasing concert on the common which was largely attended by autoists and the townspeople who appreciated the courtesy of the soldier boys in giving the concert. Several opened their homes and pleasantly entertained the boys, who in turn appreciated the pleasure of an evening of real home life. The uprightness and courtesy of the regiment while in our village exemplified the true American soldier, and their coming instilled a new vigor in our patriotism.
West. The 301st Engineers attracted much interest as they marched through the village streets on their way to Ashburnham, Tuesday morning, having passed the night in camp at the Center.
Ayer
News Items. The 301st Infantry Regiment, composed of about 3000 men, with a long line of teams with equipment, passed through West Main street and Park street Monday morning on a hike to Ashburnham by way of Townsend and Ashby. They camped in Townsend on Monday night. Traffic was held up for quite awhile.
The fourth officers’ training camp opened on Wednesday at Camp Devens with a registration of 950 candidates. Among them are 355 college men.
The new buildings completed at the camp include 12 hospital wards, 2 public utility barracks, 9 hay sheds, dental infirmary, medical infirmary, nurses’ infirmary, hospital mess hall, 2 grain elevators, lavatory, bacteriological laboratory, 2 boiler houses, repair shop, machine shop and remount stables. Five big quartermaster storehouses have been started.
District Court. John A. “Sandy” Ferguson and Albert Lederich of Chelsea, Bernard Egan of Boston and James Moore of Somerville were arraigned on complaint for creating a disturbance on a Lowell and Fitchburg electric car, Wednesday afternoon. Ferguson and Lederich were found guilty and fined ten dollars each; the remainder of the quartet were found not guilty and discharged. Ferguson, who was a former well-known prize fighter is working at his trade of steamfitter at Camp Devens. In returning from Lowell on Wednesday he and his friends created more or less of a disturbance, so much so that the women passengers left the car and refused to get on again. When the car arrived in Ayer Chief Beatty placed the quartet in the police station. The witnesses included Chief Beatty, Conductor George Murray and Motorman Frank Dunham.
Harvard
Still River. The Signal Corps from Camp Devens, who have been encamped near here the past few weeks, getting the new combat range in readiness, finished their work on Thursday morning and in the afternoon they had field sports in the Vaughn field in the village. They broke camp Friday morning, returning to Camp Devens. They were a fine lot of boys and made many friends here.
A lot of the Depot Brigade from Camp Devens are encamped on the old Damon brick yard. It is expected they will be there all summer, they having care of the target ranges.
As there is to be a lot of soldiers encamped here, the dining-room in the Baptist vestry is open every evening for a reading-room, where they are free to come to read, write letters, play games, etc.
Shirley
Center. The sham battles, which are fast becoming an every day affair about the Center, are raising havoc with walls, fences and gardens, and complaints are beginning to be heard from the property owners on all sides.
Pepperell
News Items. Did you know that the whole U.S. army passed up the South road last Monday? Well, of course not that, but it took 3½ hours to pass a given point. There were the officers on horseback in front, 1100 men, 23 army wagons by count and about as many tool wagons near midway, the army kitchen, water wagons, two ambulances and a lot of pack mules. The detachment stopped for dinner opposite the late Charles Bird farm and the men rested in the shade of the trees. The guns were stacked and khaki color was everywhere. Somebody whispered that Miss Georgianna Maynard snapped a lot of pictures of this detachment and they will be worth seeing.
Methodist War Drive. The war fund drive at the Methodist church on Tuesday evening was in the interest of the work of that church for soldiers and sailors in the service. The speakers were Rev. Julian S. Wadsworth, D.D., of Fitchburg, and Rev. John Chaffee, Ph.D., of the Federated church, Ayer. Dr. Wadsworth outlined the work projected by the war council of the Methodist church, who are asking for $1,000,000 to be raised by the end of this week. This sum will be divided as follows: $150,000 will be set apart for the equipment of 100 Methodist chaplains in the service—this is needful since the government only provides for the salary; such necessary equipment as conveyance, communion services, books of devotion, singing books, portable organs, motion pictures, equipment and some means of getting about among the soldiers must be provided; $300,000 to go for camp zone activities, such as salary and equipment for camp pastors, who are the official representatives of the denomination at each cantonment, a link between the boys and the home church, and also to provide for their proportion of the expense of the federation entertainment; from this fund, too, money will be used to strengthen the work of the churches located near the cantonments. The Woman’s Home Missionary and the Woman’s Foreign Missionary societies will each receive $50,000 for their work among the women at the front and about the cantonments; $175,000 will be used for the care of French orphans; an orphanage has already been established near Paris; another like sum will be used for work in Russia, where the Methodist denomination is strong.
Rev. John R. Chaffee spoke concerning the work already in operation at Camp Devens. There are four Methodist chaplains at work there and until a church in Somerville gave Chaplain Hurd an automobile none of these chaplains has received any assistance from the denomination. He spoke enthusiastically of the splendid work of the present camp pastor, Rev. Robert W. Pierce, who is busy from early dawn until late at night hunting up the 2000 Methodist young men who are in Camp Devens. A number of these have already visited with the local church, while others, who were already members of the church in the places from whence they came, have become associate members. He also spoke appreciatively of the fine work being done by the Federation House in Ayer.
The last part of the address dealt with the very different way in which the Federated church in Ayer is relating itself to the soldiers. The members of that society have opened their homes constantly to the soldiers. As an organization the federation is providing a weekly social for the Congregational and Methodist soldiers. In this they are asking the young people’s organizations of the places adjoining the cantonments to assist them by furnishing entertainment and refreshments, week by week, in turns.
There were a number of patriotic selections sung by the choir and at the close of the addresses Rev. E. W. Rust told his people that their part of this million-dollar drive was $100, and that evening, with a small party present, they raised $48.25, and it is confidently hoped that the entire amount will be subscribed by Sunday.