The Westford Wardsman, May, 1914
Saturday, May 2, 1914
Center. The newest addition to the list of telephone subscribers is Alec McDougall, 38-6.
A son was born to Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Wilcox, of Royalston, on the historic Nineteenth of April. The little new-comer, whose mother was formerly Miss Edith Bicknell, of Westford, has been named Kirkland Clayton Wilcox.
John Feeney, who has so faithfully and efficiently acted as janitor of the town hall for the past nine years, has resigned, his resignation taking effect the first of May. Edwin A. Robey is to take Mr. Feeney’s place.
Master Gordon Seavey, who has had a serious attack of bronchitis, is convalescent and out among his playmates again.
Every day is “clean-up” day at the Whitney playground. The shrubbery has had a thorough and skillful pruning under the supervision of Albert D. Taylor and Edmund Baker and helpers are busy with lawns, walks, etc. The yellow forsythia, the first of the blossoming shrubs, is already in bloom. Charles Chickering is also getting the grounds at the J. V. Fletcher library and at the academy into attractive condition.
Madam Walker, who makes her home with her son, George Walker, and who has been seriously ill, is reported as resting more comfortably.
Miss Mary B. Raynes, teacher of music in the schools of Westford and several other towns, has her trim little auto, a Ford roadster, in commission for the season.
At the next meeting of the Grange, May 7, the program will be in charge of the young ladies, a competitive entertainment to balance the one given by the young gentlemen a few weeks ago. The young ladies do not intend to be the losers in the contest and furnish a supper if they can help it, for they are planning a good time. A short play, “When women vote,” will be given by the young ladies, there will be vocal and instrumental music and an out-of-town reader, Mrs. Margaret Sarre, of Lowell, and one of the lady officers of the State Grange will be present and entertain with readings.
At the last meeting of the selectmen the following appointments were made: Alonzo H. Sutherland, Edward M. Abbot, Frank L. Furbush, John Edwards, Albert R. Choate and Edward T. Hanley, board of fire engineers; Edward A. Robey, janitor of town house.
Lewis P. Palmer, Hammett D. Wright, Herbert V. Hildreth, Harry N. Fletcher and Charles Conture [sic], operating granite quarries in Westford, have filed the usual applications with the selectmen for the use of explosives, public hearing to be held on said applications at the town hall on Thursday evening, May 14.
Mrs. David Wallace, who has been shut in with a serious bronchial trouble, is able to be out again.
The social or guest evening of the Tadmuck club takes place on Tuesday evening at the Congregational church at eight o’clock. An efficient committee, with Mrs. Hammett D. Wright in charge, are planning an attractive evening. Mrs. Marie Estelle Walker, reader and impersonator, with guitar accompaniments and Miss Judith Lyndon, with southern songs and stories, are the entertainers of the evening. Refreshments will be served. If by any possibility every member has not already received their guest ticket the same can be had by applying to the secretary, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler.
It was to be regretted that the hard northeast rainstorm last Sunday necessarily affected the attendance at church. Miss Stella Jordan, at the Congregational church, gave an excellent address on “Mormonism.” Miss Jordan possessed a pleasing personality and was a bright, keen speaker.
Social. The monthly social at the Congregational church took place on Tuesday evening at the vestry and was in charge of Miss Hazel Hartford, Miss Hilda Isles and other young ladies. The arrangements of the evening were very much of a credit to these young ladies. The entertainment consisted of “An old maids’ convention.” There were about eighteen of the spinsterhood in remarkable costumes in the group and their session was most amusing
Mrs. J. E. Knight was the strong-minded president, Miss Crocker the hard-working secretary and Miss Beatrice Sutherland the treasurer. The “transformer” machine managed by Prof. Pinkerton, otherwise S. L. Taylor, with his wonderful elixirs, did some extraordinary work. The program was supplemented with a piano solo by Miss Ruth Smith; vocal solo, Miss Edna Ferguson; piano duet, Rachael Wallace and Lillian Robey; vocal solo, Miss Pauline Wallace; piano duet, Mildred and Marion Fletcher.
At the close of the program cake and coffee were served and a social hour enjoyed.
Dramatics. The Westford Grange Dramatic club gave the two-act comedy drama “Among the breakers” at the town hall on last week Friday evening. The pleasant evening and the interest in the players drew a capacity audience to the hall. The play, as everybody knows, is not new but a long-time favorite with amateurs, and the plot and action is one that always carries a sustained interest from beginning to end. With this as a vehicle for their varied abilities last week Friday evening the cast did some fine work, balancing the characters with real skill. Much credit is due Joseph Wall, of Graniteville, under whose direction the play was given, and his rendering of the part of Sam, the negro servant, was sprightly and the dialect excellent.
Miss Martha Grant, as Mother Carey, the old fortune teller, did some genuinely good work that was heartily applauded. Mrs. W. R. Taylor, as Beth Starbright, cast up by the waves, presented her girlish role with charm and simplicity. Fred Blodgett, as Peter Paragraph, was a most versatile reporter, and with Miss Ruth Smith as Miss Minnie Daze, sustained their scenes together most capably. John P. Wright, the moody, troubled keeper of Fairpoint lighthouse, was very real and with Horace E. Gould as Hon. Bruce Hunter and William R. Taylor as Clarence Hunter, his ward, presented the thread of the drama with dignified clearness. Arthur G. Walker as Larry Deane and Miss Mary Hickey as Biddy Bean, an Irish girl, supplemented the other parts and carried out their bit of romance with pleasing fidelity.
The musical features of the program were much appreciated, Miss Lily Mae Moran and Fred Defoe, of Graniteville, gave some good solos between the acts. Henry Charlton and Charles Page were also heard in solos and roundly applauded, and Frank Charlton, Henry Charlton, Charles Pope, Edward Riney and Robert J. McCarty made a hit with their chorus singing.
The lighting effect which gave the storm with the lightning and thunder and for the foot lights was the work of James Peck, electrician, of West Chelmsford.
After the play refreshments of ice cream and cake were served in the lower hall and the hall upstairs was cleared for dancing, lasting until one o’clock, the Crescent orchestra of five pieces furnishing music.
About Town. About fifty persons gathered at the sale of the old Stony Brook Schoolhouse last Saturday afternoon and after lively bidding, mostly between Henry O. Keyes and W. R. Taylor, it was sold to Mr. Taylor for $691.50. Thus was $2000 worth of the town’s property sold and the old historic Stony Brook school property, the landmark of centuries, passed into private hands.
“House breaking,” that’s what it was, and it was committed by the Fortnightly club last week Friday evening, a favorable time for it, so many being away from home that evening at the town hall to see Joe Wall, “the darkey.” The Wright schoolhouse was where the “house breaking” occurred and the following were in the “break”: Horace E. Gould, Edwin H. Gould, Miss Olive Farrow, John Connell, Miss Alice Dane, Clarence Dane, Leo Connell, Ernest Wright and Charles Pope. Thus far no arrests have been made.
C. W. Adams, of Cambridge, a former Congregational minster, conducted the service at the Unitarian church last Sunday.
It has been said, and it is hoped the saying will come to pass, that Robert Elliott, of Lowell, eldest son of Thomas H. Elliott, the well-known real estate agent, has bought land on Hildreth street with the intention of building a house this spring. It is also said that Henry O. Keyes has offered cash down in tempting amount for the Donald Cameron residence opposite the postoffice.
Amos Polley, the Prairie farm farmer, planted two acres of potatoes on last week Friday. He has named them the “tear drop” potatoes—they lay in the ground so cold it makes tears come in their eyes.
The Old Oaken Bucket farm has potatoes up large enough to hoe, but the acreage is not numerous. They are the “we won” variety.
Surprise Party. A party of surprises was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Norman A. Phillips at Westford Station on one of the recent evenings in honor of Miss Minnie Whitney’s twentieth birthday anniversary, she being a sister of Mrs. Phillips [nee Susan E. Whitney]. The parlor and dining-room were decorated in pink and cut flowers. The table was decorated with twenty candles with elegant cake for candlestick. Games, music and singing were enjoyed. Cake, with ring was won by L. J. Ellison of Brookside. Paul Smith, also of Brookside, in behalf of Miss Whitney’s friends, presented her with a tableful of presents and cash. For these things Miss Whitney exchanged grateful thanks. Forty-five individuals were present, including the oldest lady in town. Mrs. Sarah Hildreth, ninety-eight years old, and Miss Whitney’s niece, Miss Susie Whitney, two years old. Refreshments were served by the hostess.
Graniteville. The first baseball game of the season was played here on last Saturday afternoon when Graniteville defeated the West Chelmsford club by the score of 5 to 4. Batteries: Frank and Will Sullivan for West Chelmsford, Donahue and Hurley for Graniteville.
The Mexican disturbance is of great local importance owing to the fact that two Graniteville boys are vitally interested in the mixup. W. Carroll Furbush, who is no on the Battleship Connecticut, is station at Vera Cruz, while Friel Hanson, of the U.S.S. Nebraska, is now on his way to Mexican waters. Young Hanson intended to stop here a few days with his folks but was suddenly recalled to his ship then station at Charlestown navy yard, which sailed a few days later. This is Hanson’s first term, but Furbush has had more experience, having already served his allotted time in the navy and again re-enlisted about a year ago. Both are bright young men and very well known here.
The many people from here who attended the drama, “Among the breakers,” given by the Westford grange at the town hall on last week Friday night, report a very enjoyable time. Joe Wall had charge of the affair.
The members of Cameron circle, C.F. of A., held their regular meeting in their rooms on Tuesday evening with a large attendance. Business of importance was transacted, four applications for membership were received and after the meeting a social hour was enjoyed.
Leo Provost, who was operated upon for appendicitis at St. John’s hospital, Lowell, recently is now convalescent and hopes to be home in a few days.
The condition of Harold Hanning who was taken to the Lowell Corporation hospital, suffering with spinal meningitis a few days ago, remains about the same, and it is the sincere wish of all that he may soon recover.
The town men and teams, under the supervision of Supt. Alex McDonald, are putting Broadway street in good condition for travel and the street now presents a fine appearance.
Forge Village. A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Beaver on April 22. The little girl has been named Mary.
Charles Coburn, of Providence, R.I., is visiting his aunt, Miss Hannah Coburn.
Bishop William Lawrence is to visit St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday, May 31.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held their regular meeting in Recreation hall on Thursday afternoon.
An opera in two acts is to be given in Abbot hall next month by the choir of St. Catherine’s church, Graniteville. The name of the opera is “A nautical knot.”
Saturday, May 9, 1914
Center. J. Henry Colburn is on the sick list, seriously ill with bronchitis.
S. B. Watson, who is convalescing from an operation for appendicitis, has gone for a few weeks to his boyhood home at Newbern [sic], North Carolina.
Mrs. M. Elizabeth Whitney and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Prescott Wright of Westford and Brookline sailed last week from Boston [on the S.S. Franconia, built in 1910 and operated by Britain’s Cunard Line] for a trip of a few weeks abroad, the time to be mostly spent in France. Later in the season they expect to be at the Whitney summer home as usual.
Mrs. Sherman H. Fletcher is among the sick ones and in the care of a trained nurse.
Congratulations to our sister woman’s club in Littleton in securing Miss Alice M. Howard to serve as their president. We know whereof we speak for Miss Howard is one of our efficient and helpful members of the Tadmuck club.
Elliot F. Humiston has recently received word from his uncle, Edwin Flagg, of Frankfort, Kansas, of the death of the latter’s wife which occurred April 18. Mr. Flagg is well-known by the older residents of his native Westford and they extend to him all sympathetic greetings through the Wardsman which reach him each week in his Kansas home.
Rev. L. H. Buckshorn, of Vineyard Haven, has been in town recently looking after his orcharding interests.
Elliot F. Humiston’s Westford friends are sorry to hear of his siege of sickness at his West Chelmsford home.
L. W. Wheeler is having some changes and renovations made in the ell of his house [66 Main St.] among which is the excavating of a cellar under that part of the house and the tearing out of the old chimney which was not considered safe. The old chimney with its attendant brick oven and set boiler has been built just one hundred years, having been built on the site of Rev. Willard Hall’s home, Westford’s first minister, built by one George Davis, who lived here for about thirty-five years, when he removed with his family to Sterling.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company held their regular meeting at their headquarters on Boston road Tuesday night. The pelting rain storm prevented a drill and try-out. It was the annual meeting and officers [were] elected as follows: L. W. Wheeler, capt.; S. B. Watson, 1st. lieut.; Alec Fisher, 2d lieut.; Alfred Tuttle, sec. and treas.; Peter Clement, stew. S. B. Watson, being away from home, sent greetings and thanks to the men for their remembrance of him while sick in the hospital.
On last week Friday evening at the town hall, under the auspices of Westford A.A., a pretty dancing party was given. The feature of the evening was a demonstration of modern dances given by B. B. Lovett, president of the Masters’ Association of Dancing of the United States. Mr. Lovett was assisted by Mrs. Lovett. They were most graceful exponents of the terpsichorean art as exemplified in the modern dances giving the correct positions and step in hesitation waltz, maxine [probably maxixe], tango and others which Mr. Lovett in a short talk on dancing claimed had come to stay and were both graceful and proper when rightly done. His talk and demonstration of the dances were followed with enthusiastic interest. General dancing followed from nine until twelve o’clock with about one hundred in attendance. The D. L. Page Company furnished refreshments.
Supt. McDonald is doing some good work cleaning and scraping the streets at the center of the town, getting them into attractive condition for the season.
Tadmuck Club. Tuesday evening at the Congregational church the annual social or guest night was a closing success ending a prosperous season for the Tadmuck club. All details of the evening in entertainment, decorations and refreshments were most capably carried out and reflected the greatest credit upon Mrs. Hammett D. Wright, chairman of the evening and her assistants. The only feature that failed to cooperate was the weather, the hard rain storm detaining some of the members and their guests at home.
The decorative scheme was in spring colors of yellow and green. The platform was banked with yellow daffodils and their greenery skillfully made from crepe paper. This was supplemented with yellow forsythia and beautiful cut flowers. The window in the partition dividing the auditorium and vestry was lowered and a graceful trellis work from yellow crepe paper substituted. The outer windows of the vestry were decorated in the same manner. The handsome serving table was also adorned with cut flowers, and rugs, cushions, etc., made a home-like interior.
Early in the evening Miss Hazel B. Hartford presided at the organ with some pleasing selections. At the appointed hour the club’s beloved president for the nine years of its existence, Miss Sarah W. Loker, called to order and after the transaction of a bit of unavoidable business bade all a gracious welcome, reviewing briefly the development of the club, its steadily increasing membership from thirty-five members to nearly one hundred, which is its present membership limit.
Miss Loker took occasion to compliment the good work of the program committee for the past season, and with the widened scope of a federated club bespoke the same loyalty and high standard that has always characterized its existence.
The club is indebted to Miss Kate S. Hamlin, one of Westford’s beloved daughters, now a resident of California, for its name of Tadmuck club, Tadmuck Hill being the early Indian name for Westford.
A pretty ceremony not openly scheduled in the evening’s program was just as Miss Loker finished speaking Mrs. Goldsmith H. Conant stepped upon the platform and in well chosen words presented the retiring president with a splendid bouquet of pink roses as a slight token of the love and appreciation of the members. Miss Loker, although taken much by surprise, expressed her thanks with courteous sincerity.
The entertainers of the evening were Mrs. Marie Estelle Walker and Miss Judith Hampton Lyndon. Mrs. Walker, in Highland costume, gave an appreciation of Robert Burns illustrating with beautiful ballads with guitar accompaniment. Mrs. Walker is a native of “Bonnie Scotland” and with her full, rich voice and pleasant personality gave pleasure to all who heard her. Her encores were from the inimitable Harry Lauder. Miss Lyndon capably and delightfully balanced the evening’s program with readings and stories of her native “Sunny South.” A most charming type of a daughter of the south, she interpreted different phases of southern character in a fine, melodious voice with sympathetic insight.
At the close of the program the retiring officers and the incoming officers formed in line, followed by the audience and marched to the parlors where delicious refreshments were served and a social hour enjoyed.
Great credit for the evening’s success is due the committee who worked so faithfully. This committee were Mrs. Hammett Wright, Mrs. Cyril A. Blaney, Mrs. Joseph E. Knight, Miss J. Florence Wilson, Mrs. Charles H. Wright and Mrs. John Feeney.
Entertainment. The pupils of the William E. Frost school, under the direction of their teachers, held interesting exercises at the town hall on last week Friday morning, attended with an exhibition and sale of their handiwork in basketry, raffia, sewing, etc. This work was remarkably well done and received well-deserved commendation. The following program was given:
Song, “All thro’ the night”; memory gems, grade one: “Arbor day workers,” Raymond Shea; “The voice of spring,” Helena Culbert; clapping song, grades one and two; “Suppose,” Hazel Pond; “Wouldn’t you?” Kenneth Green; “Origin of the birds,” Helen Kimball; “The gladness of nature,” Francis Wright; song, “Soldier boy,” grades one and two; “Walk in spring,” Carl Anderson; recitation, Hawthorne Robey; “Mother earth,” Marjorie Pollock; “Forget me not,” Gertrude Strandburg; “May” William Carpenter; “Woodman, spare that tree,” Oliver Anderson; “May,” Howard Judd; “The blue bird,” Ruth Johnson; “The planting of the apple tree,” Ruth Sargent; “Anticipation,” William Pond; “Welcome, pretty primrose,” grades seven and eight.
About Town. Hon. Frank P. Bennett, jr., of Saugus, will deliver the address on Memorial day. The Nashua Military band will deliver the music and the veterans and school children will deliver the decorations.
Joseph Sargent, on the Edwin Heywood farm, is setting out 300 apple trees by the dynamite process.
Amos Polley, Prairie farm, is building a modern milk house within a few feet of the pump handle. He thinks it might be wise to use part of the room to store dynamite and put up the sign: “Danger. Keep off you inspectors.”
Charles E. Walker has returned from a recent visit to his sister, Mrs. Clara Littlefield, of Fitchburg. He is contemplating an acreage of potatoes.
Rev. C. E. Daniels, of Yarmouth, Me., conducted the service at the Unitarian church last Sunday. He is father of E. C. Daniels, who supplied the second and third Sundays in April.
Matthew Smith, of the Brookside Smiths, received a bad blow to his foot when that stone fell on it at the Oak hill stone quarry. He was rendering first aid to the steam shovel when the accident bounced in upon him. It will be several weeks before he will be right again.
William A. Prescott, who recently died in Carlisle, was a graduate of Westford academy in the class with Judge F. A. Fisher. At the funeral Judge Fisher was one of the bearers.
Arthur T. Blodgett is practicing cornet solos as a member of the Ayer Military band. Arthur knows the cornet by instinct and training and he is well worth the leisure hours in making it do his bidding.
Now that the law allows the shooting of pheasants that are caught eating a half-cent’s worth of grain or ten dollars’ worth of farm pests let us go for them as though we were marching on Mexico. “Hands off,” however, is the sentimental sign board hoisted at the Old Oaken Bucket farm where the pheasants have been fattening and frolicking on spring wheat. Help yourselves beauties, the road to poverty is not that way. Exhibit one individual that was ever sent to poverty or public support by the birds.
Monday afternoon a forest fire started in West Parkerville. A large acreage was burned over and a large force of men got a hurry-up warning move on them and stayed the acreage. Back fires and other devices including water was held out as an inducement for the fire to stop. At sundown the fire accepted the inducements. The land burned over was mostly sprout land cut over a few years since by Postmaster Thompson, of Lowell. The origin of the fire was by way of the Nashua and Acton railroad.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Lull, at the Nashobah farm, have accepted an invitation to take charge of a large farm at Mt. Vernon, N.H., near his former home.
One of those delightful monthly supper and sociables will be held at the village church in West Chelmsford on May 14.
Charles E. Walker has sold to Edwin Amesbury the Snow lot on Main street, about four acres. It borders on the beautiful crookedness of Tadmuck brook and is in many ways a desirable lot.
Twenty members were present on Wednesday afternoon at the monthly meeting of the W.C.T.U. Mrs. Alfred W. Hartford was generous with hospitality and greetings of ice crea. Mrs. Jane Wright, the president, kept everything temperately parliamentary. The next meeting will be “mothers’ meeting” at Mrs. Arthur Day’s a month hence. Five delegates were chosen for a future meeting in Ayer.
Mr. and Mrs. (Anderson) Pickup, of the Hamblett house, Brookside, has an infant Pickup [Russell W., born May 4].
Oscar R. Spalding has been cutting off the Tar Kiln hill [now Hillside Cemetery] woodlot near the wilderness swamp line at Nabnassett lake. A romantic place to get turned about lost in, the writer having had such an experience while searching for “other lands,” but was obliged to “take heed to his ways” and search for home.
Robert Prescott is another who has joined the class in dynamite and will recite in his apple-peach orchards on Francis hill. Alexander Lumburg has been selected as teacher.
Forge Village. Alvin S. Bennett met with a severe injury to his hand on Monday. Dr. Sherman, of Graniteville, attended him.
Mrs. Mary Sheck removed to Portland, Me., Tuesday, where she will make her home with her daughter.
Miss E. M. Plummer, who has been spending several days with her sister, Mrs. Creasey, of Salem, has returned.
Mrs. Margaret Wilson is ill at her home.
Edna Edwards, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards, was operated on for enlarged tonsils at her home last week. Dr. Christie of Littleton and Dr. Kilbourn of Groton attended her.
Daniel Sullivan, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Sullivan, has returned from the Lowell General hospital.
Graniteville. The Graniteville baseball club defeated the Shamlights of Lowell on the home grounds here last Saturday by the score of 5 to 0. Batteries: Gordon and Hurley for Graniteville; Lawson and Murphy for Shamlights.
William J. Healey, who has been ill at his home for the past few days, is feeling very much improved.
Mrs. Thomas J. Flynn, of Lowell, and the Misses Mary and Margaret O’Brien, of Brookside, have been recent visitors here.
Miss Olive and Charlotte Armstrong, of Upton, have been visiting here for the past few days.
Miss Henrietta Lake, who has been visiting with her mother and sister here for the past few weeks, left for Nova Scotia on Sunday, where she will spend the summer as the guest of her brother.
While James Rafferty was driving his sister, Miss Annie, and Miss Sarah Boyd home from work on last week Friday, the stanchion bolt on the forward axle broke, letting the buggy drop to the ground and throwing the occupants out onto the road. Though the horse was going at a moderate rate of speed at the time, it suddenly took fright and broke into a run for the barn that was only a few hundred yards away, taking the forward wheels with it. Fortunately none of the occupants of the carriage were injured aside from a severe shaking up, but the buggy will have to undergo considerable repairing before it is fit for travel again.
The board of fire engineers held their regular meeting in the new firehouse of the A. R. Choate hose company on Monday night.
The members of St. Catherine’s church choir are to give the operetta “The nautical knot” at Forge Village in the near future.
Saturday, May 16, 1914
Center. On Friday evening of last week the junior class of the academy gave a pretty dancing and box party at the town hall. There were about one hundred present and McNally’s orchestra, of Marlboro, furnished music for the dancing. Mrs. William C. Roudenbush, Miss Ruth Smith and Miss Mary G. Hickey were the matrons of the evening. Each lady furnished a box of refreshments which were sold at auction. About fifteen dollars was realized for the class.
Mrs. Alvan Fisher remains very seriously ill at her home.
Mrs. Peter Clement, who has been lying ill for so many weeks with paralysis, is reported as gaining somewhat, being able to sit up for short intervals.
Mrs. Etta Tyler, W. J. Merritt’s aged aunt, is among the sick ones and under the doctor’s care.
The Misses Atwood have recently installed a complete system of electric lighting into their pleasant home [4 Graniteville Road].
Principal and Mrs. William C. Roudenbush entertained the graduating class and the assistant teachers, Miss Smith and Miss Hickey, on Thursday evening of this week at their home. Whist was enjoyed and later in the evening ice cream and cake were served. This was an initial entertainment attendant upon the graduation season and the young people will long remember Mr. and Mrs. Roudenbush’s pleasant hospitality. There were twelve young people in the group of pupils.
Edward Clement is driving a handsome young chestnut horse.
Hon. Frank P. Bennett, jr., of Saugus, has been secured to deliver the oration for Memorial day. The Nashua Military band will furnish music and Miss Marjorie Patten, of Boston, reader, will assist in the day’s program. The committee in charge feel glad to secure Mr. Bennett, for he is a bright, keen speaker and much in demand. He speaks here in the morning and gives a second address in the afternoon at Stoneham. A dinner will be served to the veterans and their wives, sons of veterans and their wives and daughters of veterans with their husband and the members of the band and entertainers of the day.
Arthur H. Burnham has recently installed a bathroom into his pleasant farm house.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the Congregational church held a well attended meeting on Wednesday afternoon at the vestry. It was pleasant to have Mrs. Wallace, the president, able to meet with the ladies. Mrs. Wallace has been a shut-in with bronchial trouble for several weeks. The secretary and treasurer, Mrs. William C. Roudenbush, gave a report of the season’s work which showed a good general result and a balance in the treasury. Mr. Wallace conducted the devotional service.
“Mother’s day” was observed at the Congregational church on last Sunday in sermon, prayer and music. In the evening L. W. Wheeler conducted the meeting; subject, “Health and religion.”
Grange. At the last meeting of the Grange the entertainment for the evening was in charge of the young ladies, being a competitive entertainment given to balance the one by the young men at a previous meeting. The losing side furnishes a supper and the result will be announced by the appointed judges at the next meeting. The young ladies furnished a pleasing entertainment and hope not to be the losers in the contest.
Following is the program: Piano solo, Miss Ruth Smith; violin solo, Rev. David Wallace, accompanied by Miss Lillian Sutherland; reading, “The Yankee’s proposal,” Miss Catherine Connell. These features were followed by a farce entitled “When women vote” the parts being sustained by Misses Beatrice and Lillian Sutherland, Catherine and Delhia Connell and Miss Hilda Isles. The plot was well arranged, the dialogue sprightly and amusing and the parts well sustained by the young ladies. The stage settings were also good.
Organized. The officers and executive committee which together constitute the executive board of the Tadmuck club, held a meeting of organization at the home of the club’s new president, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Tuesday afternoon. The new executive committee appointed is Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Mrs. Hammett D. Wright and Miss Alice Howard; program committee, Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher, Mrs. Goldsmith H. Conant and Mrs. William C. Roudenbush; committee for annual social, Miss Edith Forster, Mrs. V. C. Bruce Wetmore, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, Mrs. Julian Cameron, Miss Ella F. Hildreth and Mrs. William R. Carver. The club members are kindly reminded that according to the constitution dues are to be paid before July 1. For the convenience of the members Miss Edith A. Wright, treasurer, will be at the library next Tuesday afternoon from 2:30 to 4:30 to receive dues.
About Town. The next meeting of the Grange, Thursday evening, May 21, will be observed as Wallace night. Rev. David Wallace will serve as moderator and will be otherwise abundantly resourceful. He will be heavily assisted by John P. Wright and others.
Rev. James H. Bevane, of Middleboro, conducted the services at the Unitarian church last Sunday. At Middleboro he is the successor of Rev. George E. McElwain, a former minister of the village church at West Chelmsford.
The thunder and lightning rain shower on Tuesday evening cleared the atmosphere of all attempts to reach dog day temperature.
The Prairie farm has twenty-eight bushels of potatoes distributed in various parts of the cold, cold ground and is considering a plan to double that amount.
The Fortnightly club held the last meeting of the season on last week Friday evening.
Clarence Spalding, the Francis hill type, has received promotion as conductor on the Fitchburg and Lowell street railway.
A pleasant dance party was held at Marshall’s hall on last Saturday evening, the Crescent orchestra furnishing the music.
Fletcher & Leahy Company, of Oak hill longitude, have the contract for building a large bridge at Pownell, Vt. William Donnelly, Frank McGlinchey, Robert Gunston have left for bridge building, expecting to be absent about six months.
Calvin L. Howard and Samuel L. Taylor attended the funeral of Mrs. Carolina Danforth at the Unitarian church at Tyngsboro last Sunday.
The Old Oaken Bucket farm has an acreage of old time yellow corn that is standing the dry weather and heat without moving a muscle, and potatoes on to first hoeing. The Stony Brook valley is the place where the crops get hardened to the foibles of the tiller of the soil and the weather rides on the back seat.
Graniteville. The Graniteville baseball club visited West Chelmsford on last Saturday afternoon and met with defeat at the hands of the West Chelmsford club by the score of 9 to 3. Spinner and Hurley did the battery work for Graniteville, while the Sullivan brothers, Frank and Will, were in the points for West Chelmsford.
On the Bridge street grounds here last Saturday afternoon the Sargent school team of this village defeated the Cameron school team of Forge Village by the score of 29 to 7. Daley and Carpentier did the battery work for Sargent school, while Kavanaugh and Socka performed a like service for Cameron.
Edward Quinn, of Boston, has been a recent visitor here.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church held a very successful entertainment and ice cream social in the church vestry on Wednesday evening of last week. The entertainment was furnished by W. E. Thomas of Brockton, reader, impersonator and soloist. Refreshments were served after the entertainment and the whole affair proved to be a great success.
Dr. W. H. Sherman has recently added a fine new piazza to his residence [at 33] Broadway.
J. Austin Healy, with his fast trotter, “Dolly C,” won first honors at the horse race in Lowell on last Saturday.
The members of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held their regular meeting in their rooms on Tuesday evening with a large number in attendance. Business of a routine order was transacted, after which a social hour was enjoyed.
Mrs. Hannah Harrington has recently returned from a very pleasant visit spent with friends in Worcester.
Mrs. Charlotte Day has recently returned from a brief visit with friends in Lawrence.
Forge Village. Mr. and Mrs. Percy Hargreaves of Beverly were week-end guests of Mrs. Hargreaves’ grandmother, Mrs. M. A. Lowther.
Frank Collins and Harry Brown graduated from the evening course at the Lowell Textile school on Wednesday evening.
Until further notice services will be held at St. Andrew’s mission at 4:30 p.m. This includes holy communion services.
The Forge Village Fife and Drum corps have been engaged to play at the Odd Fellows’ memorial services to be held at Littleton on Sunday, May 31. Special services will also be held at the dedication of the memorial monument to be place in the Odd Fellows’ lot in the cemetery.
The members of the choir of St. Catherine’s church are busy with the final rehearsing of the operetta, “The nautical knots,” which they are to give in Abbot hall, May 22. The music is especially good in this operetta and a fine treat is in store for all lovers of good music.
The members of the John Edwards Hose company held their meeting at the hose house Wednesday evening. The following officers were re-elected for the coming year: Francis Lowther, capt.; Fennimore Morton, 1st lieut.; William Hosmer, 2d lieut.; Wm. C. Precious, sec. and treas. The first tryout was held on Monday evening. Several of the hydrants were tested.
Saturday, May 23, 1914
Center. Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, president-elect of the Tadmuck club, and Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth, a member of the executive board, attended the meetings of the State Federation of Woman’s clubs held at Worcester this week. While in the city they were house guests of an aunt of Mrs. H. W. Hildreth.
Henry A. Bunce, formerly of Westford, is having a pretty modern home of the bungalow style built for himself and family in North Chelmsford.
Miss Edith A. Wright is a guest for over Sunday of Miss Winnifred Burnham at her home in Essex. Miss Burnham is one of the pleasantly remembered former teachers at the Frost school.
The floors at the J. V. Fletcher library have been revarnished during the past week.
Mrs. A. H. Sutherland enjoyed a reunion of sisters on Sunday, which including herself, made a group of four. Those who came by auto were Mrs. Charles Clark of West Somerville, Mrs. George A. Cameron of Winter Hill and Mrs. Lewis J. Marden, of Compton, N.H.
The union memorial service will be held with the M.E. church in Graniteville this year.
The ladies of the Unitarian church are busy preparing a unique cabaret entertainment to be given at the town hall on next week Friday evening.
D. E. Parkhurst, Presque Isle, Me., was a Sunday guest at the Congregational parsonage this last week. Mr. Parkhurst was Mr. Wallace’s senior deacon at his former pastorate at Presque Isle. He is one of the large potato growers of the Aroostook region and though past eighty years of age is still in active business life.
The tennis court at Whitney playground is being put in the best of condition, ready for the season. Last week the baseball diamond was nicely put in order ready for the summer contests.
Mr. and Mrs. Abiel J. Abbot and Edward M. Abbot sail Saturday from New York for England. After a stay in London they will tour through Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Russia, being gone about two months.
Mrs. G. F. Wells and baby son Horace of Tyringham have been guests this week at Dr. O. V. Wells.
Obituary. Mrs. Amanda Tower Fisher died early last Saturday [May 16] morning after a long illness. Practically [all of] Mrs. Fisher’s long life of eighty years was spent in Westford and she enjoyed the love and esteem of all who knew her. She was born in Westford on April 4, 1834, one of the daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Tower, whose home was the fine farm now owned and occupied by Frank C. Drew. Here her childhood and girlhood was spent and on December 4 [19], 1854, she was united in marriage with the late Alvan Fisher, whose death occurred on May 19, 1907.
Eleven [twelve] children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Fisher, nine of whom are living, two having died in infancy. Those living are Judge Frederick A. Fisher, of Lowell; Mrs. Adeline m. Buckshorn, wife of Rev. L. H. Buckshorn, of Vineyard Haven; Miss Clara Fisher, librarian of the law library at the courthouse, Lowell; Alec, who owns the Fisher homestead and succeeded his father in business; John Fisher, of Hartford, Conn., who occupies a responsible position with the Hartford Electric Lighting Co.; Miss Lila Capen Fisher, a teacher of Boston; Thomas F. Fisher, principal of the Lowell Industrial school; Edward Fisher, lawyer, and senator from this district, and Miss Ruth Fisher, who lives at home, but formerly principal of the William E. Frost school. Mrs. Fisher is also survived by the ten grandchildren and four sisters living in town—Mrs. John Burbeck, Mrs. Abbie T. Hamlin, Mrs. Charles Pickering and Mrs. Frances B. [A.] Prescott.
Mrs. Fisher was a devoted wife and mother, a woman who stood for all that was upright and noble in human character. Gentle and refined in nature, loyal in her devotion to home and church she leaves in the memory of her many friends a record of Christian living dear to the heart of all who knew her and uplifting to those who came within her influence. Mrs. Fisher lived a strong, beautiful life and so sweet and sane and helpful was her outlook that it was a pleasure to meet and talk with her. Like the excellent woman of old it can be truly said of her “The heart of her husband trusted in her” and “Her children rise up and call her blessed.”
The funeral was held from her late home on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock and was largely attended by relatives and friends. The service was conducted by her son-in-law, Rev. L. H. Buckshorn, and Rev. Granville Pierce, of Carlisle, also a relative of the family, who paid just and splendid tribute to the life of Mrs. Fisher. Mrs. George Spalding, of Lowell, sang two beautiful selections, “Lead, kindly light” and “Abide with me.” There was a profusion of beautiful flowers. The bearers were the sons of the deceased and interment was in the family lot at Fairview cemetery in charge of David L. Greig & Son.
About Town. Horace Edwin Gould farm folks, southerly of Conscience hill and between the Wright school and the North star, are making elaborate preparations for the most modern combination silo. It will be ready for filling before the frost gives the corn a chilling.
Amos Polley, the Prairie farmer, has finished first hoeing of two acres of potatoes—those early, cold storage “tear drop” potatoes.
Rev. Henry C. Allen, of Cambridge, conducted the services at the Unitarian church last Sunday. The First Parish accepts the invitation for a union Memorial service at the Methodist church, Graniteville, Sunday.
The recent fire in West Parkerville burned over about 60 acres, which included in known ownership land of George W. Nesmith, Hutchins’ heirs, Read lot owned in Acton and a few other huckleberry orchards in small holdings. The fire was the result of unintentional incendiarism by the Nashua and Acton railroad.
Amanda Tower Fisher, who died on last Saturday morning, was one of the older scholars of the old Stony Brook school, an easy master of lessons, an unruffled temperament in conduct. In the days of large schools, [she was] readily sought for scholarship and conduct by the teachers to assist in hearing classes recite. The writer [Samuel Law Taylor (1845-1932)] was privileged to play tag with her as a scholar and later to play, study and conduct with her as teacher. In a general way she had a well balanced disposition to mind her own affairs without being so selfishly serious about it as to forget and neglect other affairs.
Mrs. Edwin Amesbury has bought land of John Feeney bounded south by the Leland road, west by Providence road, north by Main street, east by Main street and Leland road.
Preparations are being legalized by the selectmen to connect Oak hill stone quarry and others not so sightly [sic] with telephone by the way of Brookside and Westford and return.
The recent church sociable at the village church in West Chelmsford was a crowded success. It was Mrs. Oolong Johnson night and long will Mrs. Oolong be remembered.
Oliver Desjardens, Stony Brook road, Pigeon hill, has bought a new, up-to-date horse.
Attended Convention. At the fortieth anniversary of the W.C.T.U. of Ayer, held at the Congregational church in Ayer on Tuesday, the Westford W.C.T.U. was represented by Miss Belle Walker, Mrs. John Warren Day, Mrs. Quincy W. Day, Mrs. Thomas E. Symmes, Mrs. A. H. Burnham, Mrs. Jennie Fifield, Mrs. Alta M. Taylor, Mrs. Janet Wright, president of the Westford branch. On the platform were the three original members of the Ayer union, Mrs. Abby N. Rolfe of Concord, Mrs. Boynton of Pepperell and a lady whose name escaped other than by way of the fire escape [Mrs. Augusta Scruton, per the Ayer news section]. Rev Richmond Fisk gave the address of welcome. Mrs. N. B. Appleton, president of the Pepperell W.C.T.U., responded in behalf of the county. Besides interesting addresses and singing and an interesting dinner by the Ayer union, the Loyal Temperance Legion of Ayer contributed a variety of original pleasures. Mrs. Rolfe, president of the County union, presided in an able, wise and witty manner.
Graniteville. The members of the Graniteville A.A. held a very successful concert and dance in Healy’s hall on last week Friday night that was well attended, many being present from out-of-town. The concert was thoroughly enjoyed by all, the A.W.C. quartet, composed of Messrs. Smith, Burne, Blanchard and Nelson, being the special feature at this time. After the concert dancing was enjoyed, excellent music being furnished by an orchestra composed of Joseph Miller, Miss Rachel Wall, William L. Wall. At intermission refreshments were served in the lower hall. The whole affair proved to be very enjoyable.
The Graniteville Baseball club played at home last Saturday when they had for opponents the Tewksbury A.C. Graniteville won by the score of 9 to 0. Batteries: Spinner and Hurley for Graniteville; Briggs and Thomas for Tewksbury.
W. O. Hawkes has recently returned from a very pleasant visit spent with his brother and sister in Deerfield. He reports that the spring work in the Connecticut valley is somewhat retarded owing to the recent rains.
The sessions in the Sargent school will close here on June 5 for the summer vacation.
Alvin Nelson, the well-known clarinetist of this village, has accepted a position to play with a band in Greenville, N.H., on Memorial day.
Healy’s Hustlers and Sullivan’s Sluggers played a very interesting game of ball here late Tuesday afternoon that was won by the Sluggers by the score of 7 to 5. Batteries: John and Henry Healy for the Hustlers; Ledwith and Cady for the Sluggers.
Many people from here attended the operetta, “The nautical knot,” given by the members of St. Catherine’s choir in Abbot’s hall, Forge Village, on Friday evening of last week.
The union Memorial services will be held in the M.E. church here on Sunday. The choir will be augmented for the occasion by the addition of members from the different choirs throughout the town.
Saturday, May 30, 1914
Center. Memorial day plans have previously been outlined in this column, but people are reminded that Hon. Frank P. Bennett, of Saugus, is the speaker of the day. Miss Marjorie Patten, a well-known reader, of Boston, will give readings and the well-liked Nashua Military band will furnish music for the day, giving a concert on the common in the afternoon. The exercises at the hall in the forenoon are expected to take place at 10:30.
It will be children’s night at the Grange on next week Thursday evening. This year the evening will be planned for Grangers’ children and instead of furnishing the program themselves they will be entertained by a boy reader from Somerville with games and exercises in charge of Miss Grant, and there will be refreshments. Miss Grant and Miss Hickey are in charge of the evening.
Miss Lillian Sutherland and Miss Margaret Sullivan are the graduates from this village at the Lowell Normal school this year, the graduating exercises to be held on June 16.
Miss Pauline Wallace expects to enter Boston university as a student on September 16. Owing to high standards of scholarship in her various studies Miss Wallace receives her entrance certificate without examination.
The historic group of cannon balls on the grounds at Westford academy [now Roudenbush Community Center] have been reset and repainted.
The Westford academy Alumni reunion and dinner will take place at the town hall on Wednesday, June 17, and the committee in charge are planning to make it the same delightful reunion and social event that it has been in previous seasons.
The universal game of baseball will by no means be neglected in town this season. The members of the Westford A.A. held their annual meeting and election of officers at the town hall on Monday evening. The following officers were elected: Edward Fisher, pres.; Harwood L. Wright, v.p.; William R. Taylor, sec.; J. Herbert Fletcher, treas.; Oscar R. Spalding, Alfred W. Hartford, Edward A. Hamlin, Walter J. Merritt, Edward Hanley, board of directors. The board of directors will shortly appoint a manager and a schedule of games will be arranged commencing about the middle of June. As there are many vacancies to be filled any player desiring a tryout for the team can do so by sending his communication to the manager. The association is planning a celebration for July 4 with sports, baseball game, band concert, etc. The association has one of the best baseball diamonds in this vicinity.
The Ladies’ Missionary society of the Congregational church met with Mrs. Joseph E. Knight on Wednesday afternoon. There were between fifteen and twenty present and a good meeting was enjoyed. Miss Loker, the president, presided with the customary exercises. Interesting letters were read from a Chinese missionary. Mrs. Knight furnished delicious refreshments and a pleasant social hour was enjoyed.
There was no service at the Congregational church on Sunday morning and a good representation attended the union services at Graniteville. The regular C.E. service was held in the evening. Miss May Atwood resumes the leadership of the choir and her place at the organ the first Sunday in June. Miss Hazel Hartford has most capably and acceptably done this work during Miss Atwood’s absence.
Mrs. Gertrude Carver Skidmore has been having her summer home in this village put in order, expecting to arrive with her baby daughter June 6.
The common has had some grading filling in and has been mowed and put in order with bandstand set up in readiness for Memorial day.
The selectmen appeared before the county commissioners last Monday to look after the interests of the town in relation to the extension of the improvement of the highway from the Chelmsford line to the Acton line [i.e., Acton Rd., Rte. 27] as petitioned for by the citizens of the south part of the town and ordered by the county commissioners at a cost of between five and six thousand dollars. The road is about one and a half miles long and cuts through only a corner of the town by Carlisle station and is used mostly by out-of-town people. The county pays one-third of the cost, the state one-third and the balance to be paid by the town which will result in a higher rate of taxation in the future.
Frank E. Miller is out of health, and under the direction of his physician is following up the out-door treatment with attendant generous diet and rest.
The baseball game between Littleton high school and Westford academy at Westford playground on Wednesday afternoon resulted in a victory for the latter by a score of 8 to 3.
About Town. The Grange entertained with a burlesque town meeting on last week Thursday evening. Rev. David Wallace, as promoter, was promoted as moderator and opened with a speech of surprise and thanks. Alonzo H. Sutherland, as clerk, read the burlesque town warrant which was less by several inches than ten feet long. Among those who appeared in burlesque language and gesture we smitingly [sic] note John P. Wright, Arthur E. Day, Fred R. Blodgett, Horace E. Gould, Andrew Johnson, James H. Rafter, William R. Taylor and other amateurs in the science of arguing with arm swinging. The last article to “allow all women folks to become voting folks,” called forth a deal of Pankhurst oratory and other Pankhurst tactics, and mops and brooms were freely wielded as an argument by women folks and other folks not women folks.
A small fire with large intentions introduced itself to the task of burning up the woodland that holds the shade over the earth between Nabnassett and Long-Sought ponds, Sunday afternoon. The Westford fire department and other useful citizens responded to the alarm, and with several flank movements of fire extinguishers and other damp appliances soon had the fire all in. A twin to this fire attempted to go into business on Wednesday forenoon on the southerly side of Nabnassett pond on land of George C. Moore and William C. Edwards. With difficulty the camp and summer house on the Edwards land was saved. The Westford fire department and Stony Brook potatoe [sic] specialists quelled the outlook.
The W.C.T.U. will hold a mothers’ and children’s meeting on Wednesday, June 3, at the home of Arthur E. Day.
Heat climbed as far up as 100 at the tip top ledge summit on Oak hill Tuesday.
Did some one say potatoe budded to blossom at the Old Oaken Bucket farm? Yes, that is what they said and truth got a hearing in the interview.
Whitman & Pratt’s rendering works located on the line of the Stony Brook railroad was burned up and down in a midnight fire last Saturday. These buildings are isolated from public society between West and North Chelmsford, [and] owing to this isolation and the slumbering hour of the night it was difficult to wake and work up inspiration in attendance. Considering this a fair audience was present. George O. Spalding, fire warden, of Francis hill, was about the first to get a speedy movement on and the chief bureau of supply orders in managing the fire. The buildings and machinery valued at $25,000 were a total loss. Lumber is already on the ground to rebuild, but owing to the impolite odors of the business the North Chelmsford and Chelmsford Boards of Trade have filed protests against rebuilding. A case for the board of health in logic parlance.
To “V.T.E.” So long since I was in the harness that I have almost forgotten for what and where, but I do recall the last time I was harnessed I snapped a tug in getting away from the lashes of V.T. E.—neither have I had time to repair said tug, but must now get a hitch with only one tug.
I am conscious of having written an essay on brains. It seems so queer that I should select that for an essay for I have never felt conscious of rushing and gushing toward brains so powerfully that I could be picked out in a crowd, neither has the public ever charged me with anything so funny. But as I never read what I write before it goes to the printer or after it is printed it would not be surprising if I selected as a subject or an essay something of which I know but little as a personal possession.
The impression seems to prevail from sentiments I have expressed that the writer is a retired creature, retired by the sweat of ill paid labors, but a face to face chemical analysis would reveal that neither whitewash nor any other powder-paint lotion will adhere to cover up the sediments of sweat and the wrinkles of daily toil. I have been asked to look at the net work of switches and signals in the Boston yards and then see if I can figure out that this great work in its plans and details was independent of the brains of millionaires. Ah, indeed, it is time enough for me to take a look for that purpose when I make the statement that only wealthy men and millionaires represent “brains.”
Labor sets up the false premises that labor has created all the wealth, and that labor must be construed as physical and that mind labor must take a back seat and ask no questions. A more false premise has not been set up since man graduated from the frog ponds of Darwin. The wealth of the world, as we know it is today, is the result of man the genius. Genius can live without muscle, but muscle cannot live without genius and live as we know life today. The North American Indian was sole proprietor of all the natural wealth of this continent. He was well armed with muscle, but where oh where was his head—limited to the bow and arrow, and so should all the rest of us only for such men as an Edison who has done more to make life livable than whole brigades of nothing but muscle. He has done more labor saving service to the uplift of labor than a whole township as just such a creature as is writing this article.
Watts and Fulton was the genius that preceded years before that Boston railroad yard and only for such genius there would be no railroad switch yard to call my attention to. Let no one be foolish enough to stand upon his hind legs and maintain that “labor has created all the wealth” unless he includes head wealth, for a kindergarten class could argue it down by natural instinct. But I cannot remain at the pen much longer at this time of the year or I may be penniless in winter, for as I look out of my window the hens are picking the blossoms off my early peas. But to show that the more we prosper the more we riot about it somebody has been kind enough to help me out knowing that I snapped a tug in my unequal hitch with V. T. E.
Says somebody: “The average pay of every man, woman and child in the United States who works for wages or a salary will this year be close to $610. In 1900, the average pay was only $479, and thirty years before that but $370.” Going back to our mothers’ days it was not unusual to work fourteen hours a day, seventy-five cents per day, $225 a year and get your fingers and toes pinched at your own expense.
I have a lot of government ownership economy which I will habeas corpus next time, but this is the time of the year to look after victuals for next winter.
–S. L. Taylor
Graniteville. The South End baseball team of Lowell visited here on last Saturday afternoon and defeated the Graniteville club by the score of 7 to 5. Batteries—Devlin and Murphy for South Ends; Spinner and Hurley for Graniteville.
Harry Hartford the well-known ball player, played with the local club on last Saturday and it was a treat to see him in action. Harry is in good condition and “stinging the ball” the same as ever. He expects to have a good season with the Westford A.A, who will probably commence their schedule of games about the middle of June.
Rev. A. Earl Kernahan, pastor of the M.E. church here, is spending a few days in Washington, D. C.
The members of the A. R. Choate hose company had a practice try-out on Monday evening during which many of the hydrants throughout the village were flushed out.
Judging from the present condition of the weather it now looks and feels as though summer had come at last.
The members of St. Catherine’s church choir will repeat the operetta “The nautical knot” in North Chelmsford on the night of June 4.
All the places of business will close here on Saturday. The usual Memorial day exercises will be held in Westford Center at that time and it is expected that many people from here will attend.
The members of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held their regular meeting in their rooms on Tuesday evening. Business of importance was transacted and plans formulated for the big class initiation that will be held here in the near future.
Doing Good Work. The several cases of cerebro-spinal meningitis have caused more or less uneasiness here of late, but it is well to know that every precaution is being taken to avoid contagion, and in handling the cases the greatest care is being shown. With this end in view Dr. W. H. Sherman, the local physician, who is also the physician for the town of Westford board of health, acting in conjunction with Andrew Johnson, chairman of the board of selectmen, was the means of having Dr. C. E. Simpson, district agent for the State Board of Health, visit here and the whole matter was placed before him. Dr. Simpson made some valuable suggestions that were soon carried out and at the same time he congratulated the physician and the town officials on the able manner in which they handled the different cases and their methods of fumigation. It is well for the people to know that every effort is being made to stop the future spread of this dread disease.
Forge Village. Bishop William Lawrence will conduct the services at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday morning at 9:30 o’clock. The vested choir will sing special selections. Sunday school will be held at 3:30 in the afternoon. Mr. Lawrence is to preach at Shirley at three in the afternoon of the same day, at Groton School at eleven in the morning and at Groton town hall at seven in the evening.
The pupils of Cameron school held their annual Memorial day exercises in Abbot hall. A most interesting program was given. A flag drill by the sixth, seventh and eighth grades was a special feature. After the exercises the children marched to Westlawn cemetery, where they decorated the graves of the deceased veterans.
Albert C. Collins entertained Louis Ritchmeyer, of Ausley, Neb., and Joseph Gabrie, of Worcester, on Sunday. Both young men are students with Albert at the Wentworth institute, Boston.
Thursday being the feast of the ascension of our Lord, special services were held in the evening at St. Andrew’s mission at 7:30 o’clock. Rev. Williston M. Ford gave a short address on the day.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred A, Morris, of Winchester spent Sunday as guests of Mr. and Mrs. John E. Burnett.
The many friends of Miss Agnes Moran will be sorry to learn that she is at St. John’s hospital, Lowell. She has been a great sufferer for a number of years and has undergone several surgical operations.
“The nautical knot,” an operetta in two acts was given by the members of St. Catherine’s church choir on last week Friday evening in Abbot hall. The music was especially interesting and held the large audience all evening. The soloists were Miss Rachel Wall, James Byrnes, Miss Carrie Prinn, Robert McCarthy, Joseph Riney, James May. Some splendid work was done by the chorus under the direction of James A. Murphy, of Lowell, with Miss Mary F. Hanley at the piano. The closing number, a trio by Misses Nellie Merrick, Mary Lacroix and Isabelle Carpentier, was enjoyable.
Mr. and Mrs. James Wisely, of Newark, N.J., with their baby son, are spending a few weeks at the home of Mrs. Ellen Oldham.
Ayer. G.A.R. Sketches. Hiram Dane enlisted at West Roxbury in the quota from the town of Westford in Company G, Second Massachusetts Volunteers, Capt. Richard Carey and Col. George H. Gordon, on May 11, 1861, and was mustered into the service on May 22, following. This was the first three-years’ regiment enlisted in the state. A peculiar incident which marked the regiment’s stay in West Roxbury was the arrival of the first uniforms enough for one company. At a given signal the different companies ran to the place of distribution, the uniforms being given the first company to arrive there in good order. Mr. Dane’s company won.
The regiment left camp on July 1, 1861, and went to Hagerstown, Md. So well were they drilled that the confederates took them for regulars and retired before them. They were encamped in the arsenal at Harper’s Ferry for a time, later fording the Potomac to London Heights and scattered the confederates who fought them from behind grave stones. Mr. Dane was ordered to the hospital, but kept with his regiment in the advance to Darnstown, Md. He was obliged, however, to give up and was sent to the hospital at Frederick City and then to Baltimore to the National Park, where he received an honorable discharge from the service December 10, 1862.
Mr. Dane has made his home in Westford for years and for the past two years he has been living in California.