The Westford Wardsman, November, 1908

Saturday, November 7, 1908

Center. The Westford housekeepers who were so much interested and pleased with the series of cooking lessons held at the town hall recently will be sorry to learn that the teacher, Miss Robinson, is ill in a hospital with typhoid fever. During the week she was not well, and upon going to Concord the next week for a series of lessons was only able to do Monday’s work, when she gave out. She was a most capable demonstrator and those who profited by her lessons here are sorry to learn of her illness.

Miss Edith Bicknell was at home over Sunday.

Our venerable and respected townsman, Charles L. Hildreth, who has been seriously sick the past week, is much improved, although still under the care of doctor and trained nurse. Heart weakness, induced by over-fatigue, was the cause of his illness.

Henry M. Wright [son of Nahum H. & Abigail (Livingston) Wright] of Quincy was at the parental homestead [6 Depot St.] for Sunday.

A. H. Sutherland has bought the house on Boston road owned by Mrs. Ida Cummings Allen of Ayer. Mr. Sutherland expects to move his family into their new house this month.

Edwin N. C. Barnes of Boston gave an enjoyable song recital in the town hall on Monday evening. Mr. Barnes, who is supervisor of music in our public schools, was assisted by Gunner A. G. Ekman, violinist; Miss Alice Dean Spalding, reader; Miss Sarah Horblit, accompanist. Mr. Barnes is thoroughly trained in his art and gave a varied and well-balanced program, among which were many favorites of music-loving people. Those assisting him in the recital fully sustained him in the popular program.

Rev. and Mrs. F. M. Baker, who have been spending a few weeks with Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright, took their departure on Tuesday.

Mr. and Mrs. L. L. Wells of Bakersfield, Vt., are with their son, Dr. O. V. Wells for the winter, who is fitting up the home of the late Dr. Sleeper for occupancy.

Mrs. Alma M. Richardson has been one of the recent victims of a severe cold.

The ladies of the Unitarian society will hold their annual fair and sale on Thursday afternoon and evening, Nov. 12, in the church parlors.

The Edward M. Abbot hose company held its monthly drill and rollcall Wednesday evening, after which a supper was served in charge of L. W. Wheeler, captain of the company.

Mrs. Ida M. Gould, who has been for the past few weeks at the food fair in Boston, returned to Westford the first of the week. Mrs. Gould was an attendant at the booth of Homer, the Winter st. jeweler.

The Tadmuck Club held its usual pleasant meeting in library hall, last week Thursday afternoon. The postponement to Thursday afternoon was made necessary on Mr. Marshall’s account, for he was the speaker of the afternoon and on Tuesday was one of the members of the council for installing Rev. P. G. Favor at Littleton. Mr. Marshall had “Current events,” and he gave a group of most timely topics, giving many clear points on some difficult questions. This was particularly true of the political situation, outlining the views of the two candidates as to what constitutes the duties of the president. Other topics were some of the problems of the far east, the revolution of postal facilities, the recent Olympic games in London and recent progress in serial navigation.

Miss Clara Smith contributed to the afternoon’s enjoyment with selected readings, giving one of Josephine Dodge Dackam’s inimitable studies of child life entitled, “Dickey and the little god,” balancing it with the gem of poetry, “The petrified fern.”

The club has almost reached in membership its limit of seventy-five. The next meeting, Nov. 10, is of especial interest, when Rev. Winfred Chesney Rhoades of Boston will give an address on foreign travel.

Lecture. It rained last week Thursday evening for the first in the series of lectures and entertainments of the grange lyceum course, but rain is so welcome a factor these days that it did not deter a good-sized audience from assembling to hear Hon. Arthur K. Peck in his splendid lecture, “Storm heroes of our coast.” Mr. Peck is not a stranger to a Westford audience; he lectured here most acceptably in a former course on a different subject, but his lecture Thursday evening is considered one of his best. He portrayed with vivid description, aided with a fine set of views, the beauty of the sea and the lives of the brave men engaged in the life saving service. He gave his inland hearers a realizing sense of what a great storm may mean along the coast, and gave many views of the results of the storm king’s fury.

The next in the series will be a lecture, “Across the continent,” by Geo. S. Ladd, so well and favorably known by all Massachusetts patrons.

The services at the Congregational church last Sunday morning and evening were of especial interest. The church was prettily decorated for the morning service with oak branches and chrysanthemums, and on the pulpit was a vase with a spray of crimson rambler roses that had blossomed in the Atwood gardens as though it were June. Mr. Marshall’s message to his hearers was a wise and tactful plea for the putting of equal zeal into the interests of the church that we put into other activities. At the close of the sermon the communion service was observed.

At the evening service Rev. D. Frank Atherton, who was a classmate of Mr. Marshall at Andover, was present and told of the work of the Morgan memorial chapel in the south end of Boston. While this work was not new to some in town, it was to many, and Mr. Atherton gave a most comprehensive outline of the benevolences, industries and evangelism built up from the things we waste; men, women and children helped from poverty, degradation and sin through the instrumentality of the old clothes sent them. The number of bags already held by the townspeople was added to and more left in case others wished to help.

About Town. The recent rain that deposited so much for the earth will have to renew it, as grass fires still claim the right to do haying, even on the Sabbath day. Two such fires started last Sunday, one on the line of the Stony Brook railroad, near the Willard Fletcher bridge, the other starting a little later and nearer Brookside on land of S. L. Taylor and Geo. C. Moore. This set a bad example, and the following day another fire started on land of James H. O’Brien and John Flynn. The acreage thus treated was not large, but enough to demonstrate what a dry place the Brookside precinct is, compared with some other attractive moist places. The fires seem to be caused by sparks from a locomotive.

C. R. P. Decatur has been busy for several weeks enlarging his cellar. This means more room for more vegetables and fruit, and any Yankee can guess what this means. Aside from this extensive shingling, repairs are being done at this old historic farm homestead, marked by the D.A.R. as the home of Peletiah Fletcher [54 Lowell Road] of ye ancient revolutionary long ago.

The new house of Michael McGlinchey on the site of the one burned nearly a year ago is nearly completed, and contains two rooms and other improvements as an attractive feature over the dimension of the old one. The work is being done by Martin O’Neil of North Chelmsford.

Ephraim Stevens of Mountain View, Cal., has been in town visiting old friends and associates, where many years of his earlier life were spent on the farm.

The republican rally last week Friday evening at Healy’s hall, Graniteville, had the shining stars and the light of a promising moon to encourage a full hall. Hon. H. E. Fletcher, chairman of the town committee, called to order and delivered an introductory speech, which laid the foundation for other speakers to build on. It was a good, solid tariff foundation. He introduced Abiel J. Abbot as the presiding officer, who gave a clear and concise review of the tariff question. He was followed by Alonzo G. Walsh of Lowell. The Truant band of North Chelmsford added much to the jingle of the occasion.

The near approach of the time limit on five percent discount on taxes, and the close approach of six percent interest on unpaid taxes, had the inducing, tempting and scaring effect to cause over $10,000 worth of valuables to be deposited with the collector last Saturday. After this heavy day’s labor on the part of depositors, together with all previous receivings, a pertinent question would be: Pray, Mr. Collector, who and what is missing?

The vote at Tuesday’s election was as follows:

For president: Taft 261, Bryan 91, Hisgeu 17.

For governor: Draper 222, Vahey 115.

Representative to congress: Tirrell 196, Mitchell 125.

State representative: Stone 212, Smith 75.

Graniteville. The members of the Holy Name society of St. Catherine’s church participated in the great parade in Boston by the full vested choirs of Ayer and this village emphasized the memorial. There was a very large attendance present and the brief but impressive remarks of the pastor and the special music will carry their impress in the hearts of the people.

Saturday, November 14, 1908

About Town. Mrs. Anna Wentworth, widow of A. J. Wentworth, died at the home of her son, Geo. A. Wentworth, at the Edwin Heywood place, Chamberlain road, Sunday evening, aged seventy-nine years. The funeral was from her home Wednesday afternoon. Rev. B. H. Bailey of the Unitarian church, who had a personal acquaintance with the family, officiated, and appropriate selections were sung by Mrs. Greig, John Greig and Mrs. Osgood. The remains were taken to Malden on Thursday morning for burial. Mrs. Wentworth was born in Brookfield, N.H., and shortly after her marriage went to Malden where her husband was engaged in business. She is survived by two children—Mrs. Daniels and George A. Wentworth.

Miss Bertha Prescott, after a few years of observing and studious attention to duty and discipline, has been awarded a diploma from Grace hospital, Boston, as a properly qualified nurse.

Westford grange invited itself at its last meeting to visit Chelmsford grange, Thursday evening, Nov. 19. This is an individual wisdom affair and is quietly correct in its etiquette, but the grange as an organization doth not “let its right hand know what its left hand doeth,” as it relates to this visit.

The Taylor woodlot on the northerly slope of Tadmuck hill and recently bought by Wm. P. Proctor of Dunstable, is being cut off and teamed to North Chelmsford, a distance of five miles. Wm. E. Wright has the contract for teaming and W. N. Millis is assisting. Now, ladies and gentlemen, is a last opportunity to take a green look at the northerly green slope of Mt. Tadmuck, for soon the century green of this landscape will be merged into the sawdust of civilization. O for a Roosevelt to preserve it; there are Cannon enough to prevent it.

Center. Mr. and Mrs. J. Henry Colburn have moved this week into the tenement over the store owned by Mr. Seaver. The A. H. Sutherlands also moved this week into their recently purchased home, made vacant by the Colburns, while John Goode and family will move into the house made vacant by the Sutherlands. The house occupied by the Goodes and known as the True A. Bean place [14 Depot St.], was sold by auction recently and bought by Horace Gould, the purchase price being $700.

Mrs. Thomas Gallant and little daughter Natalie of Orono, Me., are spending the winter with Mrs. J. W. Pyne.

Mr. and Mrs. Eliot F. Humiston are to occupy Mr. and Mrs. Goode’s house for the winter months during their absence in New York. The Goodes left last week.

Chas. O. Prescott and Rev. C. P. Marshall have been attending the sessions of the Massachusetts Civic league in Boston this week.

Selectman Edward M. Abbot is enjoying one of his yearly trips to Maine.

Mrs. F. C. Wright was returning from her regular trip to Lowell Tuesday, about 5:30, when about opposite Alec Fisher’s, Abiel J. Abbot’s carriage came in the opposite direction and one of the spirited horses took fright and got too close to Mrs. Wright’s team. About this time the 5:30 electric car came along, which added to the confusion, although did no real harm. The result of the excitement proved to be a broken whiffletree on the Abbot carriage, and a damaged harness to the Wright outfit; also, a sense of gratitude by all concerned that no more serious damage was done.

A successful food fair was conducted at Mrs. John B. Fletcher’s pleasant home, by the ladies of the Congregational church, last week Friday afternoon. As usual the good home-cooked food found ready sale, and about fifteen dollars were realized and a social time enjoyed by those present.

About a dozen patrons from Westford grange attended the session of the Middlesex north Pomona, last week Friday, at Lowell, remaining in the evening to witness the beautiful fifth degree of Pomona, conferred on a class of eighty-five candidates.

Club. Owing to some being busy with preparations for the Unitarian fair, the attendance was not so large as usual at the session of the Tadmuck club in library hall, Tuesday afternoon. Those who were present enjoyed an afternoon well worth while, it being the first of a series of three during the season on foreign travel. Rev. Winfred Chesney Rhodes, pastor of the Eliot Congregational church of Roxbury, was the speaker of the afternoon and gave a most interesting and luminous account of a trip through Brittany in France this last summer. The lecture was characterized with much literary merit, fluently describing these quaint and simple people, their folklore and traditions, their costumes and their picturesque festivals. He told of what Brittany and her people have contributed to literature, and graphically described her beautiful cathedrals. At the close Mr. Rhodes was given a rising vote of thanks for his delightful lecture.

Rev. B. H. Bailey supplemented the afternoon’s program with a character sketch, choosing for his subject his Greek professor at Harvard college. Prof. Sophocles was a unique character and was delineated in Mr. Bailey’s happiest reminiscent vein.

The next meeting, Nov. 24, will be a real round table discussion in charge of Miss Loker, with the following topics: “Resolved, that our club will be more successful if we place less dependence on outside talent,” and “Resolved, that a high school training is of supreme value to the average child.” A full attendance and a willing interchange of ideas is earnestly expected of the membership.

Grange. The last meeting of the grange was well attended and was a good session, being true to its primary purposes, and discussed in good, sensible debate the following subject: “Farm life; which are greater, its pleasures and profits, or its hardships and disappointments?” The brothers had the monopoly of the subject and the sisters listened with interest while S. L. Taylor, F. C. Wright, E. G. Boynton and L. W. Wheeler had their respective turns at it. Many ideas were brought out and different ones, but withal a note of refreshing optimism, believing that the compensations of farm life were fully equal to other callings if an equal amount of grit and determination were put into it. The discussion was preceded by music by the grange orchestra.

At the business session considerable time was necessarily consumed voting for the class of candidates soon to be admitted. The grange voted to change the next meeting from Thursday, Nov. 19, to Wednesday, Nov. 18, that the members might be able to attend Chelmsford grange and witness its degree work. Fraternal visitations between these nearby granges have been difficult, owing to meeting on the same night, and for once it was voted to change our own session.

Forge. The ladies’ sewing circle served a baked bean supper and held a harvest sale last Saturday evening, which was well patronized. After supper there was dancing, and a social evening was enjoyed by all. The few vegetables that were left were sold at auction, causing a good deal of merriment. The ladies of the sewing circle are agitating the subject of putting the town water into the mission house, for it is needed very much and would greatly facilitate the labor of those who get up the entertainments at the hall. Miss Sarah Precious and Harry Brown furnished the music for the evening.

The many friends of Hugh Dailey of Leominster, formerly of this village, will be glad to know that he is recovering from a very serious illness.

Mrs. William Burnett is very sick at her home. Her friends are apprehensive of pneumonia.

Mrs. Herbert Cockroft has returned to her home in Ware, after a brief visit with Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Hunt.

Mrs. Caisse and little son of Leominster are at her parents’, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Carkin. Little Raymond has been very sick and it was thought a change of air might be beneficial. It is hoped he will receive the benefit they desire.

Misses Edith Precious and Bertha Collins visited Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Normington of Worcester for a few days last week.

W. E. Parsons is putting in the stone foundation for W. W. Johnson’s new icehouse at Burgess pond.

Graniteville. Miss Edith Normington, who severed her connection with the office of C. G. Sargent & Sons last Saturday, was pleasantly remembered by the office staff, when she was presented an elegant traveling bag. The help in the machine shop also presented her a purse of money. Miss Normington has made many friends during her stay here, and her departure is to be regretted.

The Graniteville readers of the Wardsman miss greatly the writings of Mrs. Grace E. Lawrence of Littleton that have not appeared over the familiar “L” of late. Mrs. Lawrence always has the pleasing faculty of writing interestingly on every subject, and has the firm conviction of her own ideas and is not afraid to speak her mind for the public good. It is hoped that Mrs. Lawrence may soon find it convenient to arrange her personal affairs so as to continue her writing, for we miss her clever work very much.

A daughter was born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Lambert of Ayer on Sunday, Nov. 8. Mrs. Lambert was formerly Miss Sophie Gower of this place.

Many people from this village attended the entertainment and dance at the mission house last Saturday evening, and report a very enjoyable time.

Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ledwith of Beasleville, N.Y., have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Ledwith and family in this village.

Mr. and Mrs. William White have recently returned from a pleasant visit with Mr. and Mrs. W. O. May in Clinton.

The serious fire in Littleton Common some two weeks ago, that threatened to wipe out the entire village, and by which Fred O. Stiles and Mrs. Grace E. Lawrence lost their fine sets of buildings, cast a gloom over that community, and the blackened ruins were a sad sight to behold. However, this is soon to change, for although Mr. Stiles has encountered more than his share of bad luck, his courage is still good, and plans are now under way for the erection of a fine new private residence and a set of buildings in keeping with his increasing business. He has bought sixty feet additional frontage from Mrs. Lawrence, and this with [the] lot where the hotel formerly stood will make a fine building site. The batters are up and the cellar is now being dug for the new building, which when completed will cost in the neighborhood of $10,000. The well-known contractors of Littleton, Needham & Fletcher have the contract to build the house.

The Fortnightly Club of North Westford held a largely attended meeting in the district school building last week Friday night. This meeting had been looked forward to with no little interest, owing to the red-hot debate that was scheduled to take place, and people came from far and near to listen to the argument. The president, Fred R. Blodgett, called the meeting to order at 8:15 o’clock, after which the following pleasing program was given:

Opening prayer, Rev. S. H. Armand; reading, Mrs. W. Wyman; selection by the orchestra, W. G. Blodgett, cornet; O. A. Nelson, clarinet; Arthur Blodgett, violin; Miss Della Blodgett, piano. Recitation, H. E. Gould; debate, Resolved that a liberal education is worth more to a young man of twenty-one as a starter in business than the money it could cost to get the education. Affirmative, S. L. Taylor, J. E. Woods; negative, Hon. H. E. Fletcher, H. E. Gould.

Each speaker on the debate had his own time to put forth his arguments, after which the question was open to the house, during which Rev. S. H. Armand, Hiram Dane and Joe Wall took part. Those on the affirmative side spoke finely from an educational standpoint, but wandered somewhat from the question in dispute. The negative side spoke less but said more, the arguments of Mr. Fletcher being practical and instructive from start to finish. After all who wished had had their say, the president of the club allowed the audience to vote, with the following result: on the merits of the discussion—affirmative 5, negative 18; on the merits of the question—affirmative 11, negative 18.

The orchestra was then heard in several pleasing selections, after which the meeting adjourned to meet again in two weeks. The affair on Friday night was one of the most interesting that has been given by the club for some time, and the members are to be congratulated on the fine showing made.

Saturday, November 21, 1908

About Town. The Barton place on Providence road was sold Tuesday by public auction. There were only two bidders, George Philbrick the blacksmith, and H. O. Keyes, the all-round, busy everything, who proved to be willing to pay more than his competitor, and became the owner of the property by a $925 nod to the auctioneer. This is $175 below its assessed value and only about one-half the cash outlay of the place, consisting of cottage house, barn, henhouses and an acre of land. The corner lot belonging to the same estate at the junction of Main st. and Providence road, containing about one acre, was sold to Mrs. Lucy Keyes for eighty-five dollars, which is fifteen dollars below its assessed value. This property joins her present homestead. There is other property for sale on Providence road. Should the same parties purchase, Providence would be out of it, and Keyes road No. 2, would correctly mirror this new adieu.

Chas. G. Osgood has sold his cosey [sic] farm in Parkerville to Mr. Wrightman of West Acton. Mr. Osgood is a skilled carpenter, being employed most of the time since coming to town by Fletcher & Needham of Littleton. With his family he moved Thursday to New York state, his former home, before coming to Westford. The Wrightman family have already moved to town.

The grange held its regular meeting on Wednesday evening, when a class of seven were educated in the pleasures and duties of the first and second degrees. This occasion has increased its cheery attitude by the vocal music of the grange choir and the instrumental music of the grange orchestra. The lecturer’s hour was devoted to music by the orchestra, and a scholarly address on tuberculosis by Dr. Blaney, who advocated more stringent laws, saying that 15,000 people die from it annually in the United States, and that it is contagious from milk and meat that man doth eat.

A flag was presented to Spaulding light cavalry association by J. C. Fletcher [Joshua C. Decatur; see Nov. 28 issue] of Boston. It was raised last Saturday.

The fair by the ladies of the Unitarian society last week was an encouraging affair in point of money income if not in point of people income, and quite a number of scattering dollars over two hundred were secured for those rainy days that seem to be the heritage of most all churches even in this dry year for the fruits of the soil. The entertainment by Mrs. Lillian Dodge Haskell was a royal, helpful feast, and no dodging that conclusion. Likewise must be the testimony of the ears that caught and interpreted those violin displays by Prof. Bojarie of Lowell. As many as six more people could have left twenty-five cents, found a seat without disturbing the peace, and learned something to remember for a rainy day.

The W.C.T.U. had a talk-over meeting of “what we shall do next,” at the residence of Mrs. S. L. Taylor, Wednesday afternoon. Fifteen were present. If the meetings are not large from a multitude point of view, they are excellent from the viewpoint of “Where two or three are gathered together.” [Matthew 18:20]

Wallace Johnson is putting in the foundation for a new icehouse at Burgess pond. The old ones were very much warpen [sic] from the infirmities incident to old age, and were inclined to symptoms of falling in love with the law of gravitation.

Geo. C. Moore is putting in an improved sawdust separator in the old mill at Westford station.

The humorous play, “The village postoffice,” is being rehearsed preparatory to public recital at Marshall’s hall, Westford corner, in early December. About forty characters are in the play, which takes in about all of the aforesaid corner folks and some old-young-timers up the Stony Brook valley and the balance of West Chelmsford. The question that has the most worriment in it is who will be the audience.

Death. Miss Inez Burnham, aged nineteen years, died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Burnham, at the corner of Providence and Chelmsford roads last week Thursday morning. She was educated in the public schools of the town and three years at Westford academy. At the time of graduation [1904] she stood at the head of her class in scholarship and deportment. For two years she taught a graded school in Connecticut, when she was stricken with tuberculosis, from which she died. She was a young lady free from the frivolities that shallow and shatter so much that is youthful. With the poet she could say and truly, “Life is real, life is earnest.” This made her for her years a companionable and valuable asset to life, and the length of her seemingly short life can best be explained and measured in the thought of the poet,

He liveth long who liveth well,
All else is life but flung away;
He liveth longest who can tell,
Of true things truly done each day.

The funeral was from her home Saturday afternoon, Nov. 14. It was a large gathering of her many schoolmates, church and Sunday school affiliations, and neighbors and friends. If flowers were evidence by which to measure friendship and the value of a life, then was the rating of this life as liberal as its portrayal. Among the neighbors and friends who contributed their speechless esteem with flowers were the Kabele family, Mr. and Mrs. J. E. Knight, the Blaisdell family, Mrs. George Drew, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Day, Miss Nellie Fletcher, Grace Bennett, Ruth Miller, and many liberal remembrances from friends in more distant places. Rev. C. P. Marshall was present, bringing thoughts appropriate to his office and the occasion, which was sided by the singing by A. E. Day, H. G. Osgood, Miss L. B. Atwood and Mrs. Charles Colburn. The bearers were Harry and Edward Blaisdell, Hamilton and Nathaniel Whitney. Burial was in Fairview.

Center. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur H. Foss left on Thursday for Tampa, Fla., to spend the winter months. Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Bugbee of Lowell go with them. Mr. Foss makes this change for the benefit of his health.

Mrs. Sarah Heywood Trumbull has been a recent guest for a few days in her native town, visiting Miss Emily F. Fletcher. Mrs. Trumbull is spending the winter with Miss Harriet Rogers of North Billerica, who was one of the earlier teachers of the Westford academy.

James Spinner has been constructing a good-sized greenhouse at his home, for flowers and early vegetables. At present he has a crop of lettuce under way.

Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth and Mr. and Mrs. Wm. L. Woods attended the Harvard-Dartmouth football game, Saturday, at Cambridge. Mr. Hildreth is a Dartmouth man, class of ’01.

Donald M. Cameron has been confined to the house with a cold during this week.

Rev. and Mrs. B. A. Willmott of Lowell were guests of their friends, Rev. and Mrs. B. H. Bailey, at the Congregational parsonage Monday.

A theatre party of thirty-four enjoyed seeing Lillian Russell in “Wildfire,” at the Lowell opera house, Tuesday evening. The party went down on the regular 6:30 car and had a special car from North Chelmsford for the return trip. To Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Spaulding and Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fisher goes the credit of the arrangement of the details about tickets, cars, etc., for this delightful outing.

Rev. and Mrs. C. P. Marshall went down to the east village Tuesday evening to the home of H. G. Osgood and held a good, old-fashioned neighborhood sing. Gospel hymns and other music were enjoyed. There were sixteen present.

Congregational. In the vestry last Sunday evening Rev. C. P. Marshall conducted an interesting service, when he passed on some of the good things from the meetings of the Massachusetts Civic league, which he attended the previous week in Boston. He outlined a few of the best points in Prof. Josiah Royce’s address on “Provincialism,” which was a well-defined plea for the native New Englander to stand for a clear, well-balanced standard of our best traditions for the incoming foreigner to assimilate.

On Friday morning there was a most interesting round table discussion of town and village improvement. Among some of the things he told was of the new city park in Springfield, the new city charter of Haverhill, and the Templeton Inn.

Two other addresses were by the principal of the Northampton high school, on industrial education, and by Prof. Perrin, on “What shall we do in place of chores for the growing boy and girl?”

Repairs. The old Center primary school [20 Boston Road], where for many years our village children received their rudimentary education, but recently purchased by Spaulding light cavalry association, has undergone much transformation to make it a suitable headquarters for their meetings. The building has been thoroughly repaired and painted by the members of the association from Westford. The lower hall is decorated with pictures of past officers and trophies won by Troop F in rifle competition, and makes a very attractive room.

The expense of this repair has been about $200, without any cost to the association, and is much appreciated by the whole membership. J. D. [Joshua C.] Decatur of Boston, a former member of the Westford squad, has presented the association a fine flag to wave from the flag staff. Capt. H. W. Wilson of Carlisle is to present the association his picture and is to provide a sign to be placed on the building, with the name of the association lettered upon it.

It has been voted to open the building the third Saturday afternoon and evening of each month for the benefit of the members, each member to have certain privileges in the inviting of a guest.

Another pleasant place of gathering for its members, serving as something of a pleasant social club, is the building on the same street rented from Mrs. Nelson Tuttle [14 Boston Road] by the new fire company. The members of this have fitted up the building for the proper storage of its fire apparatus and have further fitted it up with an equipment of tables, chairs, dish closet with dishes, and a stove. The pleasant little monthly suppers planned by the members for the winter will be a pleasant part of the company’s activities. Two of these have already been held, and the next one, the first Monday in December, is in charge of Alec Fisher, O. R. Spaulding and Wm. L. Woods.

Graniteville. Rev. John Harrington of Reading, who is spending a brief vacation at the home of Henry and Miss Sarah Murphy in Westford, was the celebrant at the 8:45 o’clock mass in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning. Fr. Harrington was assisted by Rev. J. J. McNamara, both priests having been classmates in college. Fr. Harrington was a frequent visitor here during his student days, during which he formed many friendships by his pleasing personality. Many of his friends called on him after mass, for it is the first opportunity they have had of meeting him since he has become a priest.

Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Wall of Lynn have been recent visitors here.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank D. Riney, Misses Etta May and Catherine A. Sheehan of Lowell spent the weekend visiting relatives in this village.

A daughter [Dorothy M.] was born to Mr. and Mrs. John Lorman on Sunday, Nov. 15.

Most of the stone contractors here are finishing up their contracts for this season’s work. The season has been a successful one and owing to the dry weather during the summer months very little time has been lost. There is considerable stone work to be done yet, however, and the men will be kept until the extreme cold weather makes it difficult to continue.

The ladies’ aid society of the Methodist church are making preparations for a fair to be held in the church vestry in the near future.

The Graniteville orchestra is busy rehearsing for a musical entertainment to be given during the winter months.

Death. James McNulty, a former resident of this village, died after a few days’ illness of pneumonia at his home in Concord Junction, last week Friday, aged forty-four years. He leaves one daughter, Miss Myra McNulty of Concord, his father in Lowell and brothers in Andover and Manchester, N.H.; also, one sister, Mrs. Munyon of Lowell.

The funeral took place from the Help of Christians church in Concord Junction on Sunday afternoon, Rev. Fr. Walsh of that church officiating. There were many beautiful floral tributes, which testified in a marked degree to the high esteem in which the deceased was held. The bearers were George, John and Robert J. McCarthy of Graniteville, and John McNulty of Andover, brother of the deceased. The burial was in St. Bridget’s cemetery, Maynard.

Forge. The concert and social held by Self-Help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., in Abbot’s hall last Saturday evening, was a most enjoyable affair. Long before the appointed hour every seat was taken and only standing room could be had. The stage was tastefully arranged with potted ferns and palms, prominent amid the decorations being the three links of red, white and blue bunting, with the letters F.L.T. [Friendship, Love & Truth] in the center, the motto of the order. After the concert dancing was enjoyed by many, music being furnished by Miss Sarah Precious, piano, and James H. Brown, violin. Many were present from Graniteville, Littleton and Ayer. Space forbids giving the program, but it was ably sustained by those who so kindly assisted to make it a success. The committee of arrangements were Frederick Davis, William Baker, Edmund Orr, Joseph Bennett and William Burnett.

Mrs. William Baker spent Sunday with her sister, Mrs. Henry Tyler of Worcester.

Miss Annie Keefe of Townsend Harbor was one of the out-of-town guests at the concert of the Oddfellows.

Mrs. Wm. Burnett is convalescing, although slowly.

Saturday, November 28, 1908

Graniteville. G. E. Freeman, a former principal of the Sargent school here, and now located in a similar position in Lexington, has been a recent guest of Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Furbush in this village. Mr. Freeman, during his brief visit here, also called on many of his old friends.

A large sign painted in black and gold with the words Sargent school has recently been placed on the local school building which adds greatly to the attractiveness of this edifice.

Business still continues to be good in all branches of industry here, and the mills and shops were only closed on Thanksgiving day.

Mrs. Joseph Wall has recently returned from a very pleasant visit spent with friends in Fitchburg.

Mrs. A. R. Wall with her little son Richard were weekend visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Dunn and family in West Chelmsford.

The first annual ball of John Edwards hose company, W.F.D., will be held in Abbot’s hall, Forge Village, Friday evening, Dec. 11. Music by grange orchestra.

The Fortnightly club of North Westford held a well attended meeting in the district school building [125-127 Groton Road] Friday of last week. In the absence of the president, the meeting was called to order by Carl Wright, past president, at eight o’clock. After the secretary had read the report of the previous meeting the following pleasing program was given:

Selection by the Albion orchestra; reading, Mrs. W. Wyman; recitation, “The silk pajamas,” Miss Grace Robinson; song, “Someone here, someone is waiting for me,” Miss Carrie Prinn; recitation, “Who made the speech,” Miss Maude Robinson; song, Mrs. Emily Blodgett, with violin obbligato by Arthur Blodgett; selection by the orchestra; bone solo, Joe Wall.

The Albion orchestra then closed the evening’s entertainment with several popular airs that proved to be very enjoyable to the many present. After the entertainment a short business meeting was held during which plans were formulated for the next order of exercises and debate that is to be held in two weeks.

The debate spoken of promises to be the real thing, the subject and principals which have not yet been decided upon. This will be announced before the all-important night, so that all may be in a position to pick their favorite speakers, and at the same time form some opinion of the question to be discussed.

The members of the Holy Name society of St. Catherine’s church, through its committee, composed of Henry Provost, James O’Brien and John F. Kavanaugh, recently presented James McTeague of North Chelmsford a box of cigars as a slight token of appreciation for his able assistance in drilling the members of the local society for the Holy Name parade that was held in Boston a short time ago. It was certainly very kind of Mr. McTeague to help out the people up here, and his kindness is deeply appreciated not only by the members of the Holy Name society, but by the parishioners of St. Catherine’s church as well.

About Town. J. Willard Fletcher is having built a new grain house at Westford station, 26×60. It is encouraging to see the profits of the grain business become invested in so tangible and taxable a way. Pearl Harmon as carpenter is helping this prosperity take form.

Samuel M. Hutchins, who for many years lived on the Snow farm opposite Fairview cemetery, died at his home on Parker st., Lowell, Wednesday afternoon, of Bright’s disease. The funeral was from his home on Friday afternoon, and burial in Fairview cemetery, Westford. A fuller account and particulars next week.

George C. Moore, who controls the water at Nabnassett pond, has nearly completed building a new dam at the outlet, and lowering the bed of the brook that flows to Stony brook. This means lower water at the pond if necessary. The severe drouth this summer made several small islands visible. Lowering it much more will make it all island without any water surrounding it.

Nelson Conant of Littleton, of well and favorably known apple king notoriety, has been perambulating the town on about an eight miles an hour basis, buying apples. Several small lots in the Stony Brook valley have received marching orders for Europe and will leave Westford station next week. Thanks, of course, because this is Thanksgiving week, and thanks, of course, because these European orders, though small, help to balance that potato crop that got hit so hard with the drouth as to forget its name, so bad that it rounded up at harvest time one-third witchgrass, one-third wire worms, one-third white grubs, and the rest potatoes.

Jessie Walkden Bell has added another Bell [Jean E., b. Nov. 12, 1908] to her chime of Bells; same kind of music as all previous Bells and like its elders this new arrival Bell is a belle. The variety producing bass music would have fetched an added smile.

The next meeting of Middlesex north Pomona grange will be held Friday, Dec. 4, at Oddfellows’ hall, Bridge st., Lowell.

The Fortnightly club will hold its next meeting Friday evening, Dec. 4, at the “little red schoolhouse.”

The valley correspondent was in error in reporting last week that J. C. Fletcher of Boston presented the Spaulding light cavalry association a flag. The J. C. part was right and Boston was right, but the full open-day fact was the appropriate affair of Joshua C. Decatur, a native of Westford and for many years a prominent member and officer of Troop F.

This company like all military companies was organized for the emergencies of war; by this new departure and incorporation it has become for the emergencies of peace. It is well that the Spaulding light cavalry association has incorporated itself so firmly and wisely under the new command, “right wheel into line,” for social, literary and fraternal purposes. This in a way is fulfilling the ancient prophecy, “They shall beat their spears into pruning hooks and their swords into ploughshares.” [Isaiah 2:4 and Micah 4:3]

How wisely grand if the old historic academy of tender memories could have been utilized in a literary way to help out our barren lives, and thus have saved it from being thrust into the association of uncongenial surroundings, without even a gravestone of remembrance.

Entertainment. After being self-sacrificingly side-tracked to allow various entertainments first rights to the public, the management of the Westford-West Chelmsford play, “The village postoffice,” have decided to take to the main line as a through express mail, regardless of danger signals, and open the postoffice to the public at Marshall’s hall on Westford-West Chelmsford territory, on Wednesday, Dec. 9. So keep ye clear of the main line, all ye slow-rated local freights, and all other infringements of high rate of speed, for this postoffice omnibus carrying forty actors has orders not to reverse for anything this side of the meeting house on Tadmuck hill. As Marshall’s hall is on the town line, Westford corner will furnish about half the actors to represent the commonwealth of the town, furnishing a fool, a stutterer and a farmer, and a lot of other queer acting critters.

Center. For a village of its size there have been an unusual number of movings this fall. Those who have already changed their abiding place have been duly chronicled in our weekly column, and this week the A. W. Hartfords have moved into the pretty new house on Depot st., just completed by Frank C. Drew. Warren E. Carkin and his mother, Mrs. Nellie E. Carkin, have moved into the house made vacant by the Hartfords. Mary Morin, our village nurse, and her sister, Mrs. Isles, move the first of the week into the house recently purchased by them, made vacant by the Carkins.

The Donald Camerons have gone for their usual winter sojourn in Lowell.

Mrs. Hiram Whitney is spending the winter with her daughter, Mrs. Walter Wright, in Brookline.

About fifty members of Westford grange went over to Chelmsford grange, last week Thursday evening, for friendly visitation and to witness the sort of degree work done by this grange, more especially the third degree as exemplified by the ladies’ degree staff. This was especially fine, and the visiting members, many who are in a staff of their own, were highly pleased and learned much. The fourth degree work by the regular officers was also done in an able manner. A fine supper was served to fully two hundred. Frank E. Miller and Fred A. Smith each drove a barge to carry the Westford members, besides many going in their own teams.

Chas. L. Hildreth, who has been so ill for some weeks, is at this writing quite comfortable, able to sit up a little each day.

J. Herbert Fletcher secured a trophy of his huntsman’s skill in the shape of a fine, large fox, one day last week on the northerly slope of Tadmuck hill.

The pupils in the new school building made a thanksgiving offering for some worthy children in Boston this last week. Each one was asked to give only what they felt willing and able and their parents readily sanctioned, but they entered with much zest into the enterprise and a goodly collection of fruit, vegetables, nuts, canned goods and even popcorn was carefully packed by Chas. O. Prescott and sent to its destination.

Owing to objections made by the Brookside mill help, the 5:30 electric which has been in the habit of waiting for the train which leaves Lowell shortly after five, has stopped making this few minutes’ wait and train passengers have to wait for the next car. This has been a great convenience to some all the time and to others a part of the time, and an effort will be made to see if the electric people will not reconsider their decision.

The many Westford friends of Miss Lenie [Lena] H. Fletcher will be interested to learn of her marriage [Nov. 22 in Somerville] to George Henry Clark of West Somerville, where they will make their home.

There was an excellent Thanksgiving service at the Congregational church Sunday morning. Sermon, responses, prayer and music were all in direct harmony with the spirit of the day. The pulpit was prettily trimmed with bittersweet berries and oak branches. The C.E. meeting was conducted by Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, subject, “Songs of the heart; gratitude and how to express it.”

The schools closed Wednesday for a four days’ recess. Miss Bartlett of the academy went to her home in Kingston, N.H., Miss Babbitt to Fitchburg; Miss Grant at the other school went to her home in Gloucester and Miss Cushing to Southboro.

The two R.F.D. carriers had a holiday Thanksgiving day, no mail being delivered on their routes that day.

The second in the series of lectures and entertainments under the auspices of the grange took place at town hall Monday night, when a fair-sized audience assembled to hear George S. Ladd, past master of the state grange, in his excellent lecture, “Across the continent.” He portrayed many interesting facts of a recent trip to Portland, Ore., and back, especially emphasizing the agricultural features in various localities.

Geo. H. Balch has gone to Manchester, N.H., to spend the winter, where he has relatives of his mother’s living.

Club. The Tadmuck club held an interesting meeting in library hall Tuesday afternoon. It was a real round table discussion, in charge of the president, Miss Loker. The following topics were under consideration: “Resolved that our club will be more successful if we place less dependence on outside talent,” and “Resolved that a high school training is of supreme value to the average child.”

Mrs. B. H. Bailey sustained the negative of the first question, and Miss Ruth Fisher the affirmative, and they were as bright and clear cut in their respective positions as well could be. On the second question Mrs. Alice Lambert gave a good argument for the affirmative and Miss Edith Foster an able paper for the negative. Mrs. Helen K. Frost also contributed a short paper for the affirmative. Both topics were followed by discussion.

The club membership feel that the afternoon’s plan was so successfully sustained and carried out that it would bear repetition with different topics on a future program.

The next meeting will be a musicale in charge of the Misses Gertrude and Julia Fletcher, and on account of securing a soloist who is unable to come on the date set, Dec. 8, the meeting will be postponed one week, taking place Dec. 15, at Congregational vestry.

Visitors. Among the guests in town for the Thanksgiving holiday were: A. E. Prescott and [at?] Miss Clara Prescott’s; Lawrence N. Wright and Miss Grace E. Bower at Rev. C. P. Marshall’s; James Kimball at the Luce homestead; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Prescott at Mrs. Frances Prescott’s; Julia, Anna and Marion Hall at H. B. Hall’s; Jennie Chandler at Mrs. J. B. Fletcher’s; Mrs. Helen R. Leighton and Frances at Mrs. C. H. Fletcher’s; Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Hildreth, Mrs. Kate Allen and Katherine at H. V. Hildreth’s.

There were large family gatherings at S. H. Fletcher’s, J. M. Fletcher’s, Mrs. Frances Prescott’s, George Heywood’s and Mrs. Alvin Fisher’s.