The Westford Wardsman, November, 1912
Saturday, November 2, 1912
Center. The barn dance under the auspices of the Athletic association, which took place at the town hall on last week Friday evening was very much of a success. The hall was appropriately decorated with corn, farming implements, pumpkins, etc. Thayer’s orchestra, of Pepperell, furnished excellent music for the dancing. Ice cream and cake was served during intermission. A good sum was realized for the association treasury.
A recent real estate transfer of interest was the sale of the Mary E. Drew cottage [21 Boston Road] to Miss Anstrice G. Fessenden, who buys for a home for herself and sister. This makes a very cosy home for two ladies. The purchase price is reported as $1800.
Mr. Rice, of Cambridge, who recently purchased the Andrew Wright homestead, intends to re-sell the property.
Allister MacDougall, of the Massachusetts Agricultural college at Amherst, who recently won the fifty-dollar scholarship for stock judging, was one of a committee of three chosen to represent the college at the national dairy show held in Chicago this last week. Massachusetts won first place in judging the Guernsey breed and fourth in judging all four breeds of cattle.
Young people at home for the weekend and in attendance at the barn dance on last week Friday evening were Miss Edith Bicknell, from Royalton; Miss Evelyn Miner, from Shirley; Wesley Hawkes, from Melrose; Seth Banister, from Amherst, and Miss Dorothy Jaques, from Malden.
Miss Blanche Samuels, a former teacher of music in our school, was a guest over the weekend of Miss Julia H. Fletcher. Miss Samuels now teaches at South Hadley.
Miss Dorothy Ayers, of Cambridge, was a visitor this last week at Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher’s. Miss Ayers is a junior at Wellesley college.
Miss Lula Hill, of Boston, was an over Sunday guest at J. Henry Colburn’s.
Mrs. Kendall Wright [nee Susan Elmira Wright], of Somerville, is visiting at the home of her son, Perley E. Wright.
A very pleasant Halloween costume party was held by the academy pupils and their teachers in the lower town hall on Thursday evening. All the merry, mystic rites of Halloween were participated in and a good time was enjoyed by all present. Refreshments were served.
A group of members from the Tadmuck club gladly availed themselves of the cordial invitation of the Littleton Woman’s club to be present at their presidents’ day on Monday afternoon of this week. The exceptionally fine program, the pleasant welcome and pretty social tea were carried out with the same efficient poise and gracious cordiality so characteristic of this club, making the occasion a real pleasure to the invited guest.
The monthly meeting of the Edward M. Abbot hose company, which always has the first Tuesday evening of the month for its meeting, will be postponed this next week to Wednesday evening, owing to the all absorbing event of election on Tuesday. The usual supper will be served.
The Congregational society will open its series of socials for the season with the annual church banquet which is scheduled for November 15.
Some end of the season games of tennis have been enjoyed by the players, some of these pleasant fall days this last week.
About Town. George Albert Drew, the proprietor of the Read farm [164 Main St.], was in town last week and attended the Unitarian church on Sunday.
At the close of registration on last Saturday nine names were added to the voting list: George E. Whall, Stephen Gardell, Fred G. Palmer, Alexander Couture, Frank J. Shea, Michael Garrity, James B. Hartford, Charles F. Farrell, Henry A. McDonald, making a total of twenty names added at the recent meetings, making a total of 462 registered voters, divided among the several precincts as follows: Precinct 1, 204; precinct 2, 135; precinct 3, 58; precinct 4, 65. The total number of assessed polls is 754, divided in the several precincts as follows: Precinct 1, 251; precinct 2, 250; precinct 3, 100, precinct 4, 153.
At a meeting of the directors of the Westford Board of Trade held at the selectmen’s room on last Saturday evening, correspondence was read between the Westford Board of Trade and the Office of Public Roads, Washington, D.C., after which it was unanimously voted to give a free public entertainment and address with stereopticon illustrations on the subject of “The value of trained supervision over road work.” The address will be given by Paul D. Sargent, of the office at Washington in early November, and to make this entertainment a grand rally of enthusiasm for good roads it was voted to invite the Board of Trades of Lowell, Billerica, Chelmsford, Dunstable and Littleton to be present and distribute the influence over other areas.
If you can get as early a start as those spring chickens in the Stony Brook valley with potatoes and peas on St. Patrick’s day in the morning, you can frequently win on being the last to be early in the autumn. Based on this philosophy George E. Gould was dining on Sunday, October 20, on peas from his garden, and on last Sunday on ripe raspberries from his garden. The chief leader in the Stony Brook valley of peas in February and potatoes in March [Amos Polley?] might as well either throw up the sponge or throw his hat out of the ring.
J. Everett Woods, on the Groton road, has received from the state fisheries by way of Deputy Mills, of Ayer, a large lot of young trout, with which he has stocked Snake Meadow brook which rises in Groton, and after crossing the Groton road with many picturesque curves and dashes over rocks and ledge, enters the meadows where it quietly transacts business with Humhaw brook in the transportation of water into Keyes pond.
Henry O. Keyes is endeavoring to procure a right of way of “The Meadows” in Groton where once existed an old mill privilege at this point. He proposes to erect a gigantic dam and install an electrical plant of sufficient power to supply all the cities and towns in Northern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire with light and heat. This is no light proposition even if he does propose to furnish light.
Judson F. Sweetser, who has been a long time ill with hardening of the arteries, is at the present time slightly improved, but not sufficiently to get a clear and encouraging view of fast approaching recovery.
The noon freight from Ayer to Lowell on Monday met with a small breakdown accident east of Westford station. The modern coupling apparatus on one car refused to have anything to do with the coupling on the next car, neither after a half-hour’s delay could it be made to. This car was about in the center of the train and thus divided the train in twain. The first half proceeded to Brookside and side-tracked the unaffiliated car and then reversed steam to the point of delay and coupled onto the rear half. During these side-tracking operations the noon passenger train from Ayer to Lowell were impatient contributors in looking on.
The next meeting of Westford grange will be held on next Thursday evening. The entertainment will be in charge of Joseph Wall, who is sure to beat his old-time best. He has been in many a test.
Mrs. William Whitney has returned from the Lowell hospital improved, but still an unable.
Since Friday, November 1, the tax rate has been daily rising on all unpaid taxes. It rises with six percent interest and other legal essentials to warn and warm up the unpaid to the contributory point.
William N. Wyman, living on the Groton road near Crystal lake, North Chelmsford, has bought the Reuben Wright farm of twenty-eight acres on the Tyngsboro road near the town line. He is in the employ of the H. E. Fletcher Company on Oak hill, and formerly lived in Westford on the Groton road at Whidden’s corner. He will still continue as engineer at the Oak hill sunny, slightly, busy stone quarries.
Seth Banister, of the Massachusetts Agricultural college, has been spending a few days of leisure pleasure at his boyhood home, “The Banister.”
Forge Village. The Misses Ethel Jones and Angelia Wittum, of Worcester, were weekend guests of Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett and Mr. and Mrs. John E. Burnett.
There was no session at Cameron school on last week Friday to enable the teachers to attend their annual conference meeting.
The sympathy of the village is extended to the bereaved husband and family of Mrs. Stella McLenna Gay, whose death occurred on last Saturday afternoon at her home in Vermont. Mrs. Gay was well and favorably known here and her untimely death comes as a severe blow to her many friends and relatives.
The Forge Village fife and drum corps headed the democratic rally procession held in North Chelmsford a week ago. They are engaged to play at the Graniteville-Forge Village rally to be held this week.
William Burnett is confined to his home by illness.
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Comey and family have removed to their new tenement on Pine Street.
Mr. and Mrs. J. O’Neil are now occupying one of the new cottages recently built by the Abbot Worsted Company on Pine street.
A fine new crop of raspberries are ripening on the bushes belonging to one of our neighbors and a number of blossoms are in bloom. If the frost keeps off a while longer they will be ready to gather. Dandelions were also in bloom on Sunday on the lawn adjoining the home of the writer, a rare occurrence for the last of October.
Mrs. William Baker is ill at her home.
The ladies of Groton will not meet the young ladies of St. Andrew’s mission this week. The next meeting will be held on November 14.
Miss Abbie Splain is visiting her sister, Mrs. Margaret Rose, of Belmont.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held their regular meeting in Recreation hall on Thursday afternoon.
On next Thursday evening a supper, social and stereopticon lecture on Yellowstone national park will be held under the auspices of the Ladies’ Sewing Circle in Recreation hall. Mr. Bemis, one of the instructors at Groton School, will deliver the lecture.
Many from this village attended the annual parish meeting held in Groton on last week Friday evening. Barges met the electrics at Ayer and took the representatives of the parish to Groton chapel.
Miss Theresa Lowther, associate member of the Girls’ Friendly society for this district, attended the business meeting held at the home of Miss Alice Saunders, of Stackpole street, Lowell on Saturday evening.
Sunday being the first Sunday of the month, holy communion will be administered at St. Andrew’s mission at 9:30 o’clock in the morning.
Friday being the feast of All Saints, many from here attended the services held at St. Catherine’s church.
Graniteville. A dead deer was found in the vicinity of St. Catherine’s cemetery on last week Friday, and as the law is still on deer no one appeared to be particularly anxious to claim it. The local game wardens took the affair in hand and are now conducting a rigid investigation.
There will be a lecture on the Progressive movement in the M.E. church on next Sunday evening.
A big democratic really was held in Healy’s hall on Friday evening of last week. The meeting was addressed by Humphrey O’Sullivan, candidate for congress; John J. Hogan, candidate for councilor; Edward Fisher, candidate for senator; John D. Carney, candidate for representative. Edward Fisher was the chairman of the meeting and the affair was very largely attended.
Death. Mrs. Lillian McLenna, of this village, received a telegraph message from her son-in-law, Peter Gay, of Websterville, Vt., early on last week Friday afternoon to the effect that his wife, Stella, and Mrs. McLenna’s daughter, was seriously ill and to come at once. Mrs. McLenna, with her eldest daughter, Mrs. George McCarthy, left here for Vermont at once, arriving in Websterville early the next morning. Their worst fears were realized for Mrs. Gay died on Saturday at three o’clock.
The death of Mrs. Gay, better known to her many friends and acquaintances here by her maiden name of Miss Stella McLenna, at the age of twenty-one years, is particularly sad for her brief married life had been one of happiness and she leaves with her broken-hearted husband a baby boy that was born less than two weeks ago. She was a young woman with many fine qualities, endowed with a pleasing personality and prepossessing in appearance she was a general favorite with the younger set and the central figure in social affairs in the village. Always pleasant and cheerful she formed many warm friendships with both young and old. Being the youngest of a large family special attention appeared to be showered upon her by a devoted mother, while loving brothers and sisters were always ready to gratify every wish of their youngest sister. She will surely be sadly missed by all.
Besides her husband and little son she leaves a mother, Mrs. Lillian McLenna, four brothers, Charles, Frank, Lester and Clarence McLenna, and two sisters, Mrs. George McCarthy and Miss Inez McLenna of this village. The deepest sympathy is expressed for the bereaved husband and family in this sad hour.
The funeral will be [was] from the home of her mother on Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock and was very largely attended. The services that were held at the house were conducted by Rev. U. H. Layton, pastor of the M.E. church, who spoke words of great consolation to the bereaved family. A quartet composed of Miss Alice May Gilson, Miss Madeline Holland, Mrs. Henry Smith and George Wilson sang “Come unto me,” “Going home” and “God be with you till we meet again,” very effectively.
There was a profusion of floral tributes which testified in a marked degree to the high esteem in which the deceased was held by her many friends, conspicuous among them being a large set piece from friends of the Abbot Worsted Co., also pillows, set pieces and numerous sprays from relatives and friends. The bearers were William F. Sargent, Frank Charlton, William Gilson, John Mattson, Russell Furbush, and William McCarthy. Burial was in Fairview cemetery, Westford. Rev. Layton performed the last sad rites at the grave.
Saturday, November 9, 1912
Center. Rev. Charles P. Marshall, our former Congregational pastor, and more recently of Quincy, began his new pastorate at the Pilgrimage church, Plymouth, the first Sunday of this month. His first service was the mid-week meeting, giving the preparatory lecture for the communion on Sunday. At Quincy, their many loyal friends gave Mr. and Mrs. Marshall a farewell reception, presenting them a desk, a clock and a missionary barrel filled with coins amounting to sixteen dollars. Beside the presentation there were several well-known speakers who gave addresses.
Mr. Cyrus Hosmer, of Wakefield, has been a recent visitor at the home of his daughter, Mrs. W. M. Wright.
John Shattuck had a two-days’ vacation from his duties on the branch line electrics last week, and Mr. Cutter served as motorman in his absence, and Edward Clement as conductor.
Miss Alice Howard has been having a vacation at the parental home from her library duties at Cotuit. Other recent guests at this pleasant home have been Mrs. James Danforth and Miss Delphia Danforth, of Tyngsboro.
George E. Gould has recently gathered clusters of ripe raspberries from his fields. A pretty sight these late fall days has been a high trellis at Homer M. Seavey’s [52 Main St.] covered with blossoming nasturtiums. Not until Saturday night’s frost did they succumb to the weather.
At the November meeting of the North Middlesex Pomona grange on last week Friday at Lowell, Westford members sustained their part in the program by taking charge of the dinner at noon; also, Mrs. Perley E. Wright contributed readings and Miss Rachael Wall vocal solos.
A fire, which at one time assumed threatening proportions, took place at the J. M. Book place, more familiarly known as the Frank Hildreth buildings, at Long-Sought-for pond on last week Friday about noon. The fire caught in some unknown way in a barn in which corn fodder was stored. Help was summoned from the fire fighters at the Center and at Graniteville. The barn was totally destroyed and much lively attention was given to preventing further spreading of the flames and owing to good work the other buildings were saved. A partial insurance is reported.
Frank C. Wright is having the customary vacation granted by Uncle Sam from his R.F.D. route, and William E. Green is substituting for him as he recently did for Mr. Balch.
Miss Sarah W. Loker spent a part of this week with friends in Boston.
The Luce homestead [25 Main St.] is having new shingling.
Twenty-two patrons from Westford grange went to Carlisle grange on Wednesday night, which was their annual neighbors’ night. They report a fine program and royal entertainment.
The upsetting of a carload of lumber on the tracks of the Stony Brook railroad, near North Chelmsford, caused effective delay to traffic on last Tuesday evening. Regular commuters and others were much inconvenienced thereby and had to get home as best they could. Those depending on our branch line electric on its late trips got the electrics at North Chelmsford and Mr. Sherlock and Mr. Cutter waited their car at Brookside for them, not getting to the Center for the last trip until after seven o’clock.
Westford has a right to feel on the map politically with two of its good citizens being represented. Our worthy sage of the Stony Brook Valley, Samuel L. Taylor, as republican member of the house of representatives, and Edward Fisher most deservedly advanced to the Massachusetts senate.
A conference of workers of the Congregational church was held at the parsonage on Wednesday evening. The social service of the church’s work for the winter was discussed as well as its vital spiritual need, the result of which will be effective work in both directions.
Otis Day, at last Sunday evening’s meeting, gave a good report of the Massachusetts State C.E. convention which he recently attended, as a delegate, at Brockton. All the salient features of the addresses and the three-days’ convention as a whole were given in a way that many an older church worker could not do, and those present appreciated so good an account.
Under the auspices of the Westford Board of Trade there will be an address on next Tuesday evening at the town hall by Paul D. Sargent, acting director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of Public Roads, entitled “The value of trained supervision over road work.” This address, which will be accompanied by stereopticon views, will be free to all and a cordial invitation is extended to all to be present. There will be a special car to accommodate those who attend the lecture. The car will leave Brookside at 8:05 and leave after the lecture at 9:45 o’clock. Ladies are invited to be present.
John Wilson and his daughter, Miss Florence Wilson, are visiting relatives in Chocoton [sic, Coshocton], Ohio.
Doing Good Work. The Westford telephone exchange did good service in giving election returns to its subscribers on Tuesday until late into the night to interested voters. The regular operators were supplemented by an extra helper from the central exchange in Lowell. This called for much additional work, but was cheerfully and capably met as a once in four years’ occurrence. Speaking of our local exchange, the new system has had a chance for a good trial and relations between the individual subscriber and central well established. Quick and courteous service is the established rule. Ringing off after each call is getting to be the proper habit. Now a requirement from headquarters in Lowell is that each subscriber call the party wanted by number and not by name. With an obliging resident operator who is familiar with the personnel of the subscription list it is one thing, but in case of sickness or for any reason a substitute operator is at work, it can readily be seen it would be difficult and poor service result. Therefore, subscribers will please make it a rule to always call by number as a requirement from headquarters, and in the interests of ultimate good service.
Tadmuck Club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place on Tuesday afternoon at Library hall. The season’s study of Holland was interspersed with an afternoon given to the subject of “Universal suffrage.” The quotation for the afternoon was “The old order changeth, giving place to new.” governor, Walker 173, Bird 90, Foss 114; lieut. governor, Luce 159, Walsh 111, Cosgrove 65; congressman, Rogers 196, O’Sullivan 122, Osgood 44; senator, Fisher 206, Walsh 128, Macy 34; representative, Taylor 172, Carney 123, Tuttle 50. Mr. Taylor carried five towns out of six and is soothingly satisfactory in this year of progressive mixup and cut up. Kindly remembrance in general to all, for and against, but a sort of special kindly remembrance to those who clung to the rigging at the foot of the ticket.
Graniteville. Alfred Hughes met with a rather peculiar accident here a few days ago. He, with a companion, was out shooting squirrels, and having shot one in a tree the squirrel clung to one of the branches and refused to drop. Mr. Hughes climbed the tree to shake it off and the limb gave way, throwing Mr. Hughes heavily to the ground, a distance of some twenty feet. He struck with such force that his left arm was broken close to the wrist. Dr. W. H. Sherman set the injured member and Mr. Hughes is now forced to take a vacation for a few weeks.
While putting out a small fire that started in a clothes closet at the house of Mrs. Hannah Harrington on Sunday evening, Edward Riney burned his right hand very badly and will be unable to follow his work as carpenter for several days.
The members of the A. R. Choate hose company held their regular meeting in Healy’s hall on Monday evening. Business of a routine order was transacted, after which a social hour was enjoyed.
The members of the Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. George Gilson on Thursday afternoon and formed plans for a sale and supper that will be held in the church vestry in the near future.
Election day, with its many surprises, is now passed and gone, and the people can once more settle down to the ordinary state of affairs and breathe easy for the time being.
Westford will have two men in the state house in Boston next year. Samuel L. Taylor is the newly elected representative, while Edward Fisher goes a step higher, being elected to the office of senator for the seventh Middlesex district. Mr. Fisher certainly deserves promotion and great things are expected of him during the coming sessions on Beacon hill. John D. Carney, of Ayer, Mr. Taylor’s opponent for representative, received a good vote in Graniteville, and for a new man did very well throughout the district.
The family of F. L. Furbush are expected to move in their new house on Broadway in a few days.
Forge Village. The annual parish meeting of St. Andrew’s church was held on Friday evening, November 8, instead of the week before, as previously reported. Many from this village attended.
“The mishaps of Minerva” will shortly be given here by the Y.L.S.C. for the benefit of the bath house fund. The houses are nearly paid for, and with this final entertainment they will be clear of debt. It is hoped that a large audience will be on hand.
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Blodgett, of Groton, spent last Sunday with Mrs. Blodgett’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett.
Miss May Lord, of the South Framingham hospital, is the guest of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Lord.
Miss Emily Collins entertained a party of friends at here home on Halloween night. Refreshments were served and the evening passed in games and music.
Miss Emma Murray is visiting her sister, Mrs. William Morton, of Bridgeport, Conn.
Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett visited at the home of their daughter, Mrs. Chester Blodgett, of Groton, last Monday.
The Boys’ club of the M.E. church of Graniteville, and other young friends, were entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson on Thursday evening of last week. The form of entertainment was a Halloween party, and a merry affair it proved to be. The rooms were seasonably decorated and presented a fine appearance, especially the dining-room, in its dress of black and yellow, candles, jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkins. Jack-o’-lanterns glimmered at every window and witches, black cats, etc. formed other decorations. A beautiful supper was served, after which games and merry-making continued until after midnight.
The home of Mrs. M. A. Lowther was the scene of a merry party on Halloween, when Miss Rachel Cherry acted as hostess to her friends. The autumn foliage and floral decorations were very pretty and made the home very attractive. Refreshments were served and games and music enjoyed until a late hour.
A little girl [Eleanor M. Healy] arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Healy on Wednesday morning [Nov. 6].
Miss Eliza Daly, who has spent the summer at the home of her nephew and niece, Mr. and Mrs. William Daly, of Pearl street, Somerville, has returned home.
Saturday, November 16, 1912
Center. A second son [Donald E. Wright] has been born [Nov. 7, 1912] to Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Wright at their home in Lowell. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wright were former residents here.
Mr. and Mrs. William A. Woodward were guests last week of Mr. and Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher. Mr. Woodward and Mr. Fletcher enjoyed some good hunting.
The New England Apple magazine for October speaks highly of an article in the 1912 report of the Massachusetts State Board of Agriculture on Fruit Growing by George A. Drew. Mr. Drew is a Westford boy and an authority on apple culture.
Burton Streeter, who has been employed by J. C. Abbot for the last two years, has left town and he will be missed in many of the social and athletic activities of the village.
The next meeting of the Tadmuck club, November 19, will begin at 2:30, instead of at three o’clock, owing to the lessened daylight. This will be Thanksgiving afternoon with the children as guests. Hostess, Miss Clara A. Smith.
Paul Symmes is the new owner of a Reo auto truck of one ton capacity, which he intends to use carrying produce to the Boston and Lowell markets.
Mrs. Homer M. Seavey and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth were invited guests at the Littleton Woman’s club on last Monday afternoon and heard the excellent lecture on “Our boys and girls.”
Mrs. Alma M. Richardson and Miss Emily F. Fletcher attended the chrysanthemum show in Boston; also, the apple exhibit and report it well worth making an effort to see.
The election of Mr. Taylor of Westford as a representative pleased everyone immensely. Mr. Taylor is known as the wit of the countryside, and every granger who has heard him speak will be glad to know that he is to make things “hum” in the house this year. The legislature has several good, hearty laughs ahead of it for the Westford man is some humorist.—Lowell Sunday Telegram, November 10.
W.C.T.U. Sunday. The second Sunday in November, specially set apart in the churches by the W.C.T.U., was appropriately observed at the Congregational church on last Sunday evening. Mrs. Brigham, of Malden, secretary of the Middlesex County Union, was the speaker of the evening and was closely followed as she presented the phases of the work, and the things for which the organization works, namely: The protection of the home, the abolition of the liquor traffic, and the work-out of the golden rule. The ladies’ choir had charge of the music. Mrs. Janet Wright, president of the local union, presided. Mrs. Wallace gave the scripture lesson and Mr. Wallace offered prayer. Morton Seavey sang a solo that merited him well deserved appreciation. Other musical features were the singing of a duet by Pauline Wallace and Rachael Kimball, and a solo by Althea Symmes.
Lecture. The Westford Board of Trade held open house on Tuesday evening with a free illustrated lecture on “Good roads” by Paul D. Sargent, assistant director of the office of public works of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Invitations were extended to neighboring Boards of Trade and road superintendents as well as to the public generally. Response was such as to secure a good attendance of people who closely followed the speaker and highly appreciated his points.
Mr. Sargent began by saying he almost felt out of place in addressing a Massachusetts audience on the value of good roads for he declared that the Massachusetts State Highway Commission was recognized over this country and even in Europe as having built some of the best roads in the world and declared that our state roads are the best in the country, highly complimenting our State Highway Commission.
Mr. Sargent was a concise speaker and one who left no doubt in his hearers’ minds as to what were his points. Those were three: First, keep politics out of road supervision; second, have trained men to supervise, and third, when you get a good man, keep him.
He said that the Massachusetts Highway Commission had practically introduce the civil service idea in its engineering department for its present four district engineers are the same men with which it began work nineteen years ago, and each man has the same district with which he began so that he is familiar with the needs of the district and with the materials on hand with which to work. He said that plan had worked well and believed that the cities and towns should follow the example instead of the constant political shifting as frequently seen.
Mr. Sargent said that the thirty-three cities of the state spent $5,000,000 on roads in a recent year, and that expenditure of towns must swell this sum to over $8,000,000 as against $1,000,000 spent by the Highway Commission. The expenditure of such sums, he contended, should be in experienced hands and only the best man who could be found should be used. If an experienced man is not at hand, take one who can be built on, a man of good education, a good mechanic and of some training or ability in engineering. Ruinous results of poor engineering were shown in some of the pictures thrown on the screen. Excellent lantern slides were clearly shown, illustrating the differences between good roads in their appearance, and in their availability. For instance, a team having a hard time hauling one bale of cotton, later hauled ten bales over the same road when reconstructed.
Altogether, it was a lecture well worth listening to, and was highly appreciated by those present. A special car before and after the lecture carried those who wished between the Center and Brookside.
About Town. At the Unitarian church on Sunday, Rev. Lyman B. Weeks will take for his subject “The kingdom of God discovered and located at last.”
Two of our Westford resident will become laborers in the industrial vineyards of other places. John Martin and family, living on the Concord road, have removed to Lowell, where Mr. Martin has secured employment as weaver in one of the many large, busy factories. Roy Bicknell, citizen number two, living on the Carlisle road, has secured a position at the Massachusetts General hospital in Boston.
The next meeting of the grange will be held next Thursday evening. The lecturer’s hour will be devoted to an evening with the poets. The contemplation of these inspired heights will be led by Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, Mrs. Perley E. Wright and Mrs. O. A. Nelson. As everyone was storm bound at the last meeting, let everyone spur a little to greet the poets.
Arthur Mallalieu, a former resident of West Chelmsford, and active in the social life of the village and Brookside, has been elected a member of the New Hampshire house of representatives from Milford, as “I had rather be defeated with Taft, than win with—“ you can guess who. He is a bright, clear, keen thinker, and is not to be tossed about by every wind of doctrine.
Miss Luanna Decatur was home over the Saturday and Sunday rest days. As teacher, her efficiency has secured her promotion to the staff at the Salem Normal School.
There was a large attendance and bountiful youthful merriment and bountiful supper at the sociable of the Village church, West Chelmsford, on Wednesday evening. The entertainment tuned up along the lines of instrumental music by Mrs. Grace Naylor and Miss Beatrice Naylor, followed by the fifteen minute comedy “Interviewing a granger” by S. L and W. R. Taylor. The supper was in charge of Mrs. Toye. It was a toy that pleased everybody and many were reluctant to part with it. The entertainment was promulgated and set to music by Mrs. Johnson. Westford Center was looking in by Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler and Miss Edith Wright, who are good promoters of healthy sociability.
The “open season” of the Fortnightly club will commence on Friday evening, November 22, with music, instrumental and mouth, readings, long and short, humorous and tearful, and the farce, “Interviewing a granger.”
The following is a complete revised vote in the eleventh representative district:
Taylor | Tuttle | Carney | |
R. | D. | D. | |
Acton | 162 | 134 | 75 |
Ayer | 140 | 126 | 215 |
Carlisle | 46 | 24 | 32 |
Chelmsford | 291 | 218 | 193 |
Littleton | 85 | 74 | 40 |
Westford | 173 | 54 | 123 |
Totals | 897 | 630 | 678 |
Death. Charles [sic, James Henry] Standish died suddenly Tuesday morning, Nov. 5, at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. William Butterworth, near Carlisle station, South Westford. Mr. Standish appeared to be in his usual good health in the morning, but shortly after was found dead in the dooryard by his daughter. The medical examiner from Concord was summoned and pronounced his sudden death due to heart failure. He was a man of quiet demeanor and as such, together with the fact that he had lived in town but a few years, was not widely known or associated with the social and active life of the town. The funeral took place from the residence of his daughter on last week Thursday afternoon at two o’clock. Rev. David Wallace conducted the services. The bearers were Harry L. Nesmith, George West, James Lovering and Lucius Butterfield. Burial was in Fairview cemetery.
Forge Village. The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held a most successful supper and social in Recreation hall on last week Thursday evening. The tables were well filled and a choice assortment of good things were soon put out of sight. After supper, a lecture, illustrated by stereopticon, was given on “Yellowstone national park,” which proved very interesting as well instructive. Mr. Chadbourne, of Groton School, delivered the lecture.
On last week Friday evening a delegation from St. Andrew’s mission attended the annual parish meeting held at Groton. After business was over a most delicious supper was enjoyed.
Mr. and Mrs. Felix Leclerc entertained recently Mrs. Bergerson and Misses Anna and Emeline Bergerson; also, Mrs. Rose Martini, Laura and Wilfred Martini, of East Pepperell. The party made the trip by automobile.
Miss Anna V. Keefe, of Townsend Harbor, has recently visited relatives here.
On last week Thursday afternoon, Cameron school was closed, owing to an outbreak of fever in the family of Mr. and Mrs. Helie Guadnaire. George Goucher, who has been ill with diphtheria, is reported to be much better. The school has been thoroughly fumigated and opened on Friday morning.
Arthur Milot is now employed by the Sargent Machine Company, of Graniteville.
The sympathy of the village is extended to Mrs. Edith Cote Langlois, of Graniteville, in the loss of her husband, Alfred Langlois, who met with a fatal accident at the mills of the Abbot Worsted Company on last week Thursday. Mr. Langlois was very well and favorably known here. Being of a pleasant disposition he made a host of friends who felt the blow of his death very keenly.
On last Wednesday evening the members of the John Edwards hose company held their regular monthly meeting.
William S. Hosmer is confined to his home, suffering from blood poisoning in his right hand. His hand became injured while at work some time ago.
A party of young ladies of St. Andrew’s mission were delightfully entertained last week at the home of Mrs. Warren Sturgis, of Groton, through the courtesy of Mrs. Endicott Peabody. The party left here on the 5:40 car for Ayer, where barges awaited them. After supper the party were taken to Groton School to witness selections from “Macbeth,” given by Prof. Darrach, which was very much enjoyed. The young ladies returned at a late hour and are indebted to Mrs. Peabody for a most enjoyable evening.
Alvin S. Bennett, who has been visiting at Worcester, has returned. His interests in the Bay State Stamping Company of that city have demanded his almost daily presence.
Fred Naylor and family have moved into one of Abbot & Company’s new cottages on Pine street. The house being built for Charles Eaton, of Graniteville, will be ready for occupancy shortly.
Mr. [Alvin Senica] Bennett’s sister, Mrs. Lucretia Reed, and Mrs. Mary I. Drake, who have occupied the cottage on pleasant street for a good many years, have found the household care too heavy for them in their advanced age and have disposed of their goods. Mrs. Reed, who is eighty-three years old, is a fine old lady, and her gardens in which she took great interest, were always quite an attraction to her many friends and neighbors. She has gone to live at North Westford with her granddaughter, Mrs. Henry [Harry Melvin] Ingalls [nee Zina Lottie Mitchell]. Mrs. Drake will spend the winter with her niece in Shrewsbury. Both ladies [who are sisters] will be greatly missed by their many friends.
Word has been received that Mrs. Blaisdell, of Wamesit, grandmother of Miss Abbie Blaisdell, the popular teacher of the second primary grades of Cameron school, is lying dangerously ill at the Lowell hospital. Mrs. Blaisdell is a lady of advanced age, and met with an accident on October 31, when she fell and broke her hip. She was taken to the hospital, but has rapidly failed. Little hopes are given for her recovery.
William Burnett, who has been confined to his home for the past two weeks, is now able to resume his work.
Graniteville. The members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society held a very successful dancing party in Abbot hall, Forge Village, on last week Friday night. The Colonial orchestra, of Lowell, furnished excellent music for dancing that was enjoyed from eight until twelve o’clock, with a short intermission, during which refreshments were served. Many were present from out of town, and all had a very enjoyable time.
Mrs. John Barrett, of Revere, and Miss Mary Horan, of Charlestown, have been recent visitors here.
Rev. Alfred Woods, a former pastor of the M.E. church here, has been renewing old acquaintances in the town this week.
Dr. W. H. Sherman has recently returned from a long visit spent in New York city, where he attended the Clinical Congress of Surgeons of North America. During his absence his practice was in charge of Dr. O. V. Wells of Westford.
Miss Cora E. Hitchcock, of Perkinsville, Vt., has been a recent guest of Dr. and Mrs. W. H. Sherman.
A requiem mass was celebrated in St. Catherine’s church on Monday morning for the repose of the soul of Alfred Langlois. Rev. Edward C. Mitchell was the celebrant. The mass was well attended.
Peter Tousignant, who was injured in a runaway accident in Lowell last week, has left the hospital and is now at his home. A fast horse, an automobile, an electric car and a nearby tree was the combination that caused the trouble. Aside from that, no doubt Mr. Tousignant would have reached his home without any mishap.
Local hunters are now anxiously waiting for the time when the law is off on deer, and the suggestion is offered that each man carry a flag and wear a red coat in order that he will not be mistaken for an animal. Without a doubt the woods will be full of hunters, and about the only safe course is to climb a tree and wait for the deer.
Many people from here attended the meeting of the Westford Board of Trade in the town hall on last Tuesday evening. At that meeting it was decided that at the regular meeting in January a smoke talk and entertainment would be given. After the meeting had adjourned the members went to the upper hall where a large crowd had assembled to listen to an illustrated lecture given by Prof. Paul D. Sargent, of Washington, D.C., on “The trained supervision of roads.” The lecture was held under the auspices of the Westford Board of Trade and there was a large number in attendance.
There will be a special town meeting in the town hall, Westford Center on next Wednesday evening for the purpose of seeing what action the town will take about maintaining the branch line of the Lowell and Fitchburg Street Railway for the transporting of children to the Frost school in Westford. The warrants have been posted and the statement and purpose of the meeting appear to be plain enough, but it is the general opinion that there is a great deal more to this question, and no doubt many arguments will be brought forward at this special meeting, and it goes without saying that it will be largely attended.
Funeral. The funeral of Alfred Langlois, who died here on Thursday, November 7, as a result of a fall at the mills of the Abbot Worsted Company in Forge Village on the same date, took place from his late home in this village on last Sunday at twelve o’clock and was very largely attended. The body was taken to St. Catherine’s church, where a brief committal service was conducted by the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield. Among the floral tributes were noticed a large wreath of roses, lilies and galax leaves from the Abbot Worsted Company, and a broken sickle and wreath of carnations and chrysanthemums from friends from Forge Village.
The bearers were Henry Hormidas and Adelord Cate, Oscar Milot, Raoul and Philip Langlois, brothers of the deceased. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
Saturday, November 23, 1912
Center. William E. Wright has sold his Nashoba farm [Concord Rd. at Hildreth St.] to C. I. Wetmore, of Boston. Before buying, Mr. Wetmore had an instructor from Amherst look the property over and test the depth of soil in various parts of the farm. The soil drainage and other conditions were found favorable and the farm will be used for fruit growing. The sale was negotiated by Fred A. Smith, of Ayer, local agent for P. F. Leland. There are several sales pending, full and complete details will be furnished later.
Miss Alice Howard, who recently enjoyed a vacation at the parental home before returning to her library duties in Cotuit, was the guest for several days of Mrs. Algemon Coolidge at her home in Boston and enjoyed some pleasant social affairs, especially the weekly reception of Mrs. Lowell at Harvard college.
Among out-of-town guests at the Congregational banquet on last week Friday evening were Miss Elizabeth Cushing, from Lincoln; Miss Mary Davis, from Providence; Mrs. Cooper and Miss Helen Cooper, from Beverly, and Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Merrill, from Pine Point, Me.
Dr. O. V. Wells attended the Clinical Congress of Physicians and Surgeons during a part of last week in New York city. He was the guest, with Mrs. Wells, of his brother, Rev. G. Frederick Wells, during his stay in the city. Dr. W. H. Sherman was in charge of Dr. Wells’ practice while Dr. Wells was absent, and upon his return went to New York for the remaining days of the conference, which lasted one week, leaving his patients in charge of Dr. Wells.
Recent presentations to the J. V. Fletcher library are a large owl mounted on a pedestal, given by O. R. Spalding, and a hen hawk with his great wings spread, given by Edward Fisher. These are both fine specimens of their kind and also of the taxidermist’s art, and the top of the book stacks makes a roomy and effective place to display them.
Banquet. The annual banquet at the Congregational church took place last week Friday evening. This is the eighth consecutive season these events have taken place and good weather and attendance, fine speaking and a good supper combined to make it a success.
The long tables presented an attractive appearance laden with chicken pies and many other good things. The decorations were of ferns and bright red alderberries and carnations.
While the guests were gathering, an organ recital by Miss Mary Atwood, the church organist, was given, and at seven o’clock promptly, the time set for the diner, it was announced. After grace by the pastor, Mr. Wallace, the menu was thoroughly discussed along with much social good cheer. When this was over John P. Wright, toastmaster for the evening, rose and in his own happy felicitous manner and with many a bright story presided and introduced the speakers. It so happened at this banquet that the group of speakers were all laymen and with all due appreciation of the clergymen who have spoken so well at past gatherings of this kind the group Friday evening fully sustained the post prandial exercises and mingled many an earnest thought with their wit and fun.
Wm. H. Dooley, principal of the Industrial school in Lowell, was the first speaker and presented an interesting account of the work and aims of the Industrial school. Points covered were the dropping of the old apprenticeship system, dropped because of the modern method of specialization. The stepping in of the state with industrial schools where young people, both boys and girls, have opportunity to get training in various industries along with the English part of High school work. There are different types of boys and girls. The boy who goes to technology is a different type from the boy who goes to Harvard, but is just as much thought of, so the speaker urged that the boy who goes to industrial school is another type and should be just as much respected.
The next speaker was S. H. Thompson, a leading business man of Lowell, who after putting his hearers in the best of good humor, settled down to an earnest plea for the church as an institution and why it should be supported and as a power in the community. Never a nation founded as this one. The Pilgrims came here as a church. If we are to make good we must try to make our communities better than in past and we cannot afford to let such an institution as church has been to languish. The foreigner has come in and taken the farms of our past neighbors, and has come with his highest ideals and it is our problem to uphold and show that we believe in and cherish our church and its principles and that we realize that we are our brother’s keepers.
Principal Rodenbush of the academy responded to the toast, “Impressions of Westford and its people,” with such favorable and sincere goodwill that sentiments expressed may surely find mutual return. Mr. Rodenbush bespoke the continued upholding of the high ideals for which old Westford academy has always stood.
Wm. R. Taylor was introduced as the best master that Westford grange has ever had and presented a fine sketch of the best that the order stands for.
Last but by no means least our Senator-elect Edward Fisher and Representative-elect Samuel L. Taylor were called upon to respond to “After the election, what?” Mr. Fisher ably presented the mutual obligations of the man elected and his constituency and Mr. Taylor was at his brightest and best in which the keynote of optimism prevailed.
The speaking was nicely balanced with interspersing some excellent music. A ladies’ quartet under the direction of Miss May Atwood, accompanist, and consisting of Mrs. Charles D. Colburn, the Misses Pauline S. Wallace, Althea Symmes and Edna Ferguson sang with excellent effect during the evening the following numbers, “Oh, the days of the Kerry dance,” “Bridal chorus” from “The rose maiden” and “The lost chord.” Peter Picken of North Chelmsford, who sang here so acceptably last season, was a prince of after dinner entertainers in his comic character songs, giving “There’s a piper playing in the morning,” responding to a hearty recall with “A laughing song.” His second character song was “Dot leetle German band,” and as an encore “The bold fisherman.” Miss Ina Grace Lumbert acted as Mr. Picken’s skillful accompanist.
The committee in charge of the after dinner exercises was practically a committee of one, namely Rev. David Wallace. The committee in charge of the banquet was Miss L. B. Atwood, Mrs. S. L. Taylor and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, assisted by many willing helpers.
Birthday Party. A very pleasant surprise birthday party was enjoyed at the Greig Fairview farm last Saturday evening. This marked the forty-eighth milestone of life’s’ journey for David L. Greig, and a group of friends, about fifteen in number, in league with Mrs. Greig, proceeded to make the event of happy memory to him. He had been enlightened to the extent that two friendly neighbors might drop in for the evening and when a knock came at the door to admit them was thoroughly surprised to find a large group of friends waiting to be admitted, laden with good wishes and the intention of having one of the hospitable, jolly good times well known to be possible at Greig farm. Brother David quickly recovered from his surprise and combined readily with the rest of the household in extending hearty welcome and helping everyone to enjoy themselves.
Whist and music, both vocal and instrumental, was participated in and later a bountiful oyster supper was served. A large birthday cake, properly ornamented and dated, was part of the feast.
After a thoroughly pleasant evening the company took their departure with many good wishes to their host for many happy returns of the day.
Tadmuck Club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club was held in Library hall on Tuesday afternoon. It was a most successful afternoon with a Thanksgiving program. Miss Clara Smith was the hostess and the school children as guests of the day, and who in turn contributed much of the program. This was full of the spirit of Thanksgiving. A fine paper was contributed by Miss Caroline E. Heweth, a former member of the club, on “Thanksgiving, old and new,” which was much enjoyed and appreciated. Miss Edith A. Wright contributed an article on “Thanksgiving, its origin and significance,” and Miss Smith read Harriet Beecher Stowe’s “Thanksgiving at Oldtown.”
Good singing by the children and a group of recitations, all appropriate to the occasion, made up the remaining program. Those who recited were George Stranberg, Florence Wilson, Eben Prescott, Rachael Wallace, Frederick Amesbury, Bertram Sutherland, Daisy Kabele and the singing in closing of “America” by all present. There were twenty-five school children, four guests and fifty-five members present.
The next meeting, December 3, will be a lecture by Dr. David Snedden, of the State Board of Education, on “Vocational training.” This meeting will be in the Congregational church at eight o’clock and a very cordial invitation is extended to anyone interested in this timely subject to be present.
Reorganized. Owing to the fact that what was formerly known as the Ladies’ Social Circle of the Congregational church has for some years been dormant, a meeting was held on Wednesday evening at the vestry to organize some sort of equivalent union. That there has been no lack of willing service and helpful interest the past few years was fully recognized, but it has been felt for some time that this same interest and helpfulness properly organized could work more effectively. There were about twenty-five in attendance and much interest manifested. Mrs. Wallace was chosen moderator and later president of what is to be called the Ladies’ Aid society. Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, vice-president, and Miss Mary P. Bunce, secretary and treasurer. Further details worked out were the time of meeting, dues and committees for the season’s social work.
Discover Disputed Location. In digging a drain for the cellar of Mrs. M. J. Wheeler’s house, part of the foundation of the home of Rev. Willard Hall, first minister of this town, has been discovered. This accords with the statements of some former residents of this village who are now no more, although some have placed the location a little farther up the street. That Mr. Hall’s home was here is proved as follows:
In Book 6, page 522 [N. Middlesex Registry of Deeds, dated May 7, 1797], of Westford copies of South Middlesex Registry of Deeds (these copies are in Lowell), we find that one hundred and ninety pounds [was paid by Jonathan Davis of Westford to William Whiting of Westford for] “six acres of land—with a dwelling house and a Barn on the same, the house being the house which the Revd. Willard hall lived in [near sd. Westford meeting house].”
This parcel of land later formed part of the farm of George Davis referred to in our quotation from Book 16, page 393, where we find Stephen Nichols, who lived where E. J. Whitney now lives, sold to Francis A. Leighton for $2800. Nine and one-half acres about fifty rods east of the meeting house, July 25, 1836.
In describing this parcel are these words: “to corner of wall at land of George Davis, then east on the wall by said George’s land to corner of the wall on the east side of the lane at land of said George, thence south on the wall by said George’s land to the corner of said road.”
The lane here mentioned is now called Paradise lane [now Wheeler Lane] and fixes the location of our first mentioned parcel of land. Part of the old cellar is filled with pieces of brick and stones which showed they had been in a chimney by the burnt surfaces.
A souvenir of the uncovering is preserved in the shape of a button, the size of a half dollar, of brass, nickel plated, so that most of its surface is still bright, though it must have been where found at least seventy-five years.
About Town. Henry O. Keyes has bought the Carey mill property located at the boundary junction of Groton, Dunstable and Tyngsboro, near the East Groton station on the Nashua and Acton railroad and close by Massacapic [sic, Massapoag] pond. This mill is located on the water rights of the Vale mills at Nashua and they hold the key to the control of the water rights. However, this may be the first turn of the key by the new purchaser to the control of the Meadows in Groton, which he has been considering.
The new dam at the water fall at Westford station has been finished and has added a thrifty and healthful appearance to other surroundings, and is one of many of the creditable business moves that explains more accurately than eulogies the life of George L. Moore. The two old-time granite mill stones laid at each corner of the abutment walls leading to the dam are conspicuous “trade mark” reminders of the ancient days in the history of the town and down to our own time, when changed conditions are making the old New England saw and grist mill look as though it would soon be spelled obsolete. The foundations for another building has been commenced, but orders at noon last Saturday discharged all the help and it looks now the closing down act until the frogs and birds begin to whistle in the spring.
The weather by way of its agent, the frost, on Tuesday morning pinched as low as eight at the Prairie farm, twelve at the Old Oaken Bucket farm and twenty at the heights of Tadmuck hill, where everything good is welcome except good zero weather. This nearness to zero caused a chill in the water about drowning thickness, or about one-half inch thick. It had the appearance of double that. Better measure before you skate, it may save a good deal of rumpus under the ice.
Rev. Lyman B. Weeks will take for his subject on Sunday “The dead, where are they and what are they doing?”
Daniel H. Sheehan is running to its limit his cider-cotton-woolen mill on Tadmuck brook near the Lowell road.
Several carloads of apple pomace have been shipped from the Haynes-Piper cider mill at Ayer to Westford, where after a few chemical changes it is shipped to Boston in eight and one-half quart cans and sold for thirty-seven and one-half cents a can.
William H. Lynds, of Lowell, the genealogical dictionary of memory, was in town on Sunday calling at the Prairie farm, the Old Oaken Bucket and the Bannister [all on Lowell Road], and from there side-stepped to lingering meditations in the territory where lived in 1696 Josiah Burge, for whom Burge pond was named and who owned the territory around this pond, which is in woods without inlet or outlet, about half a mile northwest of Westford station.
A grass fire started on Wednesday afternoon on land of Amos Polley, caused by close relation to engines on the Stony Brook [rail]road. The land was well hemmed in to prevent much of a spread to close-by lands—the Stony Brook railroad on the north, the Stony Brook town road on the east, the Stony Brook on the south and a green cabbage patch on the west. After much stamping of boots and spatting of shovels the fire was less of itself than when it first entered business.
The trustees of Westford academy have elected William C. Rodenbush [sic] as the successor of Principal D. E. Coggeshall, who resigned to accept a position at Newton. Mr. Rodenbush graduated from Williams college and the year following his graduation studied at Yale university. He then spent a summer traveling in Europe and the next fall began teaching in a boys’ private school in New York city, where he remained two years. Since leaving New York Mr. Rodenbush has taught in private schools, having charge of boys in their dormitory life as well as class work. He comes to Westford from Farmington, Me., where he was for two years the first assistant master in the Abbott school for boys.
Special Town Meeting. The largest special town meeting in the history of the town in recent years was held on Wednesday evening at the town hall on the question of appropriating a few hundred dollars to continue the transportation of school children on the line of the electric road from Brookside to Westford.
The meeting was called to order by Hon. Edward Fisher, town clerk. Owing to the magnitude of the gathering and the clutter of seats, Capt. S. H. Fletcher moved, and it was voted, that John P. Wright cast one ballot for Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher for moderator. He assumed the duties in his usual efficient and courteous manner.
After reading article two, which was in substance: “To see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum of money sufficient to continue the transportation of school children on the electric road from Brookside to Westford,” Abiel J. Abbot presented the following motion: That there be expended from the moneys raised and appropriated for town debts and charges, a sum not exceeding $600 for the maintenance of electric car service between Westford Center and Brookside for the transportation of children attending school. After presenting this motion he spoke in favor of it in several convincing ways. Citizens of the Center having contributed nearly $1000 to meet the deficiencies in running expenses, and as the whole town is directly or indirectly benefited by it, it would seem to be more fair to distribute the burden.
He was followed by Hon. Edward Fisher, counsel for the town, who gave a detailed history of this line of service from its early beginnings down to the date of the special town meeting, the line, by order of the railroad commissioners, to run as long as running expenses are met by carfares or subscription. This order has been complied with and a second and new stop is up for consideration, the present car having been condemned by the railroad commissioners, and the company, not feeling financially able to replace it, and the school committee having voted transportation of school children over this line, it was up to the town to act and act speedily.
Mr. Fisher showed in his argument that the town could secure more than $300 a year by transporting by way of the electric line as compared with horse transportation. It was shown that the Lowell and Fitchburg road was paying an annual excise tax of nearly $300, based on the mileage on the highway, and that the greater part of this mileage was on the Brookside line. If this line were to stop the excise tax would largely vanish, and that if $600 were voted, the expenditure would be only what was paid in as excise tax. The Brookside line pays the Lowell and Fitchburg in fares from $1200 to $1400 yearly, which would weaken the main line were it to cease. The decreased valuation of property along the line would add to the taxes away from the line.
The arguments were unanswerable and unanswered, and many who came loaded to vote against it voted wiser and the yea and nay vote stood yes 154, no 87.
Graniteville. Both masses in St. Catherine’s church on Sunday morning were celebrated by Rev. Edward C. Mitchell, who delivered a very forceful sermon on “Friendship.” Mr. Mitchell is an eloquent speaker and his sermon was followed with the deepest interest by the large congregation at both masses. He also announced that the instruction for the children will take place on Saturday afternoon between 1:30 and 2:30, instead of 9:30 to 10:30 in the morning as has been the usual custom. This change is made for Saturday only, in order to attend to other work in connection with the church.
Miss Martha Lorman, of Lowell, has been a recent guest of Miss Belle Carpenter.
The hunting season for deer is now on and several of the local sportsmen are now on the trail with high hopes of shooting a deer, and incidentally adding a nice side dish of venison for the Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone who owns a gun knows just where to locate a deer, but probably when the week has ended they will have another guess coming. Edward M. Abbot, of the Abbot Worsted Company, has been one of the lucky ones, however, for he shot a fine buck near the Groton line on last Monday. The deer is now on exhibition at the store of J. Herbert Fletcher in Westford Center.
Miss Engla Mattson left here on last Tuesday for Chicago, where she will spend the next few weeks.
The special town meeting at the Center in the town hall on Wednesday night attracted a large number of the voters, and seldom has a question created such deep interest as this matter concerning the branch electric road between Westford Center and Brookside.
The mill pond was frozen over for the first time this season on last Monday night. During the past week the people here have experienced the first touch of winter.
In spite of the bad weather on Thursday of last week, the sale and entertainment given under the auspices of the Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church was well attended and the different tables were liberally patronized. In the evening at eight o’clock a fine musical program was given in the church vestry under the able management of George Wilson, and this was really considered one of the finest programs that has been given in the church for a long time.
Saturday, November 30, 1912
Center. Principal Rodenbush [sic], of the academy [1912-1937], is arranging an especially attractive course of entertainments to come a little later in the season, and they certainly merit and should receive the hearty support of all. Adequate notice will be given later.
Rev. C. C. Merrill, representing the seven benevolent societies of the Congregational church, and an especial exponent of the apportionment plan, was the preacher at the Congregational church on last Sunday morning and proved an excellent speaker. In the evening Mrs. Wallace was the leader for the Thanksgiving service, which in spite of inclement weather, was well attended and well sustained.
Letters to the Westford friends from Rev. and Mrs. C. P. Marshall, at Plymouth, tell of getting nicely settled in their home and of liking their new environment exceedingly well.
Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Carver’s little daughter Elizabeth is quite seriously ill.
Members of the Tadmuck Club will please bear in mind the lecture of Dr. David Snedden, state commissioner of education, on “Vocational training.” This will be in the evening at eight o’clock, in the Congregational church next Tuesday, and a very cordial invitation is extended to everyone interested in this practical subject, whether members of the club or not, to be present.
Owing to full columns last week we did not chronicle the successful ones in the season’s open week for deer. Edward Abbot secured the first one, and J. Herbert Fletcher and Robert Prescott the second one, between them, both being especially fine specimens.
Miss Ella F. Hildreth attended the Middlesex Woman’s club, of which she is a member, on Monday afternoon and enjoyed Prof. Harvey W. Wiley’s lecture on “Food values.”
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Young, of Lowell, were week-end guests of Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth. Another guest was Victor Cutter, of Guatemala, Central America. Mr. Cutter is at home on a visit to his home people in Dracut. He and Mr. Hildreth were college mates at Dartmouth. An interesting present to his host and hostess was a large mahogany tray, the whole being shaped from one piece of this beautiful wood, which is so abundant in the country of Guatemala.
The Whitney summer home is closed for the season and its occupants gone to their Brookline home.
A little son [Victor Marshall Green] was born [Nov. 22] to Mr. and Mrs. William E. Green this last week, making the seventh child in the family. A son [George Durgin Dane] was also recently born [Nov. 22] to Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Dane, which is also a seventh child.
Mrs. David Wallace went the first of this week to West Hartford, Vt., called there by the serious illness of her mother.
On Sunday afternoon there will be a five o’clock service at the Unitarian church, at which Mr. Weeks will preside, and a cordial invitation is extended to all to be present.
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fisher spent Thanksgiving with the Swampscott relatives.
Principal William C. Rodenbush went to Clifton Springs, N.Y., to spend the Thanksgiving holidays.
Mr. and Mrs. John M. Fletcher entertained a family gathering Thanksgiving day.
Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Watson and Mrs. Edmund Day spent Thanksgiving with Groton relatives.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Wright and son Livingston are spending the Thanksgiving holidays at H. L. Wright’s.
The senior class of the academy and their teachers conducted a very pleasant dancing party at the town hall on last week Friday evening. The Colonial orchestra, of Lowell, always a favorite with our young people, furnished music for the dancing. Refreshments were served at intermission. Besides a large attendance of home people, there were many present from surrounding villages.
Members of the Edward M. Abbot hose company were fortunate enough to come in for an extra Thanksgiving feast this year. J. Herbert Fletcher and Robert Prescott, the mighty Nimrods recently so successful at deer hunting, shared their trophy with these friends on Thanksgiving eve by giving a fine roast venison dinner at the company’s headquarters on Boston road. Vegetables, relishes, dessert and all that goes to make an appetizing dinner accompanied the game. It goes without saying that full justice was done to the good things and the generosity of their hosts was fully appreciated by the members and guests.
The members of the Ladies’ Alliance of the Unitarian church are invited to visit Rev. and Mrs. Lyman B. Weeks at their home in Somerville on December 12, and quite a number of the members are planning to go.
Frank C. Wright has his order placed for a new five-passenger Ford automobile. Mr. Wright expects to use his new purchase on his R.F.D. route.
Mrs. Frances B. Prescott and son Robert moved this last week and are getting settled nicely in their new apartment in the same house with Mr. and Mrs. John S. Greig.
Grange. At the grange on last week Thursday evening, it was “poets’ evening,” in charge of Mrs. Perley E. Wright, Mrs. Alvin Nelson and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler. The latter gave a talk on poetry in general, its place in literature, and what it may mean to the average busy man and woman, using quotations from various writers to illustrate. Mrs. Wright’s chosen poet for the evening was Sam Walter Foss, Mrs. Nelson had also arranged for the singing of “Silver threads among the gold,” written by Mr. Rexford. This was sung by Miss Rachel Wall, accompanied by Miss Grace Lumbert. Mrs. Wheeler gave sketches of the poets Longfellow and Tennyson.
A balancing of the program along practical lines were the reading of some short papers on “Woman’s work.” These were recently given at a session of the Middlesex Worcester grange, and were so good that a loan of them had been secured for this meeting.
The first paper was “Woman’s work in the home,” by Mrs. Emma Collier, of Groton, read by Mrs. A. H. Sutherland. “Woman’s work in the community,” by Mrs. Mary D. Boynton, of Groton, was read by Mrs. J. H. Colburn. “Woman’s work in the grange,” by Mrs. John Wright, of Littleton, was read by Mrs. S. L. Taylor, and “Woman’s work in the church,” in the form of an original poem, by Mrs. Vernal Barber, of Townsend, was read by Miss Grace Lumbert.
Notice of the sessions of the state grange to be held at Springfield on December 10-12 was read; also, the meeting of the Middlesex-North Pomona grange to be held at I.O.O.F. hall, Bridge street, Lowell, December 6. At the next meeting of Westford grange the annual election of officers will take place, and a full attendance of the members is hoped for.
Owing to the fact that a good delegation of Westford members attended the meeting at Littleton the previous evening, and others were at Chelmsford on Thursday evening, the attendance was necessarily only fair.
Thanksgiving Guests. Thanksgiving day, the essentially home holiday of the year, was apparently a quiet day in our village, but there were many fireside festivals enjoyed and some went to gather around festive boards in other places. Guests at the H. V. Hildreths were Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Hildreth, Mrs. Allen and daughter Catherine, all of Malden, and Miss Edith Lawrence, of Campello; at A. W. Hartford’s, Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Hawkes, of Graniteville; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hawkes, Wesley Hawkes and Miss Dora Hawkes, of Melrose; Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Merritt entertained Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Wright and Mrs. Tyler; James Kimball was at the Luce homestead, and Mrs. A. E. Prescott at the Prescott home. At Dr. O. V. Wells, the guests were Mrs. Sarah E. Hill, Miss Hannah Morrill and Mr. and Mrs. Frank B. Bailey all of Somerville. Miss Loker and Miss Bunce entertained Mr. and Mrs. Henry A. Bunce and daughters of North Chelmsford, and Misses Carrie and Maria Bunce, of Lowell.
At Sherman H. Fletcher’s, Miss Emily F. Fletcher and the George T. Days were guests. Mr. and Mrs. John S. Greig entertained in their new home Mrs. Frances B. Prescott, Robert Prescott and Mr. and Mrs. O. R. Spalding. Miss Harriet Hodgman was a Thanksgiving guest at Mrs. Helen K. Frost’s; Mr. and Mrs. C. Willis Hildreth had a family dinner party at their home on Thanksgiving eve, at which their sons and families were present, and the following day Mr. and Mrs. Charles Hildreth were guests at Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Heywood’s.
About Town. Lt. Gov. Luce and Councilor J. Stearns Cushing were recent guests of Councilor Herbert E. Fletcher at his Oak hill estate.
Henry O. Keyes, who has recently purchased the Carey mill property near the East Groton station on the Nashua and Acton railroad, will soon fit it up as a distributing center of electricity. He has already moved dynamite and derrick from his ledge on the heights of Oak hill to his new headquarters for manufacturing electricity. With dynamite and derrick he proposes to change over this old landmark gristmill-sawmill structure and water power and wire it to send everybody a bouquet of electricity who wished to be introduced to it.
Joseph L. Sargent has bought the small cattle barn on the Read farm, and has commenced to tear it down and remove it to his farm on the Chamberlin road and fit it up as a summer refrigerator filled with zero winter water [i.e., as an ice house].
The next meeting of the Fortnightly club will be held at the Wright schoolhouse, Groton road, next Friday evening. The program is not fully completed for publication, but judging the program by the life of the club it will be awake with attraction. A humorous play is in preparation and expected to be ready for the next meeting. Come and see how much latent fun has been slumbering, that needed only the call of the Fortnightly club to stir up a hub-bub. Others who took part at the last meeting not previously mentioned were Mrs. O. A. Nelson in humorous reading, little Miss Anna Wyman in recitation, and Master Ernest E. Wright in a statesman-like selection from the gifted past of great leaders of men.
The next meeting of the W.C.T.U. will be held on next Wednesday afternoon at the Old Oaken Bucket farm, corner of Lowell and Stony Brook road.
At the Unitarian church on Sunday, Rev. Lyman B. Weeks will speak on “Thanksgiving. Why and what.” An evening service will be held in the church at five o’clock, with special and appropriate musical entertainment. Mr. Weeks will speak on a subject to be announced, as he is an able and eloquent preacher with fire and energy to spare.
Stakes are up for the route of the Grand Trunk railroad from Nashua to Boston. After leaving North Chelmsford the line will cross the Lowell road about midway of the farm formerly owned by Smith Adams.
John H. Keefe lost a horse recently from paralysis of the limbs. The horse was a valuable one for this rocky Francis hill farm.
Gerhald [sic] H. Decatur, of Porto [sic] Rico, sends greetings to Massachusetts in Westford that the Stony Brook valley has been admitted to practice law on commonwealth rights in the town of Boston.
The West Chelmsford Debating society, which has been lying awake with cold feet for many months, held a meeting Tuesday evening at Historical hall and decided that “A living dog is better than a dead lion,” and decided to go to barking again as soon as they could clear their mouths of Thanksgiving pudding.
William Whitney, on the Lowell road, who has been helping on the improvements of George C. Moore at Westford station, has secured employment with the Pratt & Forrest Lumber Company, at Lowell.
The last meeting of the Branch Alliance met with Mrs. George T. Day with thirteen members present. It was voted to accept the invitation of Mrs. Weeks and hold the next meeting at her home in West Somerville on the second Thursday in December. All members invited and expected.
Mrs. Leonard ([Mary A.] Sherburne) Walker, of Groton, was a recent visitor in town at old familiar Walker homestead on Main street.
Husking Party. For the longest barn in town it looked like a small company that stripped the husks from three acres of corn, including many red ears and the penalty self-inflicted for husking such [i.e., a kiss], all of which labors of love, and lovely red ears was acted on the barn floor stage at the Perley E. Wright farm on the Tadmuck road on last Saturday evening. After the husking the company looked larger as they gathered at the supper table. Each looked like two for what was to do. This was partly owing to the exercise in the red ear department, but there was eatables galore. The Wrights were encouragingly assisted in the preparation of the indoor table husking by Mr. and Mrs. David L. Greig. As undertakers they knew just how to lay out and make everyone feel so home-like that no one desired any other kind of lay-out. The lawn and environments were lighted with Chinese lanterns. The supper tables and environments were lighted with one part kerosene oil and two parts of the light of the countenance of John P. Wright.
Club Meeting. The Fortnightly club had a dashing sendoff for the beginning of the “open season” at the Wright schoolhouse on last week Friday evening. The officers report the Fortnightly club start off under the most favorable conditions since its organization. The meeting was called to order by the president, Harry Ingalls. The secretary, Mrs. Ingalls, read the report of the last meeting. J. Everett Woods, Fred R. Blodgett, Gilman F. Wright, jr., Edwin H. Gould and Mrs. Harry Ingalls entertained with recitations. S. L. and W. R. Taylor were less mighty than Shakespeare, and on a less sized stage as they struck some right and left jabs in “Interviewing a granger.” J. Everett Woods, Horace E. Gould, W. R. and S. L. Taylor were trying to overtake Demosthenes and Cicero that made much word music. If it was not always on the key, it was not for lack of tuning up.
Forge Village. Communion services will be held at St. Andrew’s mission at 9:30 o’clock on Sunday morning.
Mrs. Louise Hughes is still confined to her home by illness.
William Burnett attended the meeting of the vestrymen of St. Andrew’s parish at Ayer on Tuesday evening.
The evening school sessions have commenced to be held in Recreation hall, the first being held on Monday evening. Young men and young women are welcome to join the classes. Mr. Parsons of Shirley is instructor.
Rehearsals are well under way for the play “Kleptomaniacs,” to be given by the young ladies of St. Andrew’s mission and it promises to be extremely good.
Cameron school closed on Wednesday afternoon for the Thanksgiving holidays.
Abbot Worsted Company closed down for the day on Thursday.
Graniteville. The members of Court Graniteville, F. of A., held a very interesting meeting in their rooms on last Thursday night with Charles E. Dudevoir, chief ranger, in the chair. Business of much importance was transacted, and the entertainment committee, through its chairman, Joe Wall, reported much progress. Rehearsals will soon commence, and the date and form of entertainment will be announced later.
An organization to be known as the Imperial quartet has recently been formed in this village and consists of the following well-known singers and musicians: Miss Lillian Moran, Mrs. Edith Brooks, Henry Smith, R. J. McCarthy. Miss Ruth M. Furbush, the well-known pianist, is also a member of the organization.
Mrs. James Dow, with her daughter, Miss Mary Dow, of Laconia, N.H., have been visiting with Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Beebe for the past few days.
Many members of the Epworth league joined with fellow members from Forge Village on last week Thursday night and enjoyed a very pleasant straw-ride to Groton, under the special escort of Mr. Barnes, superintendent at the town farm. Everyone had a good time and it was one of the most successful forms of amusements planned by this society in a long time, and considering the many pleasant gatherings they have had of late, this is saying a great deal.
Both masses in St. Catherine’s church on Sunday morning were celebrated by the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield. Mr. Schofield also announced the requiem mass that was to be celebrated on Thanksgiving morning at 7:30 o’clock.
The first of a series of illustrated lectures was given in the M.E. church on last Sunday evening by the pastor, Rev. U. H. Layton. Owing to the stormy weather, the attendance was not as large as was expected, but those that did attend were well rewarded by listening to a fine lecture excellently delivered. The subject on last Sunday evening was “The life of Christ.” These lectures, with a different subject each evening, will be given on every Sunday night for the next three months. A great treat is in store for all who attend.
The open season for deer is now passed and not one Graniteville hunter was fortunate in “bringing home the venison.” Of course several of them got excellent shots at them, and no doubt wounded the animal, but the deer kept on going. The local hunters are not discouraged, however, but are unanimous in saying: “Wait till next year.”
A very pleasant surprise party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Monahan on last Saturday night. Many were in attendance from Ayer, Pepperell, North Chelmsford and Forge Village, as well as those in the immediate vicinity. Refreshments were served and all had a very enjoyable time. A pleasing incident in connection with the affair was the presentation of a fine up-to-date sweater to Mr. Monahan.