The Westford Wardsman, November, 1914
Saturday, November 7, 1914
Center. “The American Standard,” the official organ of the Spanish war veterans, J. Walter Mitchell, editor, has accepted the “Hank Harkins” series by Walter L. Cutler [Cutter], of this town, at a worth while figure. This paper is published in the interest of all who have followed the flag and this series of Mr. Cutler’s well illustrates the pathetic, the thrilling and the funny side of soldier life by one who knows about it. The same editors publish the “National Tribune,” the G.A.R. Men’s paper.
Miss Beatrice Sutherland and Miss Grace Robinson have been accepted into membership in the Lowell Choral society, which society are planning to produce the cantata “Elijah.”
The directresses of the Ladies’ Aid of the Congregational church held an all-day meeting at the vestry on Thursday, cutting out and preparing work for the sale in conjunction with the December social. A basket dinner with hot coffee was enjoying at noon.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pickering have moved into the cosy [sic] house recently vacated by William Sutherland and his daughter.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Prescott Wright and Mrs. Elizabeth Whitney have returned to their winter home in Brookline.
Arthur H. Burnham has purchased a new Overland automobile for himself and family.
An interesting real estate deal this week is the purchase of the George E. Gould place [at 56 Main St.] opposite the town hall by Perley E. Wright.
Mrs. C. Abbot Clark and baby daughter have been visiting at the Westford homestead [Mr. and Mrs. Abiel J. Abbot].
Rev. B. H. Bailey was the guest while in town this week of Dr. and Mrs. O. V. Wells.
Wright and Fletcher are making a change at the front of their store. The old piazza with its sturdy pillars that has stood for so many years has been removed and bay windows at each side of the entrance are being built. This change much improves the sidewalk line and when finished will be an improvement to the store. A. H. Sutherland is doing the work.
The high school pupils held a Hallowe’en party at the town hall on Thursday afternoon of last week in charge of Miss Moreland and Miss Young.
At the Congregational church last Sunday morning Mrs. Perley E. Wright and Mrs. Rose E. Green were received into membership. At the evening service there were twenty-five in the chorus choir under the direction of Mrs. Jeanette Wright. J. W. Rafter, Miss Sarah W. Loker and L. W. Wheeler gave reports of the recent conference of churches in Acton. The annual church banquet will take place on Tuesday evening with good speakers, music, etc.
Death. The community was saddened last Sunday morning to hear that Mrs. Homer M. Seavey had died at the Lowell General hospital. Mrs. Seavey was taken to the hospital about six weeks ago to undergo an operation for appendicitis. Complications set in from which she was unable to rally and she gradually grew weaker until death came.
Adelaide Mitchell Seavey was born in Cambridge on October 13, 1869, and here her childhood and girlhood were spent, receiving her education in the schools of that city. In 1895 she was united in marriage to Homer M. Seavey and they moved to Westford in 1899, purchasing the village fruit farm opposite the town hall [located between the J. V. Fletcher Library at 50 Main St. and 56 Main St.]. Mrs. Seavey is survived by her husband, Homer M. Seavey; three sons, Marden, a student at Tufts college, Morton and Gordon; a daughter, Marjorie, who is a student at Boston university; her mother, Mrs. Mary E. Mitchell, of Cambridge, and two brothers, Fred Mitchell, of Newton, and Walter Mitchell, of Los Angeles, Cal.
The deceased was a member of the Tadmuck club, of the W.C.T.U., of which organization she was secretary and treasurer, and also a member of the Unitarian church and of the Woman’s Alliance and the church choir, in all of which she took an efficient and helpful part as far as health and strength permitted, and in which she will be much missed, but it is in the home circle where she was the devoted and loving wife and mother that her going away will be most keenly felt. To this stricken circle she leaves a blessed heritage of memory in all that was best in her relations as daughter, wife, mother and sister.
The funeral was held at the Unitarian church in the beautiful autumn sunshine Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 in the presence of a large gathering of relatives and friends. Rev. Julian R. Pennington, pastor of the church, was the officiating clergyman [Rev. Julian R. Pennington was pastor of the Unitarian church from 1914 to 1915], assisted by Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey, Mrs. Seavey’s former pastor, and whose acquaintance extended over a longer period and it was a tribute of rare and wise; of loving and tender sympathy that he rendered to the memory of this excellent woman. Albert E. Prescott sang two beautiful selections, “Abide with me” and “O rest ye in the Lord.” The casket was completely banked with a profusion of beautiful flowers as follows:
Sprays of pinks, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Mitchell, Daniel Jones and Mrs. David Jones, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Meacham, Mr. and Mrs. H. D. Foss, Mr. and Mrs. G. E. Jenkins, Mrs. Mary E. Calvert, J. M. Fletcher and Miss Eva E. Fletcher, Albert W. Heywood and children, H. L. Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Ames, Mrs. Henry T. Moulton, Charles M. Pear; sprays of roses, Mr. and Mrs. Dwight W. Ensign, Mr. and Mrs. George Cobb, Mrs. Phonsie Isles and Miss Hilda Isles, Mr. and Mrs. Oscar R. Spalding, Mrs. M. Elizabeth Whitney, Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Mr. and Mrs. S. H. Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. J. A. Cameron; sprays of chrysanthemums, Mr. and Mrs. Charles D. Rice, Dr. and Mrs. Wells, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Blodgett and family, Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth, Mr. and Mrs. Alex McDougal, Miss Sarah W. Loker and Miss Mary P. Bunce, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hartford and Miss Hazel, Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Merritt, Charles O. Prescott, William L. Woods and Clifford, W.C.T.U., Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Carver, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Wright and family, Mr. and Mrs. ?. E. Burgess; spray of snapdragons, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Pear; basket of daisies and roses, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler; wreath, Alliance of Unitarian Women; wreath of roses, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Abbot; basket of chrysanthemums, Misses Gertrude and Julia Fletcher; wreath of chrysanthemums and roses, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Edwards; wreath of roses and spray of pinks, mother and auntie; cut flowers and roses, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Greig.
The bearers were Charles O. Prescott, Herbert V. Hildreth, William C. Roudenbush and Harwood L. Wright. Interment was in Fairview cemetery and the funeral arrangements were in charge of David L. Greig & Son.
Tadmuck Club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place on Tuesday evening at the town hall and was a lecture given to the townspeople by Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher on the Panama canal. The material for this lecture was gathered by Mr. Fletcher during his two trips to the canal zone and was an interesting and instructive presentation of the history and accomplishment of this greatest feat of engineering in the world. Mr. Fletcher illustrated his lecture with many excellent views and at its close was given a hearty rising vote of thanks for the gracious service to the community. The next meeting which is given in the calendar to take place November 17, will be postponed to Friday, November 20. This is presidents’ day and Mrs. George Winslow Perkins, president of the State Federation of Woman’s clubs, can be present on that day. There will also be presidents from other clubs. The hostess for the afternoon is Mrs. Hammett D. Wright and the meeting will be at the Congregational church.
About Town. John Greig has been seriously ill at his home, the Fairview farm, on Main street [124 Main St.]. Dr. Wells has been in attendance and a decided improvement has resulted.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle and Branch Alliance of the Unitarian church at a recent meeting elected the following officers: Mrs. Alma M. Richardson, pres.; Mrs. Homer M. Seavey v.p.; Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth, rec. sec.; Miss Clara A. Smith, cor. sec.; Miss Emily F. Fletcher, treas.; chairmen—postoffice mission and cheerful letter, Mrs. George T. Day; religious intelligence, Mrs. W. E. Frost; honorary members, Mrs. B. H. Bailey, Mrs. H. B. Hall. The next meeting will be held on Saturday, November 14. Rev. J. R. Pennington will speak on “The religious outlook.”
Gunners are abundant and reckless. Here are some facts: The Prairie farm on the Lowell road had a cow, while peaceably chewing her cud in the pasture, badly lamed by being shot in the hind leg, being mistaken for a pheasant. A farmer living on Francis hill, while picking apples from a ladder, was shot off the tree by an “open season gunman,” he mistaking the man for a partridge.
The small cottage house on the Lowell road near Brookside, after having been raised skyward, has recently been razed earthward and will become part of a new house at Brookside that is being built by Edward B. Whitney, near the Matthew Smith store and residence
The sale of the Flushing pond farm and personal property last Saturday brought out the usual auction crowd and prices on personal property were well up towards new. The place itself was bid at $2800 to a Lowell party
The Houghton Osgood farm on Frances hill [178 Main St.] has picked 600 barrels of apples while as many more have been picked by gravitation. Mr. Osgood has abandoned all other branches of farming and makes apple raising a specialty.
Matthew MacNaughton of Westford Corner, who has been paving cutter at the H. E. Fletcher Oak hill quarry, has gone to Connecticut to work, owing to the dullness of Oak hill.
Rev. E. Leese, of the Village church of West Chelmsford, has organized a Young People’s Social club. Mr. Leese was elected president, Harry Carlson, secretary, and George Reid, treasurer. Meetings will be held every Saturday evening in the vestry of the church.
The election of Rep. Charles A. Kimball [of Littleton] as senator from the seventh Middlesex district is well worth so good a day for so good a deed. He has the equipment of native ability and the well tested equipment of the scholar.
The monthly social of the West Chelmsford Benevolent society will be held in the vestry of the church next Wednesday evening. The evening will be in charge of Miss Lottie Snow. There will be songs, recitals and speaking and other fun to help the funds of the society, including a Dutch supper like unto Holland land.
Mr. and Mrs. I. A. Snow and Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Taylor motored to South Framingham this week to see Mrs. Taylor’s father, C. D. Cushing, who will soon leave for Florida.
Miss May Boynton has been on the sick list this week.
At a recent Hallowe’en husking-bee party at the farm home of Joseph L. Sargent, Chamberlain’s Corner, Mrs. Ryan and John H. Keefe were first prize winners in the fun entertainment of the evening’s varied program.
W.C.T.U. The regular meeting of the W.C.T.U. was held at the home of Mrs. S. L. Taylor on Wednesday afternoon with forty-one members and guests present. The president, Mrs. Janet Wright, presided in the usual enthusiastic manner. The opening devotional service in charge of Mrs. Wallace took the form of a memorial service to Mrs. Seavey, whose death is a great loss to the band of W.C.T.U. in this town. She was the treasurer of the society and for years had been actively interested in the work. A committee was appointed, consisting of Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Wallace and Mrs. Blaney, to draw up resolutions upon the death of this beloved and devoted member. Mrs. Blaney sang very sweetly and tenderly an appropriate song.
The death of Mrs. Seavey made it necessary to choose a new treasurer and Mrs. Bert Walker was appointed.
A fine talk was given by Mrs. Clark, president of the Lowell W.C.T.U. Mrs. Clark has been president there for many years and she spoke with great ease and authority of the work which has been done illustrating it with posters. At the conclusion of her talk Mrs. Wright, on behalf of the society, presented Mrs. Fifield with a traveling bag and a purse of money. Mrs. Fifield was one of the charter members of this society, which was organized in 1893, and on the roll call for that year her name appears first. As Mrs. Fifield leaves this week, the town which has been her home so long, her friends in the society made it an occasion for presenting a gift as an evidence of their regard.
Mrs. Emery J. Whitney presented the society with a pieced-up cover for a comforter to be given to the Bedford home. Refreshments were served and a social hour followed.
The next meeting will be held on December 2 in the vestry of the Congregational church with Mrs. Bert Walker and Miss Edith Wright in charge. Mrs. Case, of South Acton, will speak on temperance and missions.
Graniteville. The spirit of Hallowe’en was manifested in several ways by the younger element here on last Saturday evening, the Jack-o’-lantern parade by the small children in the early evening being one of the pleasing features. Others attired in grotesque costumes enjoyed themselves and kept others amused during their many visits throughout the village. There was considerable mischief done also, including the removal of blinds from some houses and the misplacement of most anything that was found lying about loose. There was no serious damage done and as it was all done in the spirit of fun one is apt to overlook those things, for as the saying goes “Hallowe’en comes but once a year.”
William Buckingham, the well-known ball player, was accidentally shot in the left leg by Alfred Hughes while out hunting last Monday. The shot were small and only a few took effect. The wound was not troublesome and no serious results are anticipated.
The local firemen were called out for a chimney fire in the large block owned by Mrs. Rachel Reed in West Graniteville on Wednesday afternoon. Sparks from the chimney had also set fire to part of the roof and but for the timely arrival of the firemen, who soon had a stream of water playing from a nearby hydrant, the result would have been more serious. The loss is estimated at about $200, which is covered by insurance.
The feast of All Saints was observed in St. Catherine’s church on last Sunday. Both masses were celebrated by Rev. Edward C. Mitchell, who delivered strong and interesting sermons at both masses. Mr. Mitchell also announced that the regular meeting for the members of the Holy Name society would be held after the second mass on Sunday.
Frank Hapgood, aged sixty-seven years, died at the home of his son-in-law, Frank Healy, Monday, November 2. Mr. Hapgood has been an invalid since he came to reside here some eight years ago and before that time had been a resident of Lowell for several years. He had been a valued employee of the Lawrence Mfg. Co. in Lowell for a period of over thirty-seven years. The funeral took place from his home here on Thursday. Burial was in the family lot in Lowell.
Banquet. The community banquet and quarterly conference drew a large number at the M.E. church on last Monday night. The Ladies’ Aid society had charge of the banquet, which was all that could be desired, and served in an excellent manner. The head waiters were Mrs. Hammett D. Wright and Mrs. Harry N. Fletcher. The pastor was toastmaster. The M.E. orchestra furnished excellent music during the evening and the entertainment consisted of solos by the male quartet, vocal solo by Miss Alice May Gilson and a fine piano solo by George Wilson. Speeches were made by different clergymen from Lowell and Ayer and a fine address was given by Dr. George B. Dean, the district superintendent. The whole affair was a great success.
Aside from the many who attended from the immediate vicinity there was a delegation of some forty odd persons from West Chelmsford, who came over the road in a large motor truck. The committee in charge feel deeply grateful to all those who helped in any way toward the success of the affair.
Forge Village. The Ladies’ Sewing circle will hold a sale of plain and fancy articles, homemade bread, cakes and candies in Recreation hall next Thursday afternoon and evening. Sandwiches and coffee will also be on sale. Come and buy your Christmas gifts early and help a worthy cause. Proceeds will be used for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle were entertained at the home of Mrs. William Fernald on Wednesday.
Mrs. Ernest Longbottom of East Lexington returned home Monday after a visit of a few days with relatives here.
Cameron school closed Friday to allow the teachers to attend their annual meeting in Ayer.
V. C. Wetmore of Nashoba farm has been enjoying several days of the hunting season in New Hampshire.
The pupils of Cameron school are to hold a concert shortly in Abbot hall, the proceeds to be used to purchase a Victrola for the school.
Mrs. Ida M. Parrott has purchased a new upright piano with bench.
Mr. and Mrs. James Simpson and children of Clinton spent Sunday as guests of Mrs. M. A. Lowther.
Mrs. Percy Hargreaves of Beverly and her sister-in-law, Miss Bessie Hargreaves, of Keighley, England, visited Mrs. M. A. Lowther last week.
Miss Mary Conlon, one of the oldest residents of town, died October 29 at the Home for Aged Women in Boston at the age of ninety-three years. Miss Conlon was taken to the home two weeks ago. She was employed in the mill of Abbot & Co. nearly forty years, but retired several years ago and lived alone here. She leaves a nephew, Michael Gallagher, of Philadelphia, Pa. The body was brought to Lowell and [the] funeral took place from the rooms of the undertaker. Interment was in St. Patrick’s cemetery, Lowell.
Walter Bennett and three children of Townsend spent Sunday at the home of Mrs. Harriet Randall.
The Sunshine club held a delightful Hallowe’en party in Recreation hall on Saturday evening.
Percy Kilminster, who is taking a course for the ministry at Tilton seminary, Tilton, N.H., spent Saturday and Sunday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Fred Naylor.
Miss Eva F. Pyne spent the weekend as guest of Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Guyer of Dorchester.
The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Flanagan [born Aug. 24, 1914] was baptized Eleanor Agnes [Orlena A., per the Westford vital records] by Rev. Williston M. Ford at St. Andrew’s mission Sunday afternoon. The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. William Blodgett [born Aug. 25, 1914, in Groton] was christened Walter Iliffe at the same service, as was also the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Whigham [born Nov. 21, 1913], who was named Irving [Irving William].
A combined stereopticon and postcard projector has been purchased for lecture work at St. Andrew’s mission. Mr. Wetmore will have charge of putting the lantern in position. The lantern and outfit, which cost about $150, was given by generous supporters of the mission. A lecture with views will be given shortly.
Many from here attended the community banquet held in the Methodist church, Graniteville, Monday evening.
The many friends of Hugh Ferguson will be pleased to learn that he is recovering from his recent illness.
Saturday, November 14, 1914
Center. Mrs. J. R. Draper’s many Westford friends will be glad to know that she is making good convalescence from her recent operation for appendicitis.
James O’Brien shot a fox on L. W. Wheeler’s farm on Wednesday of this week. Sir Reynard As a farmer he showed up the poverty side of the milk industry with an over-meddling state inspection that hasn’t found out that sanitary milk can be produced in an old shanty or shed. It was a great and graceful address, full of every-day working wisdom, lightened up and made easy of digestion by frequent recourse to a well stored fund of native wit so easily natural to his personality.
This address was followed by humorous readings by Mrs. Sherburn, of Tyngsboro, to the delight of several repetitions. Singing followed, this also getting a recall. State Master Chapman came late and gave a stirring, straight from the shoulder address on “Home and Grange life.” It was a well worthy counterpart of the address that preceded it.
Graniteville. The members of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held a largely attended and interesting meeting in their rooms on Tuesday night. Considerable business of importance was transacted, after which a social hour was enjoyed. A very pleasing entertainment was given and refreshments were served.
The local hunters are now looking forward to the open season for deer, but if some of them do not have any better luck than they did with the pheasants, the deer will be safe all right.
The members of Westford, M.C.O.F., held their regular meeting on Thursday night.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. Hammett Wright on Thursday afternoon.
While watching a street brawl between some Russians here last Monday evening Alex Couture, an innocent bystander, was stabbed in the face by one of the fellows, who immediately jumped on a car and made tracks for Forge Village. Mr. Couture found it necessary to seek medical aid and Dr. W. H. Sherman dressed the wound. In the meantime Constable Frank Healy got in touch with the knife handler and had him summoned to appear in court at Ayer on Wednesday.
The members of Court Graniteville, F. of A., are planning on holding a very enjoyable smoke talk after their next regular meeting night that will be held on Thursday, November 19.
Death. Word has been recently received of the death of Mrs. Flora Palmer Joslin, wife of Dr. S. L. Joslin, who died in Reno, Nevada, on Thursday, November 5. She leaves, besides her husband, an infant daughter; also, her father, L. P. Palmer; two brothers, Lewis B. and Mark, all of this village, and one sister, Jennie, who lived near her in Nevada. Flora Palmer, as she was familiarly called by her many friends here, was well and favorably known. Born in Graniteville, a graduate of the Westford academy and teacher in the Sargent school here, she entered into the social life of the village and was beloved by all. Of a sunny disposition, with a cheerful smile and a pleasant word for everyone, she made many friends and her death comes as a severe shock to the people here whose deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved husband and family at this sad hour. Her husband, Dr. S. L. Joslin, was a former practicing physician here.
Forge Village. Mr. and Mrs. V. C. Bruce Wetmore entertained a party of friends at Nashobah farm Wednesday. At noon a dainty luncheon was served and the remainder of the day was spent in playing whist. The party motored back to their homes in the early afternoon after thoroughly enjoying the day. Among them were Mrs. Charles Locke, Mrs. Arthur Moody, Mrs. H. S. Potter of Cambridge, Mrs. Adam Curtis, Mrs. Harmon F. Curtis, Mrs. C. A. Boutelle of Newton Center and Mrs. H. M. Savage of Cohassett.
Miss Margaret O’Hara and Miss Margaret Benedict, of Concord, N.H., are guests of Mrs. Jane Dare, previous to a trip to Florida for the benefit of Miss Benedict’s health.
Miss Agnes Moran has returned from St. John’s hospital, Lowell, where she has been confined for several months. Miss Moran has suffered intensely for some years and her grit and courage in her fight for health has won for her many friends who sincerely hope that health will be restored to her once more.
Ernest Mountain, who was operated on for appendicitis at the Lowell General hospital, is reported as doing well and is expected to return home next week.
Many of the workmen at the different ledges [i.e., granite quarries] have been laid off for the winter.
Mrs. V. C. Bruce Wetmore, of Nashobah farm, is the guest of friends in Boston for a few days.
A donation of twenty-five dollars has been received by Cameron school from the Abbot Worsted Company toward the purchase of a Victrola.
George Wilson and William DeRoehn are among the delegates from the Graniteville Methodist church attending the Conference of the M.E. Board of Missions which is being held in Boston this week.
Sunday services will be held at St. Andrew’s mission at 4:30 in the afternoon. Sunday school will open at 3:30 o’clock.
Groton
Deaths. On Monday afternoon about one o’clock, after a very short but painful illness, Charles Parkhurst passed away at the home of Dr. Bowthorpe in North Shirley, where for some time he had taken his meals, Mrs. Parkhurst having been for a number of months in Nashua and Pepperell.
Mr. Parkhurst was around his home seemingly the same as usual on Sunday and his sudden death on the following day came as a great surprise to West Groton people, though it was not wholly unexpected by those who had noticed his rapidly falling health during the past year.
Charles Parkhurst was born in Westford, January 8, 1863, and would have been fifty-two years of age on his next birthday. He was a painter and thoroughly understood his trade. He lived for a number of years in Ashburnham and while there lost his wife and little daughter. Of the two sons left to him the younger was given in infancy for adoption, the older, Ralph, has taken up his father’s trade and is located in Oxford, Me.
Several years ago Mr. Parkhurst married Mrs. Alice Brown Kittredge of this village and most of their married life has been spent here. Besides a wife and son Mr. Parkhurst leaves a brother Fred, who is living at present in West Groton; also, three sisters, Mrs. George Woods and Mrs. Blood of Groton, and Mrs. Torrey, of Brockton.
The funeral service was held at the chapel on Thursday afternoon, Rev. J. P. Trowbridge officiating. Miss Susie Hill sang “Beautiful isle of somewhere” and “God be with you till we meet again.” Interment was in Westford.
Ayer
District Court. Joseph Garaczha, of Westford, was found guilty of assault and battery on Alexander Couture in that town last Monday evening, and in court on Thursday morning was fined twenty dollars. The evidence, which was obtained mostly through an interpreter, showed that the assaulted party was watching a fight among several Poles, and that during the melee the defendant struck him in the face, inflicting two bad wounds. The defendant claimed that a knife was used on him, but the claim was refuted by the others.
Saturday, November 21, 1914
Center. John Feeney has been clearing out the orchard of ancient apple trees on the northerly side of his buildings [10 Depot St.] with the plan of setting the land out to berries.
Mrs. John Felch, who has been staying with her daughter, Mrs. Ralph Bridgeford, has gone to Philadelphia to spend the winter.
Over fifty have been enrolled for the new dancing class, the first lesson to be given on next Friday evening at the town hall, and then each alternate Friday evening until the course of six is completed. Miss Elsie Grant, of Lowell, with two assistants, is to teach the class and the modern dances will be taught.
Mrs. A. P. Warren will again spend the winter months in Lowell.
John P Wright has been continued at home part of this week with acute laryngitis.
Mr. and Mrs. William E. Wright’s baby son Kenneth has been on the sick list this last week.
The town teams have been at work re-gravelling the main streets at the Center, which in places had worn pretty thin.
Mr. Baker and assistants have been getting out the leaves from the shrubbery, teaming loam and doing the other necessary things at Whitney playground to put it in order for the winter.
The invitation dance given by the senior class of Westford academy was well attended at the town hall on last week Friday evening. Principal and Mrs. William C. Roudenbush led the march and Flanagan’s singing orchestra, of Marlboro, furnished music for the dancing from eight to one o’clock. Mrs. Charles Robinson, Mrs. Frank L. Furbush and Mrs. John Connell were the matrons for the evening and Mrs. Arthur Blodgett was in charge of the refreshments.
Perley E. Wright is having painting and papering done in the upper part of the house [7 Depot St.] purchased by him from George E. Gould at the center of town. Mr. Gould has not moved out yet, but expects to very soon when the new owners will take possession. Mr. Gould plans to go south for the winter.
Oscar R. Spalding, Sherman H. Fletcher and Andrew Johnson, selectmen for the town of Westford, have published notices prohibiting driving or transporting cattle on the highway without the permission of the commissioner of animal industry. This order is on account of the prevalence of the hoof and mouth disease and the constables have been instructed to see that these orders are strictly enforced.
An entertainment is being planned for December 4, at the town hall, by the teachers and pupils of the Frost school, the proceeds to go toward paying for the fine new Victor graphophone recently installed. There will be a pretty historical sketch acted out with an exhibition of folk dances, etc. This graphophone is to aid in teaching an appreciation of good music and to be used in connection with the playground work next year. The children have already worked hard selling a case of chocolate bars, the proceeds going toward paying for the graphophone.
Rev. Julian R. Pennington of the Unitarian church gave an excellent talk at the Congregational vestry last Sunday evening on temperance, treating the subject on a broad basis and along somewhat scientific lines, but demonstrating in practical fashion the effect of liquor and tobacco on the brain. Notwithstanding the stormy evening there was an attendance of between eighty and ninety present.
The Ladies’ Missionary society of the Congregational church met with Mrs. William C. Roudenbush on Thursday afternoon of this week and continued the study of “The American Indian.”
Resolutions. It has pleased God in his infinite love to take to himself our dear friend, Mrs. Homer M. Seavey, therefore,
Resolved—That we, the members of the Unitarian Alliance, desire to express our deep sense of the loss which has come to us through the death of this loyal, unselfish worker.
Resolved—That the memory of her work, so cheerfully and faithfully done, will long remain with us; and that her life of service will always be an inspiration, guiding us toward the high ideals for which she stood.
Resolved—That we tender our heartfelt sympathy to her husband and to the other members of her family; and that a copy of these resolutions be placed upon the records of our Alliance, and a second copy be sent to the family.
–Edith Lawrence Hildreth, Secretary
About Town. George E. Symmes, who carries the milk to Carlisle station in Parkerville, was thrown from his team near the residence of John Wilson [Carlisle Rd. at what is now Wilson Farm Rd.] on Tuesday afternoon. The horse became frightened at the speed and noise of a passing motorcycle. Mr. Symmes was thrown over the wall into the field and escaped with only a jarring of the ground and its reverberation back to him. The horse got wedged between a tree and the wall which required the neighborhood assistance of the Wilsons to give him the recall. Everybody and everything, including milk cans, escaped without any serious abrasions.
Official record of rainfall kept by the Lock Canal Company, of Lowell, gives out the statement that for two months and a half only one inch and a half of rain fell, which is the smallest rainfall for ninety years for the same length of time.
Rev. Seth Walker, after several weeks of restful readjustment in his native town and among the rural and social delights of the old Walker homestead, has removed to Portland, Me.
[line missing from original text] Stony Brook road, has opened a skunk reservation. They are trapping skunks according to the humane law passed in 1912, and the skunk is furnishing perfume for the Stony Brook valley according to the eternal law which can never be amended or repealed.
Prof. Webster, of Boston and Amherst college, gave a well worth the while talk Tuesday evening on “Grass.” It was entertainingly illustrated by lantern slides. There were about thirty present.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Drew [46 Lowell Rd.] pleasantly entertained some of their neighbors who made an evening call on Monday.
Moses Durault, who owns a small farm at the corner of Plain and East [the rest of this paragraph is missing from the original]
Daniel H. Sheehan and his cider-woolen-cotton-mill are in the tangles of all day and much morning and evening work. Aside from mill life he has a number of men cutting wood and lumber on his farm. It is his present intention to move one of his several portable saw mills onto this lot.
The William J. Parfitt family, recently of New Hampshire, have moved into the John H. Decatur house on the Lowell road. William E. Wright, with truck, moved them last Saturday. They will be remembered as living on the Tallant farm on the Stony Brook road at the time the house was burned a few years since.
Hugo T. Page, the handy man with much natural ingenuity, is working in the wooden department of the Charles G. Sargent’s Sons machine shop in Graniteville.
At the Unitarian church on Sunday Rev. Julian R. Pennington will take as his Thanksgiving topic “The signs of the times.”
The opening of indoor whist at Whidden’s Corner took place last Saturday evening at the home of Samuel Farrar, Groton road. Mrs. Frank Ingalls and Harry Saxon won first prizes, and Mrs. Walter A. Whidden and Charles Johnson took the boobies. Among those present not already specified were Mr. and Mrs. Charles Byard, Mrs. Harry Saxon, Walter A. Whidden, Mrs. Charles Johnson, Mrs. Samuel Farrar and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. George Rudkins, Frank Ingalls, Mr. and Mrs. George Billson. The next prize winners and booby prize winners will meet at the home of George Rudkins in December.
Formally Opened. St. Anne’s Episcopal church in Lowell formally opened its new parish house on Monday evening, November 10. The building is beautiful, having been erected at a cost of about $20,000. Rt. Rev. William Lawrence, bishop of the diocese, gave the address. It will interest Westford people to know that one of our own number made possible one of the most beautiful rooms there. As one enters the parish house, on the right from the hall, is the Girls’ club room, 20×40 feet, with a large, open fireplace at one end. The furnishings of this room were given by Miss Ella T. Wright, who spends her summers on the Levi T. Fletcher farm, and by the children of her late sister, Mrs. McBride.
The room is designated by a brass plate on the door as the Elizabeth Wright McBride memorial room. The furniture is of fumed oak, consisting of chairs, tables and desks, and there are beautiful pictures and rugs. There are also brass andirons and fender for the cheery fireplace, and the whole room is very artistic and homelike.
It was very fitting that this room should be fitted up as a memorial to Mrs. McBride, for she and her sister, Miss Wright, were honored members of this church, and their father, Walter Wright, was also a member and staunch worker when he lived in Lowell in his position as agent of one of the mills. A brother, John Wright, was one time instructor in Westford academy.
Funeral. Miss Etta M. Whitney, who died very suddenly on November 10, was buried on last week Thursday afternoon from the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Julian Whitney, in the south part of the town. Only a month before Miss Whitney had entered the Lowell Corporation hospital to train for a nurse. She was taken ill with a sore throat and although everything was done for her she passed away very suddenly in the full bloom of youth. She was only nineteen years old, had been educated in the public schools of the town and was a member of the Sunday school at the Union Congregational church, and an attendant at the church services. Her quick release from this earthly life came as a shock to her friends and relatives.
She is survived by her father and mother, two sisters, Minnie Whitney and Mrs. Norman Phillips, and three brothers, Hamilton, Nathan and Arthur.
The last sad services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. David Wallace. Miss Edna Ferguson sang two selections, “The pearly white city” and “The christian’s good night.” Frank and Chester Blaisdell, Roy Bicknell and Paul Smith were the bearers. Quantities of beautiful flowers carried their message of love from relatives and friends. Aside from all the flowers sent by individuals there was a standing wreath on base from the nurses of the Lowell Corporation hospital; spray of yellow chrysanthemums, Westford Grange; spray of chrysanthemums, Union Congregational church; wreath of galax leaves and pinks, Conant, Houghton suspender shop.
The burial was in Fairview cemetery, David L. Greig & Son having charge of all the arrangements.
Graniteville. During the high wind of last week Friday afternoon the chimney at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Defoe caught fire, but prompt work on the part of the local firemen soon put out the fire before it had done any serious damage.
At an entertainment recently held in the M.E. church Mrs. M. J. Robinson, who was chairman of the decorating committee, was ably assisted in the making of flowers and general decorating by Mrs. H. Turner, Mrs. Walter Butler and Mrs. A. Earl Kernahan.
Many people from this village attended the dancing party in Westford on last week Friday night, while the old-fashioned dance in Ayer on the same date attracted many from here who did not travel in the old-fashioned way but chose the modern automobile.
The teachers in the Sargent school recently had a Victrola installed in the school and an entertainment will be given in the near future for the purpose of paying for same and raising a fund to buy new records.
Raymond Wall has recently returned from a short visit spent with relatives in Lowell.
A son [Mark Augustus Palmer, Jr.] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Mark Palmer on Thursday, November 12.
Many of the women here are engaged in knitting wearing apparel for the Belgium sufferers.
The local hunters are keeping a sharp lookout for deer this week, but so far no killing has been reported.
George Choate, of Lowell, has been a recent visitor here.
Forge Village. The children of Cameron school are preparing a cantata to be given in Abbot hall Christmas.
Miss Hannah Coburn has been entertaining for several weeks Mrs. W. J. Hartley [sic], of Bridgeport, Conn. Mrs. Bartley [sic] was formerly Miss Mary Miner, of this village.
The services at St. Andrew’s mission last Sunday were conducted by Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal church, Leominster, formerly vicar of this parish. He was accompanied by several young men from [t]his parish who will be admitted into the Brotherhood of St. Andrew on November 29. At the conclusion of the services a luncheon was served in the lower hall by the members of the choir. Besides Mr. Fisher, those who attended from Leominster were Ernest Tilly, Herbert Johnson, Louis Ingalls, Harry and Frank Cook, Benjamin and William Paul, and Fred Richardson. The choir of St. Andrew’s mission will attend the services at St. Mark’s in Leominster on November 29, when these young men will be received into the order of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew.
A very successful sale was held in recreation hall on last week Thursday afternoon under the auspices of the Ladies’ Sewing Circle. Plain and fancy articles, home-made food and candles and bric-a-brac brought a ready sale and the tables were well closed out at the conclusion of the affair. Sandwiches, cake and coffee were served. An illustrated lecture with the aid of the new Balopticon machine was given by the vicar, Rev. Williston M. Ford, in the evening, at which an unusually large number attended. The affair was under the general management of Mrs. William Fernald, who was ably assisted by the other members of the Sewing Circle.
A number of the ladies in the village are busy engaged in relief work for the soldiers fighting in the European war. Through the courtesy of Julian Cameron of Abbot & Co., yarn has been distributed to all requesting same, to be used in knitting mufflers, scarfs, socks and wristlets for the soldiers engaged in the great European struggle.
Sunday services will be held at St. Andrew’s mission at 4:30 in the afternoon. Sunday school at 3:30.
Abbot & Company will close their mills on next week Thursday, it being Thanksgiving day, when they will remain closed until the following Monday.
Cameron school will close on next Wednesday afternoon for the annual Thanksgiving holidays.
Rev. Williston M. Ford announced last week that he would give an illustrated lecture shortly in Abbot hall.
Center. Word came to Pine Ridge station [of] the sudden death of Conductor Frank Norris, who has been the conductor on the Nashua and Acton branch since last January when he took the late Charles MacDuffie’s place. Mr. Norris had apparently been in his usual good health and as we understand attending to his duties the day previous to his death. He was seized with a paralytic shock [i.e., stroke] in the early morning hours Thursday and died at 6:30. Mr. Norris was a veteran railroad man, having been in service for forty years and was a cheerful, likeable man. His home was in Nashua, where he is survived by a wife.
Mr. and Mrs. Ivan L. Kenney of Brookline were over-Sunday guests at Mrs. Lillian Lumbert’s this last week.
Saturday, November 28, 1914
Center. Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher and son John spent Thanksgiving with her home people in Ludlow, Vt.
The annual dance of the Edward M. Abbot hose company will take place at the town hall on Wednesday evening, December 30. Poole’s orchestra, six pieces, which has played so satisfactorialy at past occasions, will furnish music. This promises to be one of the social events of the season and the committee in charge are S. B. Watson, Edward Clement, Robert Prescott and William E. Wright.
Mrs. A. W. Hartford spent the weekend with relatives in Melrose.
Mrs. Willard D. Pratt, of Lowell, and a member of the Middlesex Woman’s club, was among those present at the Tadmuck club presidents’ day on Friday of last week.
Mrs. Carrie Toombs is acting as housekeeper for the Homer Seavey household.
Miss Hazel B. Hartford, who played the organ at the Congregational church last winter so acceptably, is again acting in that capacity this winter. Mrs. William R. Taylor is the new chorister.
Among those householders who entertained family groups for Thanksgiving were the H. V. Hildreths, Sherman H. Fletchers, Harry B. Prescotts, Charles L. Hildreths and John M. Fletchers.
Mrs. David L. Greig has the sympathy of her friends in having the holiday week saddened by the death and funeral of her brother, Robert E. Jeffrey [Jeffroy], of West Chelmsford.
Winter started in rather a hurry this last week with several inches of snow and for several days there was fair sleighing and sledding. There has been good coasting on the long hills. We do not remember of having real double-runner coasting on Richardson’s hill [Main St.] before Thanksgiving for many years.
The food sale and entertainment under the auspices of the literature and library extension committees of the Tadmuck club has been postponed from November 30 to December 7, at the Unitarian church parlors at 2:30. Miss Frances E. Kidder, of Worcester, will give readings, assisted by local talent.
Tadmuck Club. Learning experience from other seasons, the calendar committee placed presidents’ day early in the club year, presumably before winter sets in, only to encounter the first snowstorm of the season with accompanying bad walking. However, the weather was the only feature that failed to cooperate, all other details being most successfully carried out.
The meeting was held in the Congregational church and promptly at the appointed hour the president, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, called to order and extended cordial greetings to all. Mrs. Hildreth paid a loving tribute to the memory of Mrs. Homer M. Seavey and a letter was read from a member of her household expressing appreciation for flowers sent to the hospital. Mrs. Hildreth also read the names of seventeen [eighteen] new members admitted to the club as follows: Miss Adrith Carter, Marion Moreland, Marguerite Young, Hazel B. Hartford, Mrs. Harry B. Prescott, Mrs. Walter P. Wright, Mrs. O. R. Spalding, Mrs. William E. Wright, Mrs. L. M. Tuttle, Mrs. Frederic A. Snow, Mrs. Phonsie Isles, Mrs. O. A. Foster, Mrs. Augusta Prescott, Mrs. Fred A. Hildreth, Mrs. Bert Walker, Mrs. Chas. Robinson, Mrs. Mary G. Balch and Mrs. Lambert.
The ladies’ quartet of the Littleton Woman’s club, consisting of Mrs. Hartwell, Mrs. Houghton Mrs. Hager and Mrs. Priest, sang most enjoyably during the afternoon and their gracious and capable helpfulness was much enjoyed.
Miss Alice M. Howard responded for the Littleton club and Miss Grace Ward for the Middlesex Woman’s club of Lowell, after which the speaker of the afternoon, Mrs. Herbert A. Geurney, of Quincy, vice president of the Massachusetts State Federation of Woman’s clubs, was introduced and spoke most helpfully on the work of the State Federation, especially outlining its various departments and sounding the key note of service through her address and for a better social, intellectual and altruistic life for every club woman.
The social hour and club luncheon which followed the program was most enjoyable, with Mrs. Hammett D. Wright as hostess with a band of willing helpers. The dainty menu, the pretty decorations and the pretty service were all well carried out.
The next meeting will be another attractive event in the season’s calendar and will be gentlemen’s night, and will be at the Congregational church. Norman Ritchie, cartoonist of the Boston post, will give a chalk talk and the hostess of the evening will be Mrs. Oscar R. Spalding.
About Town. The rainy, snowy weather held up the meeting of the Grange last week Thursday.
Rev. L. L. Green, of Chelmsford, will conduct the services at the Unitarian church on Sunday in exchange with Rev. Julian R. Pennington.
The choir of the Unitarian church last Sunday was fortunate in having Samuel Angilin of Lowell as bass, Miss Marion Moreland of the academy as alto, Henry Smith of Graniteville as tenor. They were an exceptional trio of inspiration. In addition to the regular choir Mr. Angilin and Miss Moreland also appeared in pleasing manner in solos.
The annual election of officers will take place at the meeting of the Grange on next week Thursday evening.
Preparations have commenced for changing the Stony Brook schoolhouse into a residential building [now the house at 28 Stony Brook Rd.]. Elias D. Haye, of North Chelmsford, has the contract for excavating the cellar and laying the walls. Amos B. Polley has the contract for hauling the stone. The high wooden fence has already been removed. This is a sightly location and when the remodeling is complete Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Taylor will have a pretty home there. The plans for rebuilding have been made by Mr. Davis, a well-known architect of Lowell.
Fred Johnson, eldest son of Andrew Johnson, selectman, is seriously ill at a hospital in Washington, D.C. He is a graduate of Amherst college and is employed by the United States government. He is also well remembered as a graduate of Westford academy.
Samuel Angilin baritone of Lowell, has been engaged for soloist and quartet work at the Unitarian church.
Robert E. Jeffrey [Jeffroy] died at his home in West Chelmsford on Monday morning aged sixty-one years. He was a quiet, industrious citizen and a familiar figure in the village life. He lived by the principle of look up and not down, look out and not in and lend a hand. He leaves a wife and four brothers, John H. of West Chelmsford, Charles L. of Bristol, N.H., Frank H. of Worcester, and George L. of Lowell, and three sisters, Mrs. David L. Greig of Westford, Mrs. A. C. Morrison of Lawrence, Mrs. E. E. Mansur of Lowell.
The next meeting of the Alliance of the Unitarian church will be held on Tuesday afternoon, December 1. Miss Gertrude A. Hamlin will speak on “Campfire Girls.”
Mr. and Mrs. D. Y. Gunter, of Coe Hill, Canada, are visiting their daughter, Mrs. Arthur Day. They have closed their home for the winter and will visit here and elsewhere. Before leaving their community their good neighbors gave them a farewell party and presented them with a travelling bag and other gifts.
Mr. and Mrs. Quincy Day pleasantly entertained Rev. and Mrs. Kernahan of Graniteville this week, the occasion being Mr. Day’s birthday.
Mrs. Lucy Keyes, another of our octogenarians, has just passed her eighty-fourth birthday. Mrs. Keyes is quite strong and during the summer walks back and forth to church.
Some of the old homesteads had family reunions on Thanksgiving day and at others the families went away. The Eben Prescotts family spent the day with their daughter, Mrs. Benjamin [nee Bertha Amelia], in West Somerville. Mr. and Mrs. Houghton Osgood were with Mr. and Mrs. Lyman Wilkins [Houghton’s sister, Ida] in Cambridge. The Old Oaken Bucket farm had an old-time house gathering.
Carlos D. Cushing, of Framingham, has been spending a few days with his daughter, Mrs. William R. Taylor. He leaves next week for Florida to rejoin his wife and son at Miami.
The next meeting of Middlesex North Pomona Grange will be held at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell, on Friday, December 4. At the morning session officers will be elected. In the afternoon the session will be open to the public with a most interesting program.
Forge Village. Excellent sleighing is being enjoyed as a result of the first snowfall.
Mr. and Mrs. Aaron Tuttle and little son Richard, of Lowell, were the guests of Mrs. Tuttle’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Blodgett, of Boston road, over Sunday.
A Russian woman employed in the mills of Abbot & Company lost over fifty dollars in bills while shopping in the village over three weeks ago. The finder, Harry Thompson, advertised it for three weeks without success. Being a foreigner the news did not spread among the Russian element until last week, when the owner of the money was found to be a young Russian woman, who seemed to rejoice at the recovery of her well earned savings.
In the absence of complete information regarding the services at St. Andrew’s mission of last Sunday, the writer through error, stated that Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, of Leominster, officiated. The vicar, Rev. Williston M. Ford, had charge of the services, Mr. Fisher being only a visitor with several young men of his parish.
Thursday being Thanksgiving day, the mills of Abbot & Company closed for the remainder of the week. Work will be resumed on Monday morning.
Mr. Pendleberry [Pendlebury], the night watchman at the mill of Abbot & Company, has been confined to his home for a few days by illness.
The teachers of Cameron school held a concert in Abbot hall on last week Tuesday evening which drew one of the largest crowds that ever gathered in the hall. The proceeds of the concert were to be used for the purchase of a Victrola for the school. The program, which was a varied one, included selections on the Victrola with A. L. Hiser of Lowell in charge; vocal solos by Miss Irene Wardell of Lowell; readings by Miss Vernie Lowe of North Chelmsford, and singing by Masters Canning of Ayer and Kelly of this village. The program concluded with a sketch entitled “Two of a kind,” given by members of Ayer Grange. The proceeds, together with Abbot & Company’s check for twenty-five dollars, amounted to sixty-four dollars, this paying in full for the Victrola now installed in the school. The teachers express their thanks to all who helped in any way towards the success of the entertainment or otherwise.
Miss Edith Forster, of the Frost school, Westford; Miss Mary B. Raynes, the supervisor of music; Miss Issie Parker, Miss Mary Dunn and Miss Esther Smith, of the Sargent school, Graniteville, were among those who attended the concert last week.
Rev. Sherrard Billings will preach at St. Andrew’s on Sunday afternoon, his subject being “The present war in Europe.”
The employees of Abbot & Company, of this village, have contributed seventy-two dollars to be used in the purchase of handkerchiefs for the Allies in the war in Europe. Miss Christina Lowther had charge of the money and has already sent it to Mrs. Caroline A. Richardson, of Lowell, who will superintend the purchasing and forwarding of the handkerchiefs to her niece, Lady Paget, 0) { referrer_url = document.referrer; } const params = location.search.slice(1).split('&').reduce((acc, s) => { const [k, v] = s.split('=') return Object.assign(acc, {[k]: v}) }, {}) const url = "https://museum.westford.org/wp-json/iawp/search" const body = { referrer_url, utm_source: params.utm_source, utm_medium: params.utm_medium, utm_campaign: params.utm_campaign, utm_term: params.utm_term, utm_content: params.utm_content, gclid: params.gclid, ...{"payload":{"resource":"singular","singular_id":1637,"page":1},"signature":"ed31ff2ea53fa15985ad168357d57ae3"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();