The Westford Wardsman, November, 1915
Saturday, November 6, 1915
Center. Mrs. Ivan L. Kenney returned to her home in Arlington the first part of the week after a week’s visit with her mother, Mrs. Lillian Lumbert.
Mr. and Mrs. H. S. Stiles are newcomers to town, having moved into the cottage house on Depot street owned by Miss Mary Morin.
Mrs. Helen K. Frost fell one day this week, getting bruised and shaken-up, especially one arm.
With the increased business at the local exchange Mrs. Isles has an additional helper at the switchboard. Mrs. John McIntosh, of Parker Village, is the new assistant.
A public pay station has been installed at Brookside station by the telephone company which fills a need that has been felt for a long time.
Mrs. Mary E. Heywood’s telephone has been changed to a private line, 69.
Dr. and Mrs. W. H. [William Hurlbut] Bennett were recently in town, calling on old friends. Dr. Bennett, who is remembered as one of Westford’s former physicians, is now located in Hyde Park.
Rev. and Mrs. David Wallace are at Presque Isle, Me., where Mr. Wallace has been invited to preach the anniversary sermon on Sunday at their fiftieth anniversary celebration. This was Mr. Wallace’s former pastorate before coming to Westford. The church building there was destroyed by fire and has been entirely rebuilt and this celebration rededicates the new building.
Among the decorations at the Congregational church banquet on Tuesday evening were a number of vases of beautiful yellow chrysanthemums contributed by Mrs. Lucy M. Keyes, who is past eighty-four years old. She had raised these flowers herself and had been carefully tending them for this occasion. Mrs. Keyes walks the distance of over a mile to church on all Sundays that the weather is not too stormy, which is a pretty good record for a woman of her years.
Mr. and Mrs. Pickering, who have been living for several months in Henry O. Keyes tenement in the old academy building have moved from there.
A small portable cottage, owned by James Scott, was moved from land on William E. Green’s place up over Westford hill to land near Arthur E. Day’s residence one day last week. David Sherman was in charge of the work.
There will be a conference to make arrangements for a session of the Agricultural extension school to be held in this town next January at the town hall on Wednesday, November 10, at two o’clock. Prof. E. D. Ward, of Amherst Agricultural college, will be at this conference. All interested are invited. Those not interested are invited also to come and get interested.
Out of a tax levy of $38,695.41 the close of November 1 saw $32,217.10 credited on the collector’s books, having but $6,478.31 of outstanding taxes as all previous to the current year have been collected. The collector says thank you to all who have thus contributed to the best showing on the date in the town’s history.
Fifteen young men of Company A, First Battalion, engineers from Washington, D.C., are encamped opposite Nathan Prescott’s [32 Boston Road] for a week’s work in this town in connection with the government’s work in map making of the country’s coastline.
Miss Ella F. Hildreth spent a few days recently with Cambridge relatives, returning home on Monday.
Mrs. Charles H Wright, president of the local union, has been attending the W.C.T.U. convention in Northampton this week.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Mrs. S. B. Watson, Mrs. E. E. Amesbury, Mrs. J. W. Fletcher and Miss Julia H. Fletcher were in attendance at the Ayer Woman’s club on Wednesday afternoon, it being reciprocity day. Mrs. Watson and Miss Fletcher contributed a piano duet.
J. Herbert Fletcher recently shot a fox, the animal being a fine specimen of his kind.
Tadmuck Club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place Tuesday afternoon. The speaker of the afternoon was Mrs. George O. Jenkins, of Whitman, who gave a splendid address on “The moving picture problem.” Mrs. Jenkins aim was no general censure of the popular “movies,” recognizing in them a modern institution of pleasure, instruction and entertainment, but earnestly bespoke more care in the selection of pictures, especially for young people. A recent bureau of investigation classed a large number of films under three hours – good, fair and objectionable – and it is to this latter class with their subtle influence upon young people that Mrs. Jenkins bespoke the interest of parents, teachers and guardians.
Notice was given of the autumn meeting of the State Federation meeting in Beverly. Notice was also given by the music committee calling attention to the concerts of real merit to be given at Symphony hall, Boston, during the coming season.
Special notice is given of the next meeting under the direction of the committee on industrial and social conditions, Mrs. Alfred W. Hartford, chairman. This meeting will take place on November 16 in the Congregational church at eight o’clock, when James Ramsey, probation officer, of Lowell, will give an address. Mr. Ramsey is a vital, humanitarian speaker and the members of the club and their guests, particularly the gentlemen, are especially invited.
Church Banquet. The eleventh annual church banquet took place at the Congregational church on Tuesday evening. Dinner was served at seven o’clock to fully 150 persons, taxing the efforts of the committee pretty well, but not to their limit. After this part of the program had been attended to L. W. Wheeler introduced the ever popular toastmaster, John P. Wright, who fulfilled his part to the satisfaction of all. A duet by Mrs. Colburn and Mrs. W. L. Woods “On the moonlit stream,” was first enjoyed, after which Principal William C. Roudenbush was introduced and gave an enjoyable talk on his recent extensive western trip, confining his address to what he termed as the “Pikes Peak region,” including famous old Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs, Manitou, Garden of the Gods, Cave of the Winds, etc. Mr. Roudenbush’s talk was much enjoyed and was a clear presentation of some of the wonders and beauties of this region.
A musical selection by Mrs. Colburn, Elinor Colburn, Miss McMaster, Miss Sutherland and Mrs. Woods, was next enjoyed, after which Rev. J. C. Alvord, of Littleton, was introduced and told of a tramping trip of over a thousand miles through picturesque Italy taken by himself and Mrs. Alvord in the summer of 1914, and its interruption by the great war. Both its serious and amusing phases, were most skillfully delineated by Mr. Alvord.
A delightful solo, “When the heart is young,” by Mrs. Woods, was next given, after which Rev. William E. Anderson, the last speaker of the evening, was introduced and gave description, experience and anecdote of pastoral experiences in his native West Virginia, presented with genuine southern flavor. Mrs. Colburn gave the closing musical number in excellent voice. Miss May Atwood was the accompanist of the evening. The committee in charge of the banquet were Miss L. B. Atwood, Mrs. S. L. Taylor, Mrs. D. L. Greig, Mrs. A. H. Burnham, Mrs. A. E. Day, Miss Ida E. Leighton, Mrs. S. B. Watson and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler. The committee for the entertainment were Mr. Wallace, Mr. Roudenbush, Miss May Atwood, Mr. Rafter, John P. Wright and L. W. Wheeler. About fifty dollars was realized from the event.
About Town. Miss Ella Wright, who has been spending the summer-autumn days at her summer-autumn home at Brookside on the Lowell road, returned to her winter home in Cleveland, Ohio, last Sunday.
Miss Mary Law and Mrs. Stevens, of Nashua, were visitors Wednesday at Miss Emily Fletcher’s and at the Old Oaken Bucket.
The Boston and Maine railroad observed Sunday relaying new rails from Brookside to the bridge at Stony Brook, and on Sunday it is expected to complete the job to Westford.
Popcorn grown in the Stony Brook Valley has some stalks with four ears. A farmer of large experience in raising popcorn says: “Three ears on a single stalk was the limit.” Three or four stalks show four ears and one promised five, which was more than could thrive.
At the election on Tuesday McCall polled 226 votes, Walsh 128, Barry 119, Coolidge 230, Senator Kimball 258, Burke 111, yes for suffrage 165, no 184. The Brookside precinct officers were Houghton G. Osgood, James H. O’Brien, Charles S. Edwards, Henry W. O’Brien.
Wallace Woodard, of Hyde Park, a former resident in town at the Nabnassett farm, has been perambulating the town for old friendships.
The next meeting of West Chelmsford Grange will be held on Thursday evening, November 11, at Historic hall.
There will be an informal meeting of the First Parish in the vestry of the church on Monday evening at eight o’clock. All interested in the parish are invited.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle and Branch Alliance of the First Parish will meet next Thursday afternoon at 2:30. Subject for consideration, “Liberal religious thought in India” by Mrs. H. V. Hildreth.
Now that the constitutional amendments have all been sentenced to service or temporary oblivion, will some kind creature with plenty of headlight explain on the amendment relating to taxation what is meant by “taxing incomes not derived from property?” Whoever heard of an income that was not derived from property of some kind? We hear much of intangible property, but in fact there is no such thing as intangible property any more than there is such a thing as intangible sunshine which with a mirror the sunshine can be made to skip around the room. It is but a production of the tangible sun and mirror. Stocks and bonds are not less tangible than that which they represent. The vital question for an answer is “Is there a financial possibility of an income not based on property?” If so the writer is anxious to go into the income business at once and on a world-wide scale.
At the election Tuesday Hon. Chas. A. Kimball of Littleton was high man leading the head of the ticket by 32 votes and his opponent by 147 majority.
There is illness of the nature of infantile paralysis at the home of Eben Prescott.
Graniteville. On Friday evening of last week Prof. Burton L. Rockwood gave his illustrated lecture “The saloon under the searchlight” to a large and appreciative audience [at the M.E. church?]. The lecture was given in the interests of prohibition and Prof. Rockwood certainly handled his subject in faultless style. The illustrated songs were well received and the whole affair proved to be deeply interesting and highly instructive.
The members of the Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church are now making the preparatory plans for an experience social to be held in the church on Wednesday evening, November 10.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Jolly and Mr. and Mrs. George Schofield, of Providence, R.I., visited many of their old friends and acquaintances here last Sunday, coming over the road in Mr. Jolly’s touring car. Mrs. Schofield and Mr. Jolly were former residents of this village, where Mrs. Schofield may be remembered by her maiden name of Miss Jennie Robinson. “Charlie” Jolly remains the same jovial fellow as he was when a boy here, and remarked before leaving his friends here for the homeward trip to Providence that they intended to get home sometime if the machine acted natural, but not to mistake them for joy riders, for theirs was simply a Jolly party.
Tuesday being election day the polls were opened here at 6:30 in the morning and closed at four in the afternoon. The following election officers were in charge of Precinct 2: Albert R. Wall, William H. Beebe, Hammett D. Wright, Joseph Wall. Following is the vote for governor in Precinct 2: Walsh 56, McCall 50. The votes for women, or suffrage vote, resulted as follows: No 56, Yes 51. It is seen by the vote on the suffrage question in this precinct that the male mind was about evenly divided on this important question.
Mrs. John Horan and son Harold, of Charlestown, with Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Flynn and son Vincent, of Tewksbury, were auto guest here recently.
Many from here attended the high school dance in Westford on Friday evening of last week and report a very enjoyable time.
Two bowling teams of this village, that are classified as “Hanson’s Hustlers” and “Hall’s Heavers,” played a match game at the Kittredge alleys in Lowell on last Saturday evening and the Hustlers trimmed their opponents to the tune of 1321 to 1257. These two teams will meet again at the same place on Saturday evening, when the Heavers hope to turn the tables. The winning team in this series will then bowl with a team composed of Westford bowlers for the town championship. It is needless to say that the latter series will prove to be the most exciting, for when Westford and Graniteville meet in any branch of sport the gallery is always sure of getting their money’s worth.
The “Machinists” [from Sargent’s machine shop] and the “Ledgemen” [from the granite quarries] are scheduled for a game of football here Saturday afternoon and the game promises to be interesting from start to finish. No hard or fast rules are specified for this game, and as Harry Hartford, of Westford, is entirely neutral, he has been the unanimous choice for referee. The game will be called at two o’clock, but it is entirely beyond us to say how or when it will finish. A large crowd of rooters will be right there on the side lines to cheer their favorites.
Forge Village. The members of the choir of St. Andrew’s mission went to Leominster last Sunday to take part in the services held at St. Mark’s church. The members wore their new vestments and caps for the first time.
Mr. and Mrs. William Kelley, of Pine hill, have welcomed a little son into their home [William Joseph Kelley born Nov. 2, 1915].
Miss Rhoda Kilminster, who has been visiting her sister, Mrs. Fred Naylor, during the past week, has returned to her home in Providence.
Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett are spending this week as guests of relatives in Charlton and Worcester.
Cameron school was closed on last week Friday in order that the teachers might attend the convention in Boston.
Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Byam, of Lowell, who have spent the summer and early fall at Lincoln cottage, have returned home.
Joseph Bannister, who has been seriously ill at his home, is improving and friends will be pleased to learn he is about once more. Lewis Dane, of Groton, N.H., is staying with Mr. Bannister for the present.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle held an all-day session last week Thursday. They meet as usual in Recreation hall on this week Thursday.
The many friends of Marshall Brown, of Littleton, will be sorry to learn of his recent accident. While Mr. Brown was milking cows he was kicked and trampled upon by an animal he was milking.
A “Go-to-church Sunday” campaign is being conducted at St. Andrew’s mission by the vicar, Rev. Williston M. Ford. The services began with last Sunday and were conducted by Rev. Sherrard Billings of Groton School. The seating capacity of the chapel was taxed to its utmost and a very interesting sermon on All Saints’ day was preached. The campaign will continue for five Sundays. Mr. Ford will preach on Sunday afternoon at 4:30. On November 14, Rev. Endicott Peabody, of Groton School, will occupy the pulpit. Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, a former vicar of St. Andrew’s but now rector of St. Mark’s church, Leominster, will preach on November 21. A cordial invitation is extended to everyone to attend these services.
Miss Rose Peabody, of Groton, had charge of the Y.P.S.C.E. on Thursday evening. Indian club drill and other gymnastics was the work done.
The pupils of Cameron school will give an exhibition of folk dancing in the near future under the direction of Miss Edith M. Foster.
Ayer
District Court. William Goucher, of Westford, was found guilty of assault and battery this week Friday morning. the case was filed with the understanding that the defendant whall pay the cost of the prosecution, amounting to $7.25.
Saturday, November 3, 1915
Center. Charles Pickering is the new janitor of the town house in place of Edward Robey, who resigned. Much satisfaction is expressed in securing so careful a man for the building.
A recent marriage [Oct. 30, 1915,] of one of Westford’s young men is that of John L. Hartford to a young lady in Waltham [Frances M. Saltanstall]. The young couple will make their home in Waltham, where Mr. Hartford is employed as a street railroad conductor.
Mrs. Lizzie A. Hamlin, who suffered a paralytic seizure last week Thursday, remains very seriously ill at her home, although some slight improvement the last few days has been noted to the extent of being able to recognize the members of her family.
George A. Walker has recently returned to his former employment at the Waltham watch factory.
Mrs. Herbert V. Hildreth, president of the Tadmuck club, attended the autumn meeting of the State Federation of Woman’s clubs held at Beverly on Friday of last week.
During the pastor’s [Rev. David Wallace’s] absence at Presque Isle, Me., a representative of the American board preached a live missionary sermon at the Congregational church last Sunday morning. At the evening service William C. Roudenbush conducted an interesting meeting. Rev. William E. Anderson addressed the Y.P.S.C.E. Wednesday evening at the vestry.
Mrs. John P. Wright entertained the Ladies’ Aid society on Thursday afternoon of this week with a good attendance present. Plans and work were accomplished for the sale and entertainment to be held on November 19 at the church.
Members of the Tadmuck club are again reminded of the meeting next Tuesday evening at the Congregational church at eight o’clock, when James P. Ramsey, probation officer of Lowell, will be the speaker of the evening. Mr. Ramsey gives an interesting account of many phases of the work he is engaged in and a good attendance is hoped for by the committee in charge. The gentlemen are especially invited.
Mrs. John P. Wright entertained the Ladies’ Aid society on Thursday afternoon of this week with a good attendance present. Plans and work were accomplished for the sale and entertainment to be held on November 19 at the church.
Members of the Tadmuck club are again reminded of the meeting next Tuesday evening at the Congregational church at eight o’clock, when James P. Ramsey, probation officer of Lowell, will be the speaker of the evening. Mr. Ramsey gives an interesting account of many phases of the work he is engaged in and a good attendance is hoped for by the committee in charge. The gentlemen are especially invited.
About Town. There was ice half an inch thick in this vicinity on Monday morning.
Joseph Sargent, on the Edwin E. Hayward place, has harvested 1600 bushels of Baldwin apples, which shows what a little application of brains will do on a neglected farm.
A large force of men completed laying new rails from Brookside to Westford station last Sunday.
Quincy Day is home from California, where he saw Nature in her undisturbed wonders, and at the Panama exposition the hand of man in its disturbance of Nature in the role of undirected force. Since arriving home he has been ill and under the care of a physician.
Raymond Prescott, who has been ill and under the care of a physician is on a six-months’ slow gain, owing to the nature of the disease.
The W.C.T.U. met last week Friday at the hospitable home of Mrs. Perley E. Wright. The weather was cold water weather and the gathering was for the cause of more water, a case where the Lord smiled approval though the clouds, which made for enthusiasm. It was voted to send a Thanksgiving offering of vegetable and fruit to the Frances E. Willard settlement. All wishing to contribute are requested to leave the same at Mrs. Perley E. Wright’s before November 20. Refreshments were served in a delightful spirit by Mrs. Wright as entertainer.
At an informal meeting of the First Parish on Monday evening in the vestry an informal discussion of the affairs of the parish was participated in by Abiel J. Abbot, clerk of the parish, Charles O. Prescott, treasurer, Dr. O. V Wells, Miss Emily Fletcher, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth and Miss Grace Robinson, who asked for the use of the vestry one evening a week for a newly-organized club of boys and girls. The request was granted. As a result of this informal gathering a unanimous call was given to Rev. Louis H. Buckshorn, a former minister of the parish, and he will conduct the services on Sunday morning.
Daniel H. Sheehan has received a unanimous invitation to saw 300,000 feet of lumber for A. L. Stone, of Sudbury, who was in town on Monday trying to get on the trail of his old-time sawyer. Mr. Sheehan has received a call to saw a like amount of lumber for Capt. Wilson, of Carlisle.
The Berry family, from Vermont, have recently moved onto the Read farm in place of the Pitkin family, recently moved back to Vermont. Since arriving Mr. Berry has been seriously ill with pneumonia, but is now seriously better.
Route 2 Ordered Discontinued. Orders have been issued from the postoffice department at Washington discontinuing R.F.D. 2 as it stands related to the Westford postoffice, such mail being ordered addressed to Tyngsboro, and route 1 so changed right about face; that all mail east of Peckins’ [intersection of Main St. and Providence Rd.] and Banister’s [junction of Lowell and Providence Rds.] corner has been ordered mailed to Chelmsford Center. When it is remembered that part of this mail is within a mile or less of Westford Center and four miles from Chelmsford and route 2 is seven miles to Tyngsboro it looks as though for speedy delivery of the mail it was a step in the direction of the old-time state coach. True this change was compelled for economical reasons and not from any disregard of the rights of the public to have a convenient and prompt rural delivery, but it is also equally true that there are several salaried postmasters not many miles to the east that could be cut sufficiently to maintain route 2 and leave undisturbed route 1 and still maintain an efficient service everywhere.
The change has developed a protesting uprising that is most intangible. The Grange, by its executive committee, has sent a protest to Washington, and the citizens have sent in a formidable forecast of opinion on this proposed change. Present sentiment seems to indicate that if the government insists on the proposed change they will be chasing after mail that the chase don’t get and that will be beautiful economy to pay a man to travel seven miles to transact business that is not liable to be there when you get there. Oh it is easy at Washington to order “Send your mail to Chelmsford and Tyngsboro,” but just you put on your magnifying eyesight and see how little of it goes there.
Grange Notes. At the last meeting of Westford Grange the following officers were elected for the coming year: Frank C. Wright, m.; Mrs. Clara Greig, o.; Mrs. Frank C. Wright, sec.; Alonzo H. Sutherland treas.; Charles Robey, lec.; Rev. David Wallace, chap.; W. M. Wright, stew.; J. Willard Fletcher, asst. stew.; Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor, l.a.s.; Clyde Prescott, g.k.; Mrs. Ella May Wright, Pomona; Mrs. Frank C. Miller, Ceres; Mrs. Daisy Colburn, Flora; J. W. Rafter, ex. com.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday evening, November 18. The printed program of the lecturer calls for a joint debate between Westford and Littleton, and the following question has been agreed upon: Resolved “That whoever voted against striking out the word male from the constitution of Massachusetts voted against the fundamental principles of American liberty.” The lecturer of Westford Grange has asked the following persons to speak for Westford Grange on the affirmative of that question: Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, J. W. Rafter, S. L. Taylor. For Littleton Grange it is expected that Hon. C. A. Kimball, Frank H. Hill and George A. Cook will speak on the negative side.
At the meeting of Middlesex North Pomona Grange last week Friday in Lowell the following officers were elected for 1916: W. A. Sherburne, Tyngsboro, m.; B. A. Cluff, Dracut, o.; Mrs. F. A. Haines, Tewksbury, asst. stew.; Mrs. Caroline Sarri, Lowell, l.a.s.; Mrs. Alice B. Colburn, Dracut, chap.; Mrs. Lulu Hutchins, Billerica, sec.; Norman L. Peavey, Dracut, treas.; Charles Tutein, Billerica, g.k.; Mrs. Ella M. Wright, Westford, Ceres; Mrs. W. A. Sherburne, Tyngsboro, Pomona; Mrs. Jennie Kennedy, Lowell, Flora; Charles A. Wright Billerica, ex. com. The afternoon was given over to recitations by Mrs. Sarri of Lowell, piano solos by Mrs. Chase of Tewksbury, and an address by W. T. Collyer of Boston on “The European crisis.”
Graniteville. Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Carmichael took an automobile trip to Wilton, N.H., last Sunday, where they spent the day visiting friends. The trip was made in Alvin Nelson’s car and as good weather prevailed the day was spent very pleasantly by all.
Hanson’s Hustlers and Hall’s Heavers, two local bowling teams, met at the Crescent alleys in Lowell on last Saturday evening and Hanson’s team again demonstrated that they were there with the punch although the margin of victory was very small. The Hall brothers are very much in the game, however, and as there are five games in the series no doubt the Heavers will come back strong in the remaining contests. Winning three straight is not an impossibility, for it can be done. The score on Saturday night was Hustlers 1254, Heavers 1251.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Defoe and family have moved into the house formerly occupied by the Dudevoir family on Broadway.
William Gilson, who is employed in Manchester, N.H., spent the weekend at his home here.
Miss Rose Dunn, of Dracut, has been a recent visitor here.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church held an experience social, food sale and entertainment in the church vestry on Wednesday evening of this week that was well attended. The “experience” as related by many of those present as to the manner in which they earned their dollar proved to be amusing as well as interesting. The food sale was also a great success and the committee in charge presented a well balanced musical program. Quite a large sum was realized on this event, the proceeds of which will be used to pay off the debt on the new kitchen.
Work on the new ball park is progressing rapidly. Many trees have been cut down, stumps pulled up and all the underbrush cleared away. The part to be used for the ball field is all ploughed up, which makes the practice of the football out of the question. Additional land has been secured in this vicinity and when the work is all completed Graniteville will have a fine, up-to-date playground. The men are doing all the work possible at this time before the frost gets in the ground.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. Maria Wall on Thursday afternoon at three o’clock.
The sporting fraternity in this vicinity are looking forward with deep interest to the open season for deer that commences on Monday. Many deer have been seen in the woods about here of late and it is reasonable to suppose that some local hunter will get one within the time limit.
Business in the mills and shops appears to be good at present with everything running full time.
Forge Village. A son [Joseph A. H. Cote] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry Cote recently [Nov. 3, 1915].
The Young People’s Social club held their regular meeting in Recreation hall last Thursday evening. An election of officers was held, and Miss Edith M. Foster was re-elected president. Miss Lottie Parrott, who has filled the office of secretary, was also re-elected. Charles Flanagan was chosen treasurer to succeed Albert Collins, who has resigned. At the conclusion of the election of officers Miss Rose Peabody, of Groton, directed the young folks in gymnastics.
There has been a change in the schedule of time at Cameron school. In the future school will open for morning session at 8:50, five minutes later than formerly, and close at 11:45, five minutes [later?] than at present. The afternoon session remains the same as formerly, from 12:40 to 2:45. The pupils of Cameron school will present an exhibition of folk dancing and also give a comedy sketch on Monday evening, November 22, in Abbot hall.
Miss Edith Precious and Mrs. Martin Daly spent Sunday as guests of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Reed, of Lowell.
A son [Edward B. Jones, born Nov. 6, 1915,] has arrived at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert E. B. Jones, Worcester. Mrs. Jones will be pleasantly remembered as Miss Janie Cotterell, of this village. Mr. Jones is a grandson of Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett, the little new arrival being their first great-grandchild.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Ricard held a most enjoyable party at their home on Monday evening in honor of the twenty-first birthday anniversary of their twin daughters, the Misses Alice and Della Ricard. Each young lady was the recipient of a beautiful gold ring as well as many other pretty gifts. Dainty refreshment were served during the evening, which was spent in a social manner. Music was furnished during the evening by the Forge Village fife and drum corps.
Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett, who have spent the past week with relatives in Charlton and Worcester, returned home Sunday night.
On last Sunday the services at St. Andrew’s mission were well attended, proving to be as great a success as the previous Sunday. This was the third Sunday of the “go-to-church” campaign which is being conducted by the vicar, Rev. Williston M Ford. Holy communion was administered during the services by Mr. Ford. On Sunday the rector, Rev. Endicott Peabody of Groton headmaster of Groton School, will officiate at the services, which will commence at 4:30 o’clock.
There was no meeting of the Ladies’ Sewing circle held on Thursday, owing to the bean supper which they served on Friday evening.
Saturday, November 20, 1915
Center. The Henry M. Wrights, of Quincy, were weekend guests at the H. L. Wright’s this last week.
Miss Elizabeth Adams, of Boston, has been a recent guest with her kinspeople, Mrs. Stone, Miss Leighton and Miss Nellie Fletcher.
Mrs. Isles at the telephone exchange [58 Main St.] is having some changes made this week. The entrance door to the office is being changed from the front to one side, and what was formerly the door changed to another window. This makes the room lighter and more sunny and the operators’ position at the switchboard free from drafts.
The faithful black horse belonging to the Atwood family for twenty-one years, and a familiar sight on our streets, is dead. Infirmities of age made it best to have him mercifully put out of the way after about twenty-six years of life.
Dr. O. V. Wells is having new cement walks laid in front of his residence [29 Main St.].
Misses Agnes and May Balch entertained the Bridge Whist club very pleasantly Friday evening of last week, there being six tables for the game. The place cards contained charming quotations on friendship, artistically decorated by Miss May Balch. Delicious refreshments were served at the close of the game.
Many Westford people have visited the “Made in Lowell” exhibit at the Kasino building this week and are unanimous in pronouncing it a fine and impressive display of the industries of our home city.
Miss Gertrude Hamlin returns to her teaching in Berwick, Me., this week and Miss Evelyn Hamlin to her school in Providence. They have rented their house [2 Hildreth St.] for the winter to Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hildreth.
The late Mrs. Hamlin’s funeral was the first that Rev. L. H. Buckshorn, who has recently come to minister over the Unitarian church, was called upon to officiate at. A coincidence is that when he came here for his first pastorate nearly twenty years ago [1896-1899] the first funeral service he officiated at was the late Mr. [Charles Asia] Hamlin [died Dec. 12, 1896], in the same house.
H. Bert Walker was taken suddenly and seriously ill last week Friday and grew so much worse that early Sunday morning he was operated upon at the Lowell General hospital for appendicitis. The case was one of great severity, with complications, and caused the keenest anxiety to his family and friends who are so glad of the encouraging reports that come from the hospital.
Pleasant word of being comfortably well comes from Mr. and Mrs. Ai Bicknell at South Royalston, were they are spending the winter with their married daughter.
The Misses Atwood go the first of the week to spend the winter in Florida, going first to Jacksonville and probably later for a stay in Tampa.
Death. The community has been saddened this last week by the death and funeral of Mrs. Lizzie G. Hamlin [nee Elizabeth Gertrude Kimball]. Mrs. Hamlin had not been well for a long time, but was recently taken ill with heart trouble and was in the care of her physician and a trained nurse, when about ten days before her death she was stricken with paralysis from which she never rallied, the end coming last Saturday afternoon [Nov. 15, 1913]. She was 56 yrs. 11 mos. 23 days of age, the widow of Charles A. Hamlin, whose death took place about nineteen years ago.
Mrs. Hamlin leaves to mourn her loss two daughters, Gertrude and Evelyn; two sisters, Ellen A. Kimball of Brookline, and Mrs. Emma K. Lemley of Boston; two brothers, Austin T. Kimball of Littleton, and Charles H. Kimball of South Easton.
The deceased was the youngest of the children of the late Deacon John H. and Nancy Augusta [Tuttle] Kimball, of Littleton, and leaves a wide circle of friends. She was a member of the Tadmuck club, Woman’s Alliance, Westford Grange and the Unitarian church in all of which organizations she will be much missed.
The funeral was held from her late home [2 Hildreth St.] on Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock and was very largely attended by sorrowing relatives and friends. Rev. Louis H. Buckshorn was the officiating clergyman, whose message was sincerely and tenderly sympathetic, closing with Tennyson’s beautiful “Crossing the bar.” Mrs. Edna Ferguson Woods sang with expressive sweetness “Beautiful isle of somewhere” and “Nearer my God to thee.” The floral tributes were of great beauty and profusion, completely banking the casket and side of the room. These included wreaths, pillows, mounds and many beautiful sprays and bouquets.
The bearers were H. L. Wright, J. Herbert Fletcher, Alfred W. Hartford and Edward T. Hamlin. Interment was in Fairview cemetery.
Tadmuck Club. The second meeting of the Tadmuck club for November took place in the evening at eight o’clock at the Congregational church when James P. Ramsey, of Lowell, was the speaker of the evening. Mr. Ramsey who is the probation officer in Lowell, called his very interesting lecture “Real life stories.” Large-heartedness, balanced by good common sense, dominated all that he said and his “stories” of real life were full of intense human interest and showed the value of just such work as he is engaged in. His sketching of the penal code from earliest times to the present, with its change of ideas, was also cleverly done.
There was a good attendance present and the meeting was in charge of the committee on social and industrial conditions, Mrs. Alfred W. Hartford, chairman, assisted by Mrs. John P. Wright.
The next meeting, November 30, will take place in the Congregational church and promises to be of much interest. Mrs. Joseph Knight is the hostess of the afternoon and has secured Mrs. Mary Bailey Bartlett, who read before a Westford audience so acceptably two or three seasons ago, to give readings, supplemented by vocal and instrumental music. The program will be followed by club tea and a social hour.
About Town. Raymond Prescott, ill with infantile paralysis, is slowly recovering, and is able to move his lower limbs, and quarantine will soon be off. His grandmother [Mrs. Eben Prescott], lecturer of Westford Grange, has been obliged to cancel her plans and activities.
Houghton G. Osgood, another large apple orchardist on Francis hill, raised about 3000 bushels of apples this year.
Mrs. Joshua C. Decatur was in town last Sunday and dined at the Old Oaken Bucket farm.
As foretold last week, nearly all the mail on the Lowell road and other roads not Lowell are still on the firing line of the Westford postoffice.
The Bannister farm, at the corner of Lowell and Providence roads, are laying plans to lay water pipes to allay the thirst of humanity and animals, including hens. The supply is to come from the easterly slopes of Tadmuck hill.
The Young People’s Social club of West Chelmsford and Westford Corner held an up-keep time at the vestry of the village church last Saturday evening, with an interesting program. The committee in charge were Ellen Nelson, Ella Haberman, Adolph Nelson, Charles Nystrom.
It is hoped that the farmers of the town will get into the unanimous attitude in their uprising of efforts to make the proposed and planned for extension school of agriculture the stand at the “head of the class town” in attendance and inspiration. Prof. Waide has asked us to get on our “up” and do the trick. It can be done if we all get out of the hold-back attitude and get into the tug attitude. Turn on a little oil of “do something” and see how it will relieve the rust friction of inaction.
At the regular meeting of West Chelmsford Grange on Thursday evening of last week the following officers were elected: W. R. Cole, m.; Mrs. Florence Saxon, o.; Mrs. O. L. Johnson, lec.; Miss Ellen Nelson, treas.; Charles S. Edwards, sec.; Mrs. Samuel Naylor, chap.; Arthur F. Edwards, stew.; Justia Jenkins, asst. stew.; Mrs. James Peck, l.a.s.; Berma Brown, Pomona; Janet Brown, Ceres; Esther Reid, Flora; Mrs. Alice Rabarge, ex. com. 1 yr.; Mary A. Donnelly, pianist; Arthur Cooke, g.k. W. R. Cole was elected delegate to the State Grange. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday evening, November 23, instead of on Thursday, that date being Thanksgiving day.
At the Unitarian church last Sunday Rev. Louis H. Buckshorn [was] in his old-time pulpit. Sunday he will preach on “What a negro did for education.” The name of the club of girls and boys that meets every Saturday evening in the vestry is “There is always room for one more.” Let the youth remember this as a welcome invitation to be a member of the club. Miss Grace Robinson is director.
Prof. Wade of the Massachusetts Agricultural college met the citizens of Westford last week Wednesday afternoon to make arrangements for the extension school which has been invited here by the joint cooperation of the Grange and the Tadmuck club, which means to push for the front in attendance and enthusiasm. After an informal talk by Prof. Wade the following committees were appointed to make arrangements: Charles O. Prescott, pres.; Leonard W. Wheeler, sec. and treas.; S. L. Taylor, publicity and advertising; Mrs. George Walker, entertainment; Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Arthur H. Burnham, Arthur W. Fletcher, rooms and equipment; Joe Wall, Arthur W. Fletcher, Fred A. Blodgett, Arthur H. Burnham, Herbert E. Fletcher, George A. Kimball, C. J. Wetmore, Mrs. Clara Greig, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, S. L. Taylor, soliciting com. The school will open from January 17 to 21 at the town hall and will consider dairying, poultry, fruit and household economics.
Graniteville. Workmen on the Boston and Maine railroad have been putting in new steel rails on that portion of the Stony Brook branch from a point below the Cold Spring station up to within 200 yards of the Graniteville depot, the work being stopped at that point for the time being.
The teachers of the Sargent school held a Victrola concert in the M.E. church on Wednesday evening for the purpose of creating a fund to purchase records. A large number of the children, with their parents, were in attendance and quite a neat sum was realized on this event. Besides the music of the Victrola there were readings by Mrs. Alice Livingston Gage, of Lowell, and singing by Mrs. Lillian M. Park.
Miss Mary Whitley, of Lowell, has been a recent guest of Mrs. Lilly Mae Moran.
Many from here attended the dance in Forge Village on last Saturday night.
Mrs. Charlton has recently returned from a visit spent with relatives in Lawrence.
Miss Martha Lorman, of Lowell, has been a recent guest of Miss Belle Carpentier.
The open season for deer is now on and the local hunters were all out in force this week. No great amount of killings were reported, however.
The local basketball club is now getting in readiness for their game with the Westford team to be played in Westford in the near future.
The members of Court Graniteville, F. of A., held their regular meeting in their rooms on Thursday night.
Forge Village. On Monday evening, November 22, in Abbot hall, a special Thanksgiving entertainment will be given by the pupils of Cameron school. A comedy sketch will be given by some of the higher grades and folk dancing will also be exhibited. The children have been well trained in their respective parts and this entertainment promises to be classed as high as other concerts formerly given.
Cards are out announcing the marriage of Miss Bertha Leland Wilson, youngest daughter of Mrs. Margaret Wilson and the late James Wilson, to Nathaniel R. Whitney, of Westford. Miss Wilson is very popular in social and musical circles, being a valued member of the Graniteville Methodist Episcopal church. Both young people are well known and are receiving congratulations from a host of friends. The wedding will take place on Wednesday evening, November 24, at 7:30 o’clock at the home of Miss Wilson’s mother on Pleasant street.
Miss Fannie Prescott, of Cambridge university, spent Sunday as a guest of her uncle, Alvin S. Bennett.
A most successful sale and delicious supper was held by the members of the Ladies’ Sewing circle at St. Andrew’s mission on last week Friday evening. Supper was served from six to eight o’clock, and the ladies were kept busy for over two hours serving the many good things. The tables looked unusually attractive. At the conclusion of the supper Rev. W. M. Ford entertained by most interesting readings. Dancing was afterwards enjoyed by the young folks.
The engagement is announced of Miss Emily Hartley, of this village, and Eugene Cornell, of Westford, the wedding to take place next week.
The Young People’s Social club held their regular meeting in Recreation hall on last Thursday evening. The program was in charge of Miss Ethel Sleeper of St. Anne’s church, Lowell, who demonstrated on cooking in its several branches.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Drolet are removing from their home on Orchard street to the house on Central street formerly occupied by Mr. and Mrs. James Benoit.
Mr. Fite, pastor of the M.E. church in Graniteville, was the guest on Sunday of George Wilson, Pleasant street.
The most successful Sunday in the go-to-church campaign, which is being conducted by the vicar, Rev. W. M. Ford, was last Sunday. The chapel was packed to the doors. A very forceful sermon was given by Rev. Endicott Peabody, head master of Groton School. Special music was given by the vested choir with Miss Sarah Precious at the organ. Sunday, the last in the campaign, Rev. T. L. Fisher, rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal church, Leominster, will preach. A large number of St. Mark’s choir and the Brotherhood of St. Andrew will accompany Mr. Fisher. Services will commence at 4:30 in the afternoon. Mr. Fisher was vicar of St. Andrew’s parish for ten years and will long be remembered for his many valuable works. He will be given a cordial welcome by his former parishioners on Sunday.
Cameron school closes next week for the Thanksgiving holidays.
Ayer
District Court. Edward Carlson a Swede, and Mike Salauis and Louis Viano, who are of French extraction, got into a fracas in Graniteville, where all the parties live, and as a consequence the two latter were arraigned this week Friday morning on complaints of assault and battery. Both were found guilty and their cases placed on file upon the expenses of the case, amounting to six dollars each. The trouble arose between the children of the three men and finally the parents became engaged in the trouble with the usual result.
Judge Atwood has found for the plaintiff in the action for breach of contract between Charles A. Blodgett, et al. of Westford, and John J. Corkery of Cambridge. The plaintiff alleges that the defendant failed to live up to an agreement made between the parties by which milk was to be delivered for a year at forty cents per can. Edward Fisher, former senator, of Westford, appeared for Blodgett, and Atty. Stearns, of firm of Dallinger & Stearns, of Boston, appeared for the plaintiff.
Saturday, November 27, 1915
Center. The Unitarian parish is to be congratulated upon again having a resident pastor. Mr. and Mrs. Buckshorn are pleasantly established for the winter in Mrs. Skidmore’s cottage on Depot street. Their new telephone number is 46-4.
Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher and son John are enjoying a week’s vacation in Ludlow, Vt.
A Thanksgiving service was held at the vestry on Wednesday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. John Wilson and Miss Jennie M. Chandler were guests for the holiday at John M. Fletcher’s.
Bert Walker’s many friends are glad of continued good reports of him from the hospital. Not until the first of this week did his attending physicians pronounce him out of danger and it will be some time yet before he will be able to be moved home.
Miss Hazel B. Hartford, who has played the organ at the Congregational church so acceptably and efficiently the past two winters, resumes this work commencing Sunday.
The Arthur E. Days are making quite extended alterations and improvements in their home [18 Graniteville Rd.].
Mrs. Edmund Day quietly and pleasantly observed her eighty-third birthday at her home on Tuesday of this week. The day was made pleasant by comfortable health and calls and messages from friends. Mrs. Day went with Mr. and Mrs. Watson to spend Thanksgiving day with the Groton kinspeople.
A good delegation from the C.E. society went to Lowell on Monday evening to a temperance mass meeting under the auspices of the Lowell C.E. union at the First Congregational church and listened to the fine address of D. A. Poling, associate president of the United Society of C.E. His subject was “The dawn of national prohibition.” A supper and social hour preceded the program. Among those who went from here were Rev. and Mrs. David Wallace and Miss Rachel Wallace, Mr. and Mrs. William C. Roudenbush, Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Day, Otis Day, Charles Roby, Miss Young, Miss Edith Wright, Leonard Burland, Harry Ericson, Edna Day, L. W. Wheeler and Miss Mabel Prescott.
Oscar R. Spalding has been having alterations and improvements in the interior of his main barn [1 Leland Rd.].
Mr. and Mrs. Leonard W. Wheeler spent their Thanksgiving with relatives in Newport, R.I.
Among those entertaining large family groups for Thanksgiving were the H. V. Hildreths, A. W. Hartfords, Mrs. Frances B. Prescott and Rev. and Mrs. David Wallace.
Miss Loker and Miss Bunce went to Lowell to spend the holiday with the Misses Carrie and Maria Bunce.
Very stormy weather impaired the success of the Ladies’ Aid sale and entertainment at the Congregational vestry last week Friday afternoon and evening of last week. There were sales tables for fancy articles and aprons, and ice cream and cake were on sale. The entertainment in the evening was excellent and it was to be regretted that the storm kept so many away. Following is the program: Piano duet, Miss Julia Fetcher and Mrs. Watson; reading, Mrs. Belle Harrington Hall, of Lowell; trio, “’Tis morn,” Mrs. Colburn, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Feeney; reading, Mrs. Hall; duet, “Darkey love song,” Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Feeney; reading, Mrs. Hall; solo, Leonard Burland; reading, Mrs. Hall; duet, “Land o’ dreams,” Mrs. Fenney and Mrs. Taylor.
Considerable work is being done at Whitney playground putting it in order for the winter, shrubbery being moved, top soiling, etc.
About Town. Rev. Julian E. Pennington, formerly of the Unitarian church here, is delivering a series of interesting addresses in Charleston, W. Va., Sunday mornings and evenings.
The Alliance of the First Parish church will hold a food sale in the vestry of the church on Monday afternoon at two o’clock.
The next meeting of Middlesex North Pomona Grange will be held on Friday, December 3, at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell. The morning session will be devoted to a discussion of “Weeds on the farm”; “Weeds in the garden,” George W. Trull; “Weeds of the mind” Mrs. W. A. Sherburne; “Weeds for medicine,” Mrs. E. F. Dickinson. The afternoon will be provided for by Hon. Edward Fisher, personally or by proxy.
Noah Swanson, Jr., has bought the barn and land of Arthur G. Boynton lying between the Chelmsford road and the road leading past the house formerly owned by Trueworthy Keyes [16 Frances Hill Road], this land once being a part of the Keyes farm. Mr. Swanson is intending building a house.
The woods on Francis [sic] hill are well alive with the nimble grey squirrels after the close of the open season. Tree food being scarce they are patrolling down the wooded hillside for corn from the barn of the Old Oaken Bucket farm [70 Lowell Rd.]. It is wonderful how instinct and hunger provides such efficient and speedy transportation. Lug and tug away Mr. Squirrel, you are as much an asset to life as the corn you are housing in your home in the forest for winter.
At the Agricultural Extension school which meets in Westford from January 17 to 21, the following teachers will have charge: Fruits, A. W. Rees; poultry, A. G. Dunn; dairy, Prof. W. F. Turner; soil fertility to be announced; home economics, Prof. Laura Comstock and Miss Marie Sayles. The committee in charge are going to push for a large attendance and everybody not on the committee are invited to get into the push line and give the old town the appearance of a “together” dwelling place.
The mail on the Lowell road from the Old Oaken Bucket farm on towards Westford still adheres to the center of gravitation at Westford Center, notwithstanding the advice of “Send your mail to Chelmsford.” Under the new revolution there is miles of travel for a half inch of business that don’t come to a cent.
Westford station was broken into again Tuesday evening and a general ransacking followed.
Don’t forget the farmers’ institute which meets in Westford during the second week in December.
Grange. At the last meeting of the Grange there was a lively tilt to and fro with Littleton Grange on the question: Resolved, “That whoever voted against striking out the word male from the constitution of Massachusetts at the recent state election voted against the fundamental principles of American liberty.” There were an equal amount of arguments for and against the question, the constitution, declaration of independence, preambles, by-laws, resolves and other sidelights being brought forward in this court of final settlement. The negative side won out on the vote, which was argued by Charles A. Kimball, George A. Cook, and Ivan Russell of Littleton. They were all eloquently equipped with the ammunition of sharp arguments. The Westford batteries were manned by Herbert E. Fletcher, J. W. Rafter, S. L. Taylor. Like the State Grange, the Grange voted against loosening the mooring by which it is tethered against the innovation of equal suffrage.
Graniteville. The members of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held a very interesting meeting in their rooms on Tuesday evening that was largely attended. After the session a social hour was enjoyed during which refreshments were served. Several candidates were initiated.
“Hanson’s Hustlers” and “Hall’s Heavers,” two local bowling teams, met in Lowell on last Saturday night and the Hustlers won by 1261 to 1256, taking three games out of four and winning the series. Local bowling teams are now very much in evidence and the weekly and semi-weekly games played between the different associations are causing a great deal of interest.
Not one of the local hunters were fortunate enough in making a killing, during the open season on deer, although several of the nimrods reported that they made some excellent shots, but the animals always got away.
Many of the local followers of horse racing took in the races at the Golden Cove park in Lowell on Thanksgiving afternoon.
The mills of the Abbot Worsted Company were closed on Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week [for Thanksgiving] and will start up again at the usual time on Monday.
After the sessions on Wednesday afternoon the Sargent school will remain closed until Monday.
Although we have enjoyed excellent weather of late the mill pond has already been frozen over a couple of times this season.
Forge Village. The regular meeting of the W.C.T.U. was held at the home of Mrs. Lionel Goucher on Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs. Amedee Canton lies crucially ill at her home. She is the mother of twelve children, the youngest of whom is but a week old.
There was no meeting of the Ladies’ Sewing Circle held this week owing to the holiday.
Abbot & Company closed down their mills on Wednesday for four days. Work will be resumed again on Monday.
The Young People’s Social club of St. Andrew’s mission held their meeting on Tuesday evening in Recreation hall. Mrs. Warren Sturgis had charge and proved a most interesting entertainer. Mrs. Sturgis read selections from well-known authors and merited much applause.
The go-to-church campaign which has been conducted at St. Andrew’s mission by the vicar for the past five weeks was brought to a successful close last Sunday. The services were conducted by Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, of St. Mark’s Episcopal church, Leominster. Seventeen members of St. Mark’s choir joined with St. Andrew’s choir in the choral service. The chapel was filled to the doors, people attending from Graniteville, Ayer, Groton and Leominster. A very pleasing feature of the service was the singing of the vested choir of “The peace of Jerusalem.” After the services the Leominster choir and members of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, with Rev. Thomas L. Fisher as guest of honor, were entertained at tea by the members of St. Andrew’s choir. Mr. Ford is to be congratulated on the success of the campaign.