The Westford Wardsman, October, 1908
Saturday, October 3, 1908
Center. Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Goode have gone to St. Johnsbury, Vt., for a fortnight. While there a family reunion of Mr. Goode’s family is to be held.
Warren E. Carkin and J. Willard Fletcher have been chosen to serve on the jury for the fall term at Lowell, commencing October 5.
Mrs. Elizabeth Abbot has been having her household goods removed this last week to Brookline, where she has taken a house for the winter for herself and two daughters, Mrs. Kate Kebler and Mrs. Emma Kebler.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Spaulding and little daughter Etta were guests at Mrs. Nellie Carkin’s Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth, who have been boarding with his parents since their marriage a year ago this summer, have moved into the house on Boston road made vacant by the John P. Wrights [25 Boston Road].
A pleasant party of ladies attended the performance of “The man of the hour” at Lowell opera house Wednesday afternoon. The party numbered about a dozen.
A piece of petty thieving one night last week was the taking of a two-quart can of milk from the doorstep of A. H. Foss. The can and contents belonged to S. H. Balch.
We regret to note the disappearance of the “depot” at Taylor’s crossing. We understand that so much of Brother Taylor’s time was used in answering questions as to who were the architect and builder thereof that he removed it in a hasty moment. We are informed on good authority that he will sell the original plans and specifications cheap.
Fair. The annual agricultural fair and sale, under the auspices of the Congregational church, took place last week Thursday afternoon and evening and was very much of a success, although the attendance was not as large as usual, owing to the fairs taking place on the same day in Tyngsboro and Groton; also, the very unseasonably warm and dusty weather had its effect on the attendance. Notwithstanding the severe drouth the display of fruit and vegetables was excellent and well arranged. Elliot Humiston had charge of the decorations and skillfully achieved a pleasing and effective result, banking the stage with clusters of yellow ferns and red sumac, with festoons of woodbine overhead. At each end of the stage were some giant sunflower stalks, with flowers at the top measuring fifteen and eighteen inches across. There were also some fine bunches of Kaffir and Canadian corn, the last from the farm of John Wilson,, and the sunflowers from the garden of A. S. Wright.
A. A. Hildreth had a long table entirely filled with produce from his garden, which was certainly a credit to any vegetable grower. Among others who displayed some good produce were Wm. Pollock, S. L. Taylor, H. G. Osgood, A. Bunce, L. W. Wheeler, and from the Atwood home a tasteful display of vegetables, fruit and flowers, showing the accomplishment of feminine effort in that line. In this collection was a dish of fine red currants.
Eliot Humiston exhibited a handsome white leghorn rooster and pullets, which received much favorable notice, and Miss Hilda Isles had a cage of Japanese dancing mice, which interested many.
The exhibit of jellies, canned fruit and vegetables was certainly attractive and tempting. Mrs. Osgood had her usual fine display, and Mrs. McMaster and Mrs. Pollock had some fine specimens, as did also the lady of the parsonage.
There were sales tables for fancy articles, aprons, food and candy, children’s table and fish pond, all of which did a good business. The children’s table was decorated with a canopy most appropriately draped with Teddy bears from crepe paper. The candy booth was beautiful with a canopy of bright red poinsettia blossoms in crepe paper; the apron table had a design in goldenrod, and the fancy table pink roses in graceful design. The fish pond for children was an ingeniously arranged goose, presided over by Mother Goose in appropriate attire.
The entertainment in the evening consisted of readings by Robert Howes Burnham, who delighted a Westford audience at a concert given in the spring; also, Miss Pauline Tucker of Winthrop, violin soloist, with piano accompaniment by Miss Evelyn Atwood. Miss Tucker is a graceful and sympathetic player and gave a varied number of selections.
Toward the close of the evening the fruit and vegetables were sold by auction, S. L. Taylor acting as auctioneer. The list of committees who so faithfully did their part to make the annual fair a success were as follows:
Committee of arrangements, Rev. C. P. Marshall, Miss L. B. Atwood; entertainment, Miss May Atwood; fancy table, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, Miss Luce, Mmes. Foss, Goode, Greig, Osgood, Hartford, Martha Taylor, Mary Bunce, S. C. Atwood, Miss Cushing, Miss Carter, Fannie Banister, Marguerite Banister, Mrs. Woods, Eva Pyne, Martha Symmes, Ida Walkden; baby party, which took place in the afternoon with about a dozen little ones in charge, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. J. P. Wright; display committee, May Boynton, Mrs. Daniels, Mrs. Lambert, Mrs. Arthur Day; reception, Miss Loker; food table, Mrs. J. B. Fletcher, Mrs. Banister, Mrs. A. A. Hildreth, Mrs. Eliot Humiston, Mrs. Charles Hildreth; apron table, Mrs. Mary Fletcher, Mrs. Winthrop Wheeler, Mrs. A. S. Wright, Mrs. Burnham, Mrs. Fifield, Mrs. J. W. Day, Mrs. Kenrick, Mrs. F. C. Hildreth, Mrs. W. Wright, Mrs. Willis Hildreth, Mrs. Bridgeford, Mrs. Charles Osgood, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Isles, Mrs. Steele, Mrs. N. Prescott, Mrs. J. W. Pine; candy table, Mrs. Boynton, Florence Wilson, Mildred Kendrick, Helen Burnham, Eva Pyne; icecream, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Harmon, Mrs. Blood, Mrs. Ferguson, Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Chas. Colburn, Misses Leighton, Tallent, Nellie Fletcher; Mother Goose booth, Mrs. G. E. Gould, Ida Trask, Adreth Carter, Hilda Isles, Althea Symmes and Ethel Richardson; solicitors for fruit and vegetables, H. G. Osgood, W. R. Taylor, Geo. Kimball, Arthur Wilson, Chas. Colburn, F. A. Smith.
A Question Answered. We are glad to be able to answer a question from the chief assessor in the last Wardsman as to a locality Paradise spring is so named from its location in “Paradise,” a region on the northwest slope of Westford hill, named by academy students in the time of “Long” ago. This spring is now pretty nearly dry and never gives rise to more than an insignificant rill. Not far from “Paradise” a year ago a rattlesnake was seen, so one man says. Anyway, rattlesnake plantain, rattlesnake ferns, poison ivy, dogwood, etc., grow there; also, cows wander loose thereabouts and woodchucks are as plentiful as in the Mephitis Americana [scientific name for the skunk]. To add still further to the dangers of the region, it is where the tax collector is usually at work. The writer knows every foot of land on this side of the hill, but he does not know just where to locate “Physic spring,” he found mentioned in an old deed. Can any reader of this tell its location and history?
An automobile race that was quite as important to the participants directly concerned as that over the famous Merrimack Valley course recently, took place last Saturday afternoon. There were four cars entered, which were parts from baby carriages, express wagons, etc. An ingenious steering gear was arranged on each “car” and they were conspicuously numbered, and in every way emulated the famous races as far as possible. The course was from the start of Graniteville road as far as Julian Cameron’s barn. [Julian Cameron lived at 7 Graniteville Road, but his barn must have been further down the hill.] After the start it was a case of steering the machine, and the rest was largely the natural force of momentum. Fully fifty interested parents and friends witnessed the event. Car No. 3 was the famous Isotta Frashchini, which won the race in one minute and twelve seconds; Alexander Cameron [aged 13] was driver and Fletcher Abbot [9] mechanician. No. 2 was second, with Leon Hildreth [13] and Albert Woods [13]. Car No. 1 was driven by Donald Cameron, jr., [8] and Georgie Goode [8]; this car came in third. The fourth car was a speeder and was out to win, manned by Marden Seavey [12] and Edward Blodgett [13], but on rounding the famous “Hairpin curve,” an accident to the rear wheel precipitated the riders into the road..
J. Henry Fletcher presented the winners a beautiful trophy in the shape of a silver gold-lined loving cup. Mrs. Julian Cameron was gracious hostess after the event and the boys were treated to icecream and cakes. Pretty boxes of candy were presented to the children as souvenirs.
About Town. The illness of Miss Mary Flynn at her home on Pigeon Hill on the Stony Brook road, reported last week, still continues critical. The physicians are unable at present to determine the exact nature of the difficulty. There are symptoms of cancer of the stomach.
Miss Belle Walker has just returned from a visit to her niece, Mrs. Edgar Wallace, in Wellesley, and her brother, John J. Walker, in Natick.
John Adams Taylor commenced last Monday his second term in a course of study at the Emerson school of oratory in Boston.
Mrs. George Drew and Miss Emily F. Fletcher were chosen last Sunday as delegates to represent the Unitarian church at the conference of Unitarian churches held as Nashua Friday, Oct. 2.
At the democratic caucus held last week Wednesday evening the following delegates were chosen to the conventions:
State, Edward Fisher; congressional, John M. Fletcher; county, Frank Healy; councilor, H. E. Gould; representative, W. H. H. Burbeck, W. O. McDonald.
The milk that has been delivered at Graniteville by Daniel Connell for the milk car has been sold to Herman Decatur of Lowell. Fred L. McCoy on Concord road, who for several years has had a retail milk route at Forge Village, has sold his milk to Mr. Decatur.
The eleventh representative district convention meets at town hall, Ayer, Saturday afternoon, Oct. 3. The district includes Ayer, Acton, Chelmsford, Carlisle, Littleton and Westford, and E. D. Stone of Ayer is the candidate for endorsement. With so good and efficient a man there will be no dissention.
Geo. T. Day and John A. Taylor represented the town at the congressional convention at Clinton that nominated Charles Q. Tirrell of Natick.
The young people’s guild will hold its semiannual convention at Tyngsboro, Saturday afternoon, Oct. 3. Rev. Frederick R. Griffin of Braintree and Rev. L. L. Green of Chelmsford will speak on the subject, “Personality in church work.”
George Perkins of Lowell, who for several years has been having milk of Westford farmers, has sold out, and some of the farmers feel that they have also been sold out and they are inquiring for $550 worth of cash overdue.
On the last page will be found the Graniteville and Forge Village news.
Water Test. At a recent official test of the hydrants of the Westford Water Co. by the selectmen and officials of the company, represented by E. M. Blake of Boston, it was clearly demonstrated that the town has one of the best systems installed in the state. The selectmen in guarding the right of the town in its lease of hydrants from the Westford Water Co., selected as a test three hydrants, those in front of the Unitarian church, the town hall and the new academy. This test proved a sufficient force to throw water over the belfry of the Unitarian church and nearly to the top of the tower of the town hall. These are the highest buildings in town, nor are there likely to be any built higher, unless possibly the school committee may have to resort to building a sort of “Tower of Babel,” reaching unto the clouds, as a safe retreat from the “confusion of tongues,” [See Genesis 11:1-9.] as exemplified by the recent allusions and illusions at public hearings.
This water system was installed by private citizens for the public good, and as a further evidence of private wealth for public good this company has offered to furnish free the water for three drinking fountains, at Westford, Graniteville and Forge Village. As there has been some criticism of the assessors because the water company was not taxed enough to throw them out of gear, would it not be well to inquire who is to furnish the tin cup to drink out of at this free water retreat; the town or the company? Also, as a still further squinting at economy, is it not true that Forge Village already has fountains of drinks, and could they stand any more? Aside from these few disturbing thoughts the Westford Water Co. are to be kindly remembered as private promoters of domestic economy and improvement, and the public are “reaping where they have not sown” [Matthew 25:24]. The overseers of the poor are also to receive honorable mention and be recommended by a reward of merit for their recent decision to introduce a public water supply into the town farm buildings. With the standpipe of the company within a few rods of these buildings, and the severe drouth as complainant, it would seem to be fitting for a public chorus of the familiar words, “O do not pass me by.” Even-song and sermon by the pastor at 4:30. Annual parish meeting in Ayer on Monday evening, Oct. 12.
Harvard
The funeral services held in memory of George Edward Burt, whose death was noted in last week’s issue, took place Saturday, Oct. 3, at two p.m. Mr. Burt died Wednesday morning previous. He was aged 92 yrs. 5 mos. 15 days.
Of his life much could be written that would be only of credit to him. He was a splendid man. Practically his whole life has been occupied in the perfecting and manufacturing of farm machinery of his own invention, the most prominent of which are the lawn mower, the American hay tedder manufactured by the Ames Plow Co., the self-dump horse-rake and the horse power or tread-mill. His shop, which is now fallen into decay, contained many working models of various safety and labor-saving devices. Mr. Burt has occupied many honorable positions in the town. He had been a deacon of the Congregational church since 1862, and was the Sunday school superintendent for twenty-five years; he also represented the town in the legislature of 1859. His home was destroyed by fire two years ago, since when he has been cared for in private families, his resources enabling him to be well taken care of. He leaves one granddaughter, his only blood relative, though he was connected by marriage to the Hildreths and Barrys of this town. Rev. L. E. Perry officiated at the last service.
Saturday, October 17, 1908
Center. The early morning train and the last train at night, which is such a convenience to many all the time and to nearly everybody else occasionally, continues to run as heretofore, and much satisfaction is expressed by the townspeople and much grateful appreciation to the town clerk, Edward Fisher, for time and effort expended by him as far as this town is concerned.
Dr. and Mrs. Henry L. McCluskey and son Donald of Worcester are spending a week in town, the guests of Dea. and Mrs. A. S. Wright. From here they go to Lynn for the sessions of the state C.E. convention. Dr. McCluskey is one of the officers of the state union.
Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hartford are to move into the new house on Depot st., being built by Frank Drew, as soon as it is ready for occupancy.
Miss Augusta Leighton and Miss Minnie Pollard of Newton have been guests the past week at Mrs. C. H. Fletcher’s; also, Mrs. Helen Leighton has been a recent guest.
John Hartford, the popular morning conductor on our branch line, is on duty again after enjoying a week’s vacation.
Miss Lenie Fletcher was a weekend guest at Mrs. O. R. Spaulding’s.
Rev. Frank M. Baker, who is staying at John P. Wright’s, preached at the Sunday evening service at [the] Congregational church to an attentive and good-sized audience.
Misses Lillian and May Atwood [are] attending the sessions of the American board of foreign missions convened at Brooklyn, N.Y., Oct. 13-17.
The annual business meeting of the W.C.T.U. was held at Mrs. Harmon’s Wednesday afternoon. After the election of officers Mrs. Hildreth gave a good account of the county convention held at Concord and the state convention at Lowell, both of which she attended. There will be a parlor meeting Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 20, at the home of Miss Ida E. Leighton. The following officers were elected:
Pres., Mrs. Jennie Hildreth; first vice-pres., Mrs. Ada A. Day; second, Mrs. Alice M. Lambert; sec., Mrs. Emma Day; treas., Mrs. Harmon.
Grange Visitation. Fully sixty patrons of Westford grange attended by special invitation the neighbors’ night at Carlisle Wednesday evening. Two large two-horse barges, other outfits with two horses, and many with single horses conveyed the visiting members. Lexington and Chelmsford were the other granges invited, as well as a few from Concord and Billerica. The entertaining grange was fully equal to the occasion, with its hearty welcome, its beautifully decorated hall with trophies of the harvest, and the bountiful super served to all. The three visiting granges furnished a program that was heartily appreciated. Westford’s share was as follows: grange orchestra, Messrs. Fletcher, Blodgett and Miller; vocal solo, E. G. Boynton; duet, F. A. Smith and Mrs. S. B. Wright; reading, Mrs. Arthur Blodgett; vocal solo, Ruth Miller, with piano and violin accompaniment by Mabel and Everett Miller.
Tadmuck. It was October’s brightest and bluest of weather Tuesday afternoon for the opening meeting of the fourth season of the Tadmuck club. The ladies of the Unitarian society were the hostesses for the day, and the ladies’ parlors, which have been thoroughly renovated during the summer, were thoroughly comfortable and pretty, and made more so by bright autumn flowers arranged under the direction of Mrs. H. V. Hildreth.
The opening remarks of the president, Miss Sarah W. Loker, were in a vein of happy felicity and sincerity, and expressed confidence in the continued unity of purpose and loyalty to the best interests of the club. Miss Loker stated that the trustees of the library, where the regular meetings are held, had granted the use of the trustees’ room as a cloak room.
It was Tadmuck day, the old Indian name of our town, and much of interest was told, from the town’s first settling on through the years up to the present time, much of great interest to the older ones and of great instruction to the younger element. Mrs. B. H. Bailey, Miss C. S. Atwood and Miss E. F. Fletcher were the committee in charge. Mrs. Geo. T. Day gave the first paper, giving a splendid account of the town’s early history of which she is such a thorough student.
Miss Miranda G. Luce gave an outline of the social life, which was thoroughly bright and interesting, making plain that the life in earlier days was not all toil and hardship, but was brightened with dancing and singing school, huskings, barn raisings, and sewing circles.
Miss Caroline E. Hewett gave the third paper, sketching the early history of the historic Nashoba district most attractively.
The papers were interspersed with some fine old-time music by Misses C. S. Atwood, Ruth Fisher, Laura Lumbert, Eva Fletcher and Mrs. C. D. Colburn, with Mrs. C. A. Marshall accompanist. Such stirring old tunes as “Russia,” “Strike the cymbal,” “Invitation,” “Cousin Jedediah,” and “Auld lang syne,” were given. The various papers were illustrated with many photographs and old china loaned by Mrs. Hiram Whitney, Mrs. E. J. Whitney and others.
The next meeting will be in library hall as usual at 2:30.
About Town. At the recent Middlesex North agricultural fair S. L. Taylor was awarded first premium on Baldwin apples. Even thus was it deemed equity to decide that apples that are puffed up enough in their own estimation to measure twelve inches in circumference should be rewarded for their dry weather attainments.
Grateful remembrance to correspondent on Tadmuck hilltop from the valley correspondent for her clear and startling description of the habits and habitations of the surroundings of Paradise spring. Let me see; dogwood, poison ivy, woodchucks, rattlesnakes, tax collector. Oh, my! I sha’n’t go near that combination.
The republican town committee held a meeting at the selectmen’s room last week Friday evening and transacted business that elected Judge Taft president.
Edmund B. Whiting is moving from Brookside to his father’s house, Lowell road.
The Gilman J. Wright place on Depot st. [9 Depot St.], has been sold to Mrs. Mary E. Brigham.
Mrs. James H. O’Brien is ill at her home and under the care of a physician.
The registrars of voters will hold a meeting at Healey’s hall, Graniteville, on Monday evening, Oct. 19; at Abbot’s hall, Forge Village, Wednesday evening, Oct. 21; at town hall, last meeting prior to election, Saturday, Oct. 24, from noon until ten o’clock p.m.
The personal property of the late Dr. W. J. Sleeper will be sold at auction Saturday, Oct. 24, at one p.m., rain or shine.
Water and milk, which have spells of having a bad name, owing to bad company, are getting inconveniently scarce. The H. E. Fletcher [Granite] company, who have several contracts on hand, requiring the running of all the machinery, are obliged to car the water from Stony Brook. This requires frequent repetition, as the steam compressor requires 94,000 gallons of water daily.
Many of the farmers on Francis hill and elsewhere are hauling water from Stony Brook, and by some source or another will have to precipitate water into Stony Brook in order to get some out.
As a connecting link between forestry, rainfall and evaporation it might be well to record the signs of the times and say that Chairman Spaulding of the board of selectmen has been introducing the past week a representative of the state forestry bureau, with a view to setting out waste land of the town to forest trees. Now don’t let us all stubbornly assume the attitude of a cannon and hold this movement up. If we do we all ought to be fired off, and then just like as not it would rain.
Forge. Word has just been received from William Orange, who enlisted in 1906 in Company Q, 11th infantry, now stationed at Fort Russell, Wyoming. He had just returned from a seventeen days’ and nights’ practice march through ice and snow when he received the letter from his sister saying that his father [Abraham Orange] had met with an accidental death by drowning [Sept. 25]. It was such a shock to him, so far away from home, that he was ill for several days. His brother Joseph is on the U.S.S. Vermont, now on the way to Japan. Many bullet holes are visible in it. Mrs. Randall has had it in her possession for more than twenty years.
The annual parish meeting of the Episcopal church was held at the vicarage at Ayer Monday evening. Rev. T. L. Fisher entertained our village choir. After supper was served, Mr. Sturgis, the treasurer of the parish, read the report of all the missions. Groton, Shirley and Woodville were well represented. It was announced at the meeting that St. Andrew’s mission of this village was clear of debt. After the business meeting was over a social hour was enjoyed; also, a light lunch was served.
Mrs. Lucretia Reed, Mrs. Mary Drake and Alvin S. Bennett attended the funeral of their brother-in-law, Bryant McIntyre, who met his death by falling off a load of hay, breaking his neck, Sunday, at Shrewsbury.
Miss Alice L. Prescott, who teaches in school in Ashland, N.H., has been visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Prescott, for a few days.
Mr. and Mrs. W. B. Lyons and son Harold of Melrose have been in town closing the summer cottages of the late John H. Edwards for the winter.
The ladies’ circle met at the mission house Thursday afternoon.
Miss Stella Carkin has accepted a position with the F. C. Church insurance company, commencing her duties last Monday.
Mr. and Mrs. Chandler and son, Messrs. Perry and Carkin, came from Gardner in Mr. Chandler’s automobile, last Sunday, to visit Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Carkin.
Graniteville. Court Graniteville, F. of A., held a very successful dancing party in Westford town hall, last week Friday evening, which was well attended, many being present from Ayer, Forge Village, Littleton, and the usual large crowd from Graniteville and Westford Center. Dancing was enjoyed from eight until twelve o’clock, with a short intermission at 10:30, when refreshments were served in the lower hall. The dance was in charge of the following efficient committee: T. A. Riney, manager, assisted by D. W. Harrington, Fred DeFoe, A. R. Wall, R. J. Hemen. Hibbard’s orchestra of Lowell furnished excellent music for dancing, and helped in a great measure toward the social success of the affair.
The book contest which has been going on here for the past few weeks closed the latter part of last week, and the following awards have been made:
Sofa pillow, won by Angeline Brisson; rose jar, Chas. Gardette; umbrella, Jennie Ledwith; water set, Fred Hosmer; water set, Mrs. Louisa Riney; clock, J. H. Payne; watch chain, Mrs. De Lorenzo; watch, Chas. Couture; sofa pillow, Hannah Coburn, Forge Village.
Bert DeRoehn, who has been at Lake Sunapee, N.H., for the past few weeks, has been a recent visitor in this village.
The Re-Opening of the M.E. church here, which has been looked forward to with such deep interest by the village people for the past few weeks, took place at 10:45 Sunday morning, and was largely attended. The church has been closed for several weeks for the purpose of making extensive repairs and alterations. The carpenters, painters and decorators have been kept busy and as a result the church edifice at present is in fine condition, both from a practical and artistic point of view.
The opening service was conducted by Rev. S. H. Armand, who was ably assisted by Rev. M. H. A. Evans, who was the first pastor of the church [1869-71 & 1876-79]. The choir, which was augmented for the occasion and under the direction of Mrs. C. H. Wright, with Miss Emily Prinn as organist, acquitted themselves with credit, the anthem being particularly pleasing. The solo “Face to face,” as sung by Mrs. Armand was a rare treat, she being in excellent voice. There were remarks by the pastor, followed by singing by the choir. At this service the sermon was preached by Dr. C. F. Rice, district superintendent, who spoke from Acts 26:19, “Whereupon, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision.” Dr. Rice spoke in his usual forceful manner, his sermon being listened to very attentively by the large congregation present. His words made a deep impression on his hearers and the closing remarks of his sermon left something to be long remembered. This service was attended by many former parishioners from out of town.
The love feast service held from six to seven was conducted by Rev. Alfred Woods, a former pastor here [1879-82 & 1888-91], now of Newburyport. Mr. Woods is always a welcome visitor here and it is needless to say this service was largely attended and proved to be highly interesting to his former parishioners.
At the evening service, commencing at seven o’clock, the sermon was preached by Rev. [John] Alphonzo [Alphonso] Day, also a former pastor [1900-01], now of Ashburnham. Mr. Day gave a very able sermon and spoke of his pleasant recollections of his pastorate here. The full choir was in attendance at this service, and the singing if anything was of a more elaborate order than at the morning service.
The village was thronged with visitors from out of town, many of whom had come quite a long distance to participate in the services on the opening of the church. The evening service was a fitting climax to a very eventful day.
Appropriately named. At the recent meeting of the Westford board of education, held in the Graniteville school building, it was unanimously voted to name the Graniteville school the Sargent school, which name it will hereafter be called, in honor of the late Charles G. Sargent, the real founder of the industrial interests in this village, and a public man of great prominence…. [This article was not completed in this issue of The Wardsman but was given in its entirety in the following issue, where it is transcribed below.]
Saturday, October 24, 1908
Center. Rev. E. C. Davis of the Riverside church in Lawrence, preached most acceptably last Sunday morning at the Congregational church, in exchange with Rev. C. P. Marshall’s former pastorate before coming to Westford, and he much enjoyed meeting his old parishioners. In the evening Chas. D. Colburn led the C.E. meeting, subject, “Commending our society by systematic, generous giving.” A quartet composed of Mrs. C. D. Colburn, Miss Laura Lambert, Arthur E. Day and Howard Ferguson, added much to the service by their fine singing. Dr. McCluskey, who was present, spoke with much earnestness of the state C.E. convention meeting at Lynn this week.
Chas. O. Prescott and Rev. C. P. Marshall enjoyed a walking trip to Mt. Wachusett last week. The autumn foliage was at its best and the weather was clear and cool, ideal for the trip. On the homeward trip they visited the Wm. A. Perkins family at Grafton.
A. H. Sutherland is building a storehouse and barn for the Westford Water Co. at the pumping station at Pine Ridge.
The first in the series of the grange entertainment course will take place in the town hall, on Thursday evening, Oct. 29. Hon. Arthur K. Peck will deliver his stereopticon lecture, “Storm heroes of our coast.” Mr. Peck is a most able lecturer and this is one of his best subjects, and all are expected to do their part to help sustain this excellent course. These are three reasons why there should be a representative audience next Thursday evening.
Miss Mary Morin [Moran], our village nurse, has bought for a home for herself and sister, Mrs. Isles, the house opposite the town hall owned by Mrs. Hiram Whitney [58 Main St.].
The catchbasins which have been constructed by workmen under the direction of John A. Healey opposite the schoolhouse lot are completed. With the present extreme drouth it is hard to realize how necessary they are to draining Main st. in stormy seasons.
It is truly a dry time when Boutwell’s brook ceases to have any water in the Coolidge meadows. Mr. Spaulding is improving the opportunity by deepening the ditch, so as to be rid of surplus water when it does rain again. We hear that the present is the longest dry spell for nearly fifty years. May it be yet longer before it is dry again.
Rev. C. P. Marshall, H. G. Osgood, L. W. Wheeler, Mrs. Alice Lambert, Miss C. S. Atwood attended the conference of Congregational churches at Rollstone church, Fitchburg, Wednesday.
The personal property of the late Dr. J. W. Sleeper will be sold by auction at his late residence Saturday, Oct. 24, at one p.m. Frank H. Farmer, auctioneer.
Grange. Westford grange held its annual neighbors’ night at the town hall, last week Thursday evening. Billerica grange, which was especially invited, was unable to come in a body, but there were patrons present from there as well as from Groton, Littleton, Pepperell, Carlisle and Chelmsford, as well as nearly the entire membership of Westford, which is a sizable gathering of its own. The ladies’ degree staff exemplified the work of the third degree on a class of nine candidates, doing the work with much accuracy and precision, in uniforms of spotless white. The fourth degree followed by the regular officers, after which adjournment was made to the lower hall where a bountiful harvest feast was served, under the direction of caterer Fred A. Smith and a corps of able assistants.
Graniteville. The members of the Holy Name society of St. Catherine’s church who are to participate in the parade in Boston on Nov. 1 had a practice drill last Sunday and will also try the different movements at various times before the event takes place. The society here will unite with the society in North Chelmsford and join the ranks from St. Patrick’s parish of Lowell, who will form part of division twelve in the parade on that day.
Several of the Graniteville members of Westford grange are busy rehearsing for a two-act comedy-drama to be given in one of the neighboring towns in the near future. Joe Wall is coaching the players and also has a prominent part in the play. This play will be given in conjunction with some other form of entertainment to be presented by Westford grange at that time and will not be public.
The devotions of the holy rosary were held in St. Catherine’s church, Wednesday evening, and were largely attended.
On page two will be found this week the complete Sargent article printed last week in part.
Supper. The ladies’ aid society of the M.E. church held a very successful harvest supper and entertainment in the church vestry, last week Friday night, which was largely attended. Many were present from Forge Village, Westford, West Chelmsford and surrounding towns. A fine old-fashioned supper was served from 7:30 to 8:30, with every table filled. The supper was one of the society’s best efforts, and that is saying it was all that could be desired. Aside from the supper there was a mystery table that did a flourishing business, while the vegetable table proved a great attraction and found a ready sale for its goods. The experience party caused much merriment, and the trials and mishaps encountered by Mrs. J. B. Carmichael in earning “that dollar” and told by herself, kept the audience convulsed with laughter from start to finish. After many had related their experiences a short but very pleasing entertainment was given, consisting of the following numbers:
Piano and clarinet duet, Edith Normington and O. A. Nelson; vocal trio, “The rainbow,” Alice M. Gilson, Mildred Lorman, Leon Holland; rustic song, “The cows are in the corn,” Mrs. Armand; reading, “One standard for both sexes,” Mrs. Lucy Lambert; comic song, E. G. Boynton; recitation, “The brave fireman,” Mrs. O. A. Nelson; tableau in three acts, “Single blessedness,” “Not so blessed,” and “Blest beyond measure,” Chas. Blodgett and Mrs. Nelson.
All did finely in their parts, special mention being made of the excellent singing of the trio, the comic song by Mr. Boynton and the splendid recitation delivered by Mrs. Nelson. Immediately after the entertainment a sale of fruit and vegetables was held with Joe Wall as auctioneer, and everything salable was disposed of in short order. The whole affair was a great social and financial success and entirely in charge of the ladies’ aid society, while the following persons were at the head of the different committees:
Entertainment, Mrs. C. H. Wright; supper, Mrs. Maria Wall, Mrs. William Welsh, Emily Prinn, Mrs. J. B. Carmichael; mystery table, Mrs. W. H. Beebe, Mrs. J. Everett Woods; vegetable table, Mrs. Lucy Lambert.
Everybody present had a very enjoyable time and the committee in charge wish to thank all those who helped in any way toward the success of the affair.
Forge. The ideal weather of the past week brought many visitors from their city homes to spend the last of the week at their summer cottages at Forge pond, while still larger numbers came for Sunday to enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Archie S. Bennett, teacher in the English high school, Somerville, was the weekend guest of his grandfather, Alvin S. Bennett.
Mrs. John Burnett entertained her mother, Mrs. M. E. McArdell, and her sister, Mrs. Wm. King of Dorchester, last week.
The ladies’ sewing circle met with Mrs. R. D. Prescott Thursday.
Death. Mrs. W. E. Parsons [nee Hannah Prescott] received a telegram the first of the week announcing the death and burial of her cousin, John M. Osgood of Racine, Wis. Mr. Osgood was born in Westford, May 19, 1828. His parents were Dr. Benjamin and Nancy (Cummings) Osgood. He was one of eight children and received his early education at the common schools and Westford academy. He was one of the first station agents on the Stony Brook railroad, being stationed at Forge Village. But that did not satisfy his ambition, so he and his brother Isaac went west, where they engaged in the meat business at Racine, then in its infancy. They remained in that business until the death of his brother, when he changed to lumber and real estate. In 1890 he retired from business cares, but was always interested in public affairs.
He was twice married. His first wife was Miss H. M. Hurd of Charlestown. About five years ago he married Mrs. Mary Eastman of Somerville, who survives him. His death closes the book of that once large family, but his memory and loving kindness will live in the minds of friends that are left.
The funeral was held at his late home in Racine and he was laid to rest by the side of his first wife in the beautiful cemetery in the city he loved so well and had lived in for the last sixty years of his life.
The following is taken from a Racine paper: “After a long illness John M. Osgood, one of the pioneers and prominent citizens of Racine, passed away at St. Luke’s hospital shortly before twelve, on Wednesday night, Oct. 14, of general debility incident to old age. He was a charter member of the Universalist church and also member of Belle City lodge, No. 92, F. and A.M., and was always interested in Masonic affairs.” [His middle name was Mason.]
School. All close range intentions of closing Stony Brook school have evidently been abandoned and so has the old furnace, the school committee having installed a new one. The hurry to complete this work and not interfere with Sunday or the school of Monday developed much sweat and a look of fret, but even these two features were not sufficient to complete the work on Saturday, and Sunday witnessed this ancient advice exemplified and reasoned out, “Which of you having an ox, if he fall into the ditch on the Sabbath day, will you not straightway take him out.” [Luke 14:5.] Well, yes, of course take him out so he can get back to his cud again. The difficulty of application today seems to be, first, there “aint” any oxen; second, if it did fall into the ditch, there is neither mud nor water in these dry days of 1908 to prevent his getting out alone.
But, howsoever, waiving all thought of “straining at a gnat and swallowing a camel” [Matthew 23:24] on Sunday labor, the school committee would have had this attended to during vacation, but the town uttered a $15,000 yes in favor of consolidation, and then petitioned itself into repentance and mourning that it ever had light enough to behold truth that way before.
The furnace just removed was one ordered by the state inspector and was a heater and ventilator combination. As a heater, by the aid of sun and moon it inclined to overdo it just a little in dog days; as a ventilator it was far-reaching in its suction and dragged in the north pole. No wonder Peary couldn’t find it. The new furnace is to have a special nurse, and Guy R. Decatur has been appointed by the school committee. In comparing the complicated heating apparatus of modern days—with day and night nurses in case a ray of light should get fractured, with the plain stove of the days of cowhide boots, the stove of cord-wood heat, the stove that the plain Yankee farmer boy could fire in a match game with zero weather and win out every time, why we have simply heated up our brains with expensive complications, while our feet are colder than in the days of inexpensive simplicity.
The old furnace formerly used at Forge Village schoolhouse has been transferred to the town hall at the Center. Thanks, many and far-reaching to everybody in authority who has come to the conclusion that it is about time that the furnaces at the town hall had an assistant, for as a cold storage for cold feet the hall is close to the line of being painfully perfect—some more of the subway cellar heating apparatus that cannot compete with simple wooden heat close to the feet.
About Town. The electric cars killed a cow belonging to Frank C. Drew, last week Friday. The cows were being driven to pasture when the car came along from Westford Center and struck one of the cows at the crossing near Mr. Drew’s house [46 Lowell Rd.?]. There appears to have been ample time to stop the car. It appears to have been a case of mistaken judgment in supposing that a cow, like a person, would have sense enough to make a wise choice between leaving the track voluntarily, and being reminded of the choice by contact with a fast approaching car. There is no doubt of the liability of the company, the superintendent of which was early on the scene to make a financial apology.
Westford grange will make a neighbor’s night visit to Groton grange Tuesday evening, Oct. 27. A barge will leave the town hall about six o’clock. Westford grange will furnish the entertainment, which will consist in part of the half-hour farce entitled “Coals of fire.” The cast of the play has been arranged according to the laws of natural selection: Adam Crabtree, a farmer, S. L. Taylor; Phil O’Hara, his servant, Joseph Wall; Mr. Meek, a country minister, J. E. Woods; Bobby Greening, Andrew Johnson; Dick Pippin, Fred Blodgett; Charley Baldwin, Chas. Blodgett. The first named takes the place of J. Willard Fletcher, who is busy in behalf of justice at the court house in Lowell.
The board of registrars will meet at the selectmen’s room, town hall, this Saturday from the noon hour until ten p.m. This is the last opportunity for voters to prove their claim and register. The assessors will also be in session at the same time and place to issue certificates of good behavior, accompanied with a two-dollar certificate of introduction to the tax collector, to all persons who felt slighted in not being noticed on the first day of May last.
Samuel M. Hutchins, a former resident of the town, is seriously ill at his residence on Parker st., Lowell. He would be glad to received visits from his Westford associates.
Amos Polley is building a henhouse that it is hoped will prove fire-proof, burglar-proof, and vermin-proof. Very likely the hens will have testimony in rebuttal to offer on one phase of the expectation.
One person registered at Brookside precinct last week Friday evening, and four at Graniteville last Monday evening.
Appropriately named. At the recent meeting of the Westford board of education, held in the Graniteville school building, it was unanimously voted to name the Graniteville school the Sargent school, which name it will hereafter be called, in honor of the late Charles G. Sargent, the real founder of the industrial interests in this village, and a public man of great prominence. It was mainly by Mr. Sargent’s generosity that the Methodist church, that fine bit of architecture situated on high ground overlooking the pond, was erected. He it was who gave the land and furnished the financial backing [in 1870-71] which made this building possible. In all things he was public-spirited, and being possessed of fine business ability he was successful in all his undertakings, which enabled him to perform many good deeds for the welfare of this village. The school committee is to be commended for using such excellent judgment in selecting such an appropriate name for the school, for the Sargent family are very prominent here and are always loyal to the interests of the Graniteville people, and the children that attend this school can be told by their teachers that this school is named in honor of the late Charles G. Sargent, who was the real founder of Graniteville, a true, loyal, public-spirited citizen and a good, charitable man.
No doubt there are a great many who would like to hear more concerning Mr. Sargent, for his good deeds were endless, but we will pass over that for the time being and give a brief history of his business career, which is bound to be interesting.
A native of Hillsboro, N.H., and the son of a tailor, Charles G. Sargent was born July 17, 1818 [1819]. He worked on neighboring farms and went to the common school in early years, and at fourteen began to learn the trade of cabinet maker, but his employer having sold out he transferred his services to [a] manufacturer of eight-day clocks, with whom he remained one and a half years. His employer then failed and young Sargent went to Lowell, where he entered into an agreement with a job contractor in the Lowell machine shop for three years. Having then mastered the trade of machinist, he engaged to do machine repairing for a worsted manufacturer at West Chelmsford. Here he stayed four years, employing his spare time in learning the details of worsted manufacture. In 1841 he entered the services of the Lowell manufacturing company and the next year was made its overseer. A new factory was erected in 1845 and Mr. Sargent aided in constructing and setting up its machinery, which was designed for the manufacture of worsted. It was while connected with this company that he invented a valuable burring machine.
Mr. Sargent resolved in 1852 to enter into business for himself, and although offered every inducement to remain, he left the Lowell company, hired a small shop on Market st., and began the manufacture and sale of wool-burring and other machines. Also at this time he invented what is now called the Garnett wire; also, the Garnett wire-wound cylinder, which are now used for a great variety of purposes. After a successful career of two years he was forced by ill health to temporarily abandon his efforts.
With Francis A. Calvert he purchased in 1854 a grist mill and a saw mill at Graniteville, and converted them into shops for the manufacture of wool machinery, entering into partnership with Mr. Calvert Jan. 8, 1855, for the manufacture of same. In 1857 a partnership was formed with J. W. P. Abbot for the manufacture of worsted yarn, but being unable to attend to this department of business Mr. Sargent sold his interest to Allan Cameron. These buildings were burned Dec. 5, 1858.
Shortly after there was erected what is now called mill No. 1, a two-story stone building, 185 by 52 [feet], with a connecting one 40 by 32 [feet]. Jan. 1, 1863, Mr. Sargent bought his partner’s interest in the machine shop and continued business in his own name.
He invented a number of important machines pertaining to his branch of manufacture, among them a wool-washing machine, burr-picker, wool-dyeing machine and other machinery for preparing wool and fibrous materials. In 1877 he built a new mill on the opposite side of the stream. This was finished and the machinery moved in January 1878.
When Mr. Sargent settled here the village was called Stone Quarry, until about 1856, when the name was changed to Graniteville at his suggestion. Mr. Sargent died July 16, 1878, at his seaside cottage, Juniper Point, Salem. He held a number of offices of trust, which are not herein specified.
Saturday, October 31, 1908
Center. A most successful husking party was held at the home of George E. Gould and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Blodgett, Friday evening of last week. The house and grounds were appropriately trimmed with Japanese and jack-o-lanterns, and many bushels of corn were husked. A bountiful and prettily served supper was enjoyed by the guests. After, the husking room was made for dancing, with music by Mr. Blodgett on the violin. There were about seventy-five present.
Mrs. M. J. Wheeler has been confined to the house the past week with a severe cold.
The ladies of the Congregational church will hold a food sale at the vestry Friday afternoon, Nov. 6.
Principal and Mrs. Woodward are getting settled in their new home on Boston road.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth and Master Leon spent Sunday with relatives in Malden.
Rev. E. H. Roper of Portland, Oregon, has been a recent guest at Mrs. Caroline Atwood’s.
Westford people are sincerely thankful for the people in our sister town of Littleton that Monday night’s serious conflagration did not extend farther than it did; also, they would extend their sincerest sympathy to Mr. Stiles and Mrs. Lawrence, who have many friends in Westford, in their serious loss.
Rev. Frank D. Atherton, assistant pastor of Morgan memorial chapel, Boston, will speak at the evening service at the Congregational church on Sunday. Many who know something of the various phases of work of this institution will be glad to hear Mr. Atherton’s account. Last Sunday evening at this church Mr. Marshall gave an interesting talk on the medical and industrial work accomplished by our foreign missionaries. It was illustrated with the stereopticon with a particularly good set of pictures.
Rev. C. P. Marshall and L. W. Wheeler attended the council preparatory to the installation of Rev. Paul G. Favor at Littleton on Tuesday, and a number of others from this church were present at the installation services in the afternoon.
Miss Jennie M. Chandler was a Sunday guest at Mrs. J. B. Fletcher’s.
Walter Johnson of Boston has been spending a few days in town the past week.
Edwin N. C. Barnes, supervisor of music in the schools, is to give a song recital at the town hall, Monday evening, Nov. 2. Gunner Eckman, violinist; Miss Alice Dean Spalding, reader; Miss Sarah Horblit, accompanist, will assist Mr. Barnes.
The H. F. Leiths have closed their Westford home and will spend the winter months in Concord.
Edward Felch, who has lived in the tenement over the old store for some time, has secured a position in Natick and with his mother will move there Nov. 1.
Wedding. An autumn wedding of much interest to Westford people is one that took place in Manchester, N.H., on Oct. 28, when Miss Dorothy May Sleeper was united in marriage to Chester Martin Hartwell, Harvard ’05, of Littleton. The wedding took place at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Hobbs, the ceremony being performed at five in the afternoon. The officiating clergyman was Rev. Chas. Hathaway of the Unitarian church of Manchester, the double ring ceremony being used. The rooms were beautifully trimmed with evergreen and white chrysanthemums, the bay window where the ceremony took place was banked with green, relieved by the beautiful white chrysanthemums. The maid of honor was Miss Natalie Sleeper, only sister of the bride, and Richard Laws Hartwell, the groom’s only brother, was best man. The ring bearer was Philip Hobbs, the little cousin of the bride, and Walter J. Sleeper held the wide white ribbons that formed an aisle for the bridal party. Owing to the recent bereavement in the bride’s family the wedding was a quiet one, only the immediate relatives of the bride and groom and a few friends being present. The bride wore a beautiful gown of white crepe de chine. After the marriage ceremony a wedding breakfast was served by Farrell of the Calumet club. After a wedding trip Mr. and Mrs. Hartwell will reside in Littleton.
About Town. The selectmen have had the usual difficulty in securing persons to serve as precinct officers at election next Tuesday. The town was unanimous in dividing into voting precincts, but not so unanimous for the service as officers of these precincts. Following is a partially incomplete list appointed at time of writing, several having declined:
Westford Center, precinct 1: warden, S. L. Balch; deputy, A. H. Sutherland; clerk, J. M. Fletcher; inspectors, W. H. H. Burbeck, T. A. E. Wilson; deputy, C. R. P. Decatur. Graniteville, precinct 2: warden, T. D. Riney; deputy, A. R. Wall; clerk, Walter Wright; inspectors, H. D. Wright, J. Wall; deputy, C. A. Blodgett. Brookside, precinct 3: warden, M. L. McGlinchey; deputy, P. B. McGlinchey; clerk, W. R. Taylor; deputies, S. L. Taylor, H. G. Osgood, B. J. Flynn; inspectors, Henry B. Reed, Wm. J. Donnelly. Forge, precinct 4: warden, A. S. Bennett; clerk, F. A. Reed; inspectors, A. H. Comey, E. G. Boynton.
Daniel H. Sheehan is running his wooden-woolen-cotton-cider-vinegar combination mill by gasoline, there being no dam to back up the water and no water to back up the dam. The work of time has been gradually reducing the dam to that dust which is the estate of all things, while the gradually diminishing of the water must be charged up in a large degree to wasteful and reckless destruction of forests, which has taught foreign countries such costly lessons in drouth and flood. What a pity that America must be at the expense of learning this lesson, when history hoists the signal of alarm.
In the suit of George W. Bussey against the Lowell and Fitchburg street railway, the jury awarded a verdict of $125. Mr. Bussey sued the company for trespass, breaking down fences and cutting down trees at various times in May and June, 1907. The jury visited the premises last week Friday. The plaintiff claimed $1000 damages. The Defendants claimed not to have exceeded the rights granted by the selectmen. Pratt & Devine for plaintiff, F. A. Fisher for defendant.
There was a republican rally at the club house in Graniteville, Friday evening, Oct. 30. Music by the truant band of North Chelmsford, and interesting speakers.
Renne Dezeile on the Lowell road is seriously afflicted with an affection of the eyes that comes close to the border-line of blindness. Specialists from Lowell are probing for sight.
The rain, the glorious rain, the long delayed rain! Now that it has arrived may it be sufficient to settle all dusty questions and reign supreme over all dry occasions.
Fire. In the early afternoon of Thursday last week a threatening fierce woodland fire for its size got under headway on land of Hammett Wright, Harry Fletcher, and John A. Healy on the northerly slope of Snake Meadow hill, northeast of Graniteville. Fire warden, John A. Healy, responded with a lot of volunteers equipped with chemical fire extinguishers, which soon brought the fire to smoke and from smoke to surrender. About seven acres were burned over. A lack of that breezy condition of atmosphere is to be credited in making honorable mention of reasons why the acreage burned was so small.
The next day about one o’clock another fire started in the direction of Cold Spring. Owing to the quick response of the Abbot hose company of Westford and the A. R. Choate company of Graniteville, with volunteer citizens, the fire was soon forced to accept the tender mercies of annihilation. Only about one acre was wearing mourning on account of the fire.
Grange. For an inspiring exemplification of the fraternal spirit, for a literal supper of the fruits of the farm, for the personal greetings of the patrons, for large and conveniently adjusted hall room, why, go to Groton. And that was the exact movement of ninety members of Westford grange Tuesday evening, in a neighbors’ night entertainment with Groton grange. One barge load left Westford town hall at six o’clock p.m., going by way of Graniteville and the Groton road and carrying thirty happy, singing, single patrons; barge the second left the town hall at 6:30, and went by way of Forge Village licensed spring and Ridge Hill tavern, carrying two dozen patrons whose youthful inclinations were strongly in the direction of the rising sun. They were able to be in good spirits when they reached out for the hospitality of Groton; without any fortification of spirits by fluid spirits. The balance went by single teams or else balanced at home.
The entertainment was furnished by Westford grange and included music by the grange orchestra—J. Willard Fletcher, clarinet; Alvin Nelson and Arthur Blodgett, cornets; Mr. Miller, violin; William Wall, drums; Mabel Miller, piano. The appreciative spirit frequently applauded them into “Please play that again,” or something else that has the same “Can’t keep my feet still’ movement to it. Mrs. May Wright added volume to the occasion by song. E. G. Boynton arrested all tendencies to sleepiness by comic song. He being a constable he could just do this effectively, no handcuffs, no billy, except “A little billy goat.” Mrs. Alvin Nelson read several selections so effectively that the reading of them over again was called for. The last number on the program was the short farce, ‘Coals of fire,” which helped to warm up the occasion. The actors who got a warming up were Joseph Wall, J. Everett Woods, Fred and Chas. Blodgett, S. L. Taylor.
Graniteville. Grand chief companion, Miss Josephine Mahoney of South Boston, made her first official visit here to Cameron circle, C.F.A., on Tuesday evening. This event had been looked forward to by the circle members for several days, and a large number were present to greet her on this occasion. After the regular order of business was dispensed with there were speeches by visiting friends, followed by a brief reception to the grand chief companion, which enabled all those present to meet her personally. Refreshments were then served, followed by a social hour, during which dancing was enjoyed. The whole affair was very enjoyable and reflects credit on the committee in charge.
The devotions of the holy rosary took place in St. Catherine’s church Wednesday evening and were very largely attended. After the devotions the members of the Holy Name society who are to participate in the great parade in Boston on Sunday, Nov. 1, met for practice drill and at the same time received the badges and buttons that are to be worn on that occasion. The local company is doing finely, under the leadership of James McTeague of North Chelmsford, and is bound to give a good account of itself on Sunday.
The local stone contractors are still doing a rushing business, and there is such a strong demand for block paving that one of the foremost contractors was obliged to work his men last Sunday in order to fill the many cars that were in waiting. The stone-men are taking every advantage of the fine weather and are in hopes of filling their contracts before the cold weather sets in.
Graniteville people take an interest in the serious fire in Littleton Monday night, when F. O. [Fred Oscar] Stiles, a former resident here, was burned out, losing his fine house, barn and three valuable horses. Fortunately Mr. Stiles and family escaped injury, but it seems as though he is getting more than his share of bad luck, for he has not yet recovered from a serious injury to his leg sustained in a runaway accident some few weeks ago. The people here deeply sympathize with Mr. Stiles and his family in the loss of their home, for it comes at a time when he was being heard from in the business world. The loss of Mrs. Grace Lawrence’s house is also to be regretted, but she was not so well known here as the Stiles family.
A Young Linguist. Although Graniteville does not lay any claim to being an education center, the people are justly proud of their children, and the many boys and girls here that are proficient in different languages. One case that stands out clearly from all others is that of little Stanislaw Bochenko, the five-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. John Bochenko. The subject of this sketch is a bright little Polish boy, who is able to converse freely in Polish, Italian, French and English. He is better known to his playmates as Stanley Smith, and although only five years of age he often acts as interpreter for many of the store-men, peddlers and different families in the vicinity in which he lives. He has not as yet attended the public schools, as his parents find that he learns very readily and they do not care to press him with more knowledge until he is a trifle older. One of the Boston Sunday papers recently published an article about a little boy that spoke three languages, and although Graniteville is only a country village it can go them one better by giving them the story of this little Polish boy who can speak four languages.
Forge. It is expected that the new schoolhouse will be ready for occupancy in two weeks. Joseph Wall, the well-known painter and decorator, is at work on the interior. The school children, under the direction of Mr. Barnes, assisted by the teachers, are rehearsing a cantata to be given at the dedication of the new building. When completed, Forge Village will have a school building to be proud of. It is equipped with all the latest improvements, has two wide separate stairways, double swinging doors, and every protection in case of fire.
John Brown has accepted a position with William Crabtree & Son of Montgomery, N.Y., and left here Sunday to assume his duties.
William Prescott visited his aunt, Mrs. Parsons, last week. He has a position as engineer with the Lowell electric light company.
Frank Collins has accepted a position as draughtsman at Sargent’s machine shop, Graniteville.
A daughter was born last Saturday to Mr. and Mrs. Napoleon Milot.
The festival of All Saints’ day, Nov. 1, will be commemorated in the Forge mission house by services at 4:30, when the chapel will be decorated for harvest home and the combined vested choirs of Forge and Ayer will sing the harvest cantata in place of a sermon.
Mrs. Alfred Drolett and two children have returned from Montreal, where they passed the summer.
Mrs. William Venn and family of Keithley, England, sailed Saturday, Oct. 24. Upon their arrival they will come to this village, where they intend to settle. Mr. Venn came some time ago.
William Drake of Fitchburg was a guest of his cousin, Nelson Prescott, a short time last Sunday.