The Westford Wardsman, October, 1909
Saturday, October 2, 1909
Center. Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher and son John are enjoying a sojourn at Morristown, N.J., with Mr. and Mrs. George W. Jenkins, who were former residents of this village.
Mr. and Mrs. John P. Wright with Frances and Alice came up from Lowell to attend the fair last week. With Mr. Wright at his old post taking tickets, their change of abode did not seem as real for the time being. They report getting nicely settled in their new home.
Miss Augusta Leighton and Miss Minnie Pollard have been guests this week at Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher’s.
The W.C.T.U. met with Mrs. Andrew S. Wright, Wednesday afternoon, with good attendance. Two new members were admitted.
Edwin N. C. Barnes will give a song recital of English and sea songs on Friday evening, October 8. Mr. Barnes will be assisted by Miss Bernice Wright, reader; Gunner Eckman, violinist; and Miss E. Marion Sweatt, accompanist.
Mr. Tarbell has a force of men grading about Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher’s new house. The carpenters are busily at work on the interior finish. The W. J. Merritts are also having a thorough job of grading and laying out of grounds of their new home.
Auto Races. The pony automobile races, which took place last Saturday, was an event of great interest to the youthful participants and friends. There were twelve entries in this great speed contest, but some of the number failed to materialize, but those cars that did enter were certainly the product of much youthful ingenuity and skill, both in planning and construction. As many features of the great Merrimack Valley races were emulated as possible, each car had its driver and mechanician, and there were starters and judges and all that goes to make a well-ordered race. The course was from the top of Graniteville hill [i.e., the intersection of Graniteville Rd. & Main St.] to Julian Cameron’s yard, the turn at the driveway was the “hairpin turn.” Being down grade, the motive power was the sheer force of momentum. The time for the various cars was one minute and various numbers of seconds. The first prizes for the first runners were gold-lined silver loving cups, and were won by Alexander Cameron and Fletcher Abbot. The second prizes were loving cups of smaller sizes and were secured by Leon Hildreth and Edward Blodgett, and the third prizes were silver pencils, won by Harry Sears and William Mills. The rest of the boys, who were not fortunate enough to receive one of these beautiful trophies, were presented with as nice a jack-knife each as any boy need aspire to own. At the close of the races all gathered at Julian Cameron’s, and Mrs. Cameron dispensed fruit punch and fancy crackers.
Party. Mrs. Frank C. Bannister entertained delightfully a group of friends at her home last Thursday afternoon. It was one of those pleasant affairs belonging to the outdoor season, which will so soon be over, and adds one more to the storehouse of pleasant memories of the summer time against approaching winter. The warm, sunny afternoon had everything to do with the successful carrying out of plans, for it rained earlier and later on the same day.
This party was a combination of clam-bake and corn-roast. The bake was managed after the approved Rhode Island style, with its thoroughly heated rocks and seaweed. The steaming clams, corn and sweet potatoes came out of the bake just right. The clams had the regulation accompaniment of melted butter, pickles and crackers. This first part of the repast was followed by fancy pies, cake, coffee and fruit. It proved a combined feast of good edibles, wit and sociability. The long table was spread under the shade of the old apple tree, screened on the street side with an improvised hedge of autumn foliage. During the afternoon Miss Marguerite, who assisted her mother in entertaining the guests, took pictures of the group.
About Town. The Middlesex Northwest conference of Unitarian and other Christian churches will hold its autumn conference with the Groton parish, Wednesday, Oct. 7. The white spire of this ancient church has pointed during the centuries, among the green hills of Groton, towards the evolution of the completed individual. The town has an autumnal beauty in harmony with the principles for which the white spire of the church is uplifted. It was the church home of Ex-gov. Boutwell and other men and women noted for their wise conduct and achievements. The day and these remembrances are to strengthen individual living, better footholds towards the top of the spire, better go and try spire climbing.
Miss Alberta Greenleaf of Chelmsford, well known to many of the merry making young people of Westford, announces her engagement to Alfred S. Levi of New York, a graduate of the Lowell Textile school. Whether “S” stand for Solomon in this case, don’t know, but he does not claim to be the “Solomon Levi” of song and history, or any branch, twig-leaf or root. promised continuance of life. Close by and of the same habits is Aunt Sarah Richardson, as she is generally called, who has seen four score years and eleven. A woman of education and culture, whose temperate old age is gold-headed without a cane. A good citizen, well, no nothing of the sort, a good inhabitant. It was decided last week that women are only inhabitants and have their rights dished out to them by a muscular justice.
Graniteville. The rooms of the St. Catherine’s temperance society are now undergoing a thorough cleaning, and will be entirely renovated and put in first-class order. Joseph Wall and his men are doing the painting and decorating, and when finished the interior of the building will present a very neat appearance. The society has not been very active during the summer months, but with the return of cold weather a determined effort will be made to increase the membership, and each one of the present members are expected to bring in two new members at the first meeting in December.
Mrs. A. R. Wall and Mrs. Peter Healy represented Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., of this village, at a very important meeting of the supreme members of the circle that was held in Worcester on last Sunday afternoon. The business of the meeting was in the nature of a report of the supreme convention that was held recently, and is of very vital importance to the local circle owing to the present unsettled conditions of the order.
Dr. W. H. Sherman of this village is the latest devotee of the automobile and finds it a great convenience attending to out-of-town calls.
Henry Provost of this village, while chopping wood in his cellar on last Tuesday evening, had the axe slip suddenly, cutting his left hand very badly. Dr. Sherman was called and found it necessary to put several stitches in the wound. Mr. Provost is now carrying the hand in a sling and will not be able to use it for three or four weeks.
Mrs. D. W. Harrington has gone on an extended visit to New Hampshire and is at present stopping with friends in Wilton.
P. Henry Harrington, Fred Brown and three or four other congenial friends enjoyed a very pleasant outing at Knop’s pond [in Groton] last Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Brown as the chef covered himself with glory, owing to the capable manner in which all the meals were served during the brief stay at the pond.
Last Game. What will probably be the last local baseball game of the season will be played here Saturday afternoon, October 2, when the members of the A. R. Choate Hose Co. will play a picked nine composed mostly of the Graniteville Blues. Thomas McCarthy, the Blues’ pitcher, is also a member of the hose company and will twirl for the fire laddies on this occasion. Both teams are very evenly matched and a good fast game is looked for. Batteries, McCarthy and Heman for the hose company; Fred Defoe and Ledwith for the picked team.
Mrs. Samuels of the Grant Jewelry Co. of Lowell, a former Graniteville girl and a daughter of A. R. Choate, has offered a fine trophy for the winners of the ball game, and this prize will certainly be worth striving for. A long list of sports has also been arranged for the afternoon program and the whole affair promises to be very enjoyable.
Forge. Harvest festival will be observed in St. Andrew’s mission Sunday evening, October 3, at seven o’clock. The church will be decorated by the fruits of the earth’s harvest and one special feature of the service will be the ringing [sic, singing?] of the complete harvest cantata by the full vested choir. The festival is held earlier than usual this year, to permit the children a better display of flowers and fruit. The Sunday school children are requested to bring offerings of fruit, vegetables, flowers and autumn foliage to the mission house Saturday afternoon. Communion services at nine a.m. Sunday school at 3:30 p.m. Harvest home, Sunday evening at seven p.m. Everyone is invited to join in the services.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held a very enjoyable baked-bean supper at Recreation hall on Saturday evening, and was attended by a large number. The tables were tastefully arranged with autumn foliage and cut flowers, and the bountiful spread of good things provided by the Circle were quickly disposed of. After supper the hall was cleared for dancing, music being furnished by Miss S. J. Precious and J. H. Brown. Credit is due the following ladies for the success of the affair. General manager, Mrs. R. D. Prescott; assistants, Mrs. A. H. Comey, Mrs. G. H. Sanborn, Mrs. W. E. Parsons, Mrs. W. H. Fernald, Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, Miss Edith Foster, Miss E. M. Sweatt, Mrs. F. A. Sweatt, Miss Holbrooke, Mrs. David Lord. The proceeds will be used to cover expenses of putting town water in the mission house.
The Forge Village Tigers played the Graniteville Independents at Cameron grove, Saturday afternoon, and defeated them 19 to 6. Garcieu, Boucher and DeRoehn did the battery work for the Tigers, while Buckingham, Blanchard and Perkins looked out for the Independents.
Mrs. Mary Murray left Saturday morning on an extended visit to her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. William Morton of Bridgeport, Conn.
Miss Marion Blodgett is completing her musical studies at the Conservatory of Music, Lowell.
A flock of wild ducks passed over Forge pond last Saturday. Mattie Elliott proved a good marksman in bringing down five.
Mrs. Ellen Woods was initiated into the W.R.C. of the George S. Boutwell post at Ayer, Tuesday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Chandler and son Edward, and Allan Carkin of Gardner, were guests Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Carkin. They made the trip in Mr. Chandler’s auto.
Mr. and Mrs. Moses Bouchard have returned from an extended wedding journey to Canada. They will make their home for the present with the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anesime Deslauriers.
Miss Clara Chapel and her brother Walter Chapel attended a birthday party in Watertown Saturday.
Miss Grace Lawrence and Elizabeth Plummer have returned from a pleasant visit to Beverly.
Mrs. Fennimore Morton will spend the next two weeks visiting relatives in Hartford and Bridgeport, Conn.
Saturday, October 9, 1909
About Town. The board of registrars of voters will hold the next meeting at Moors [Moore’s] mill, Brookside, Friday evening, October 15, from 7:45 to 8:45. The assessors will also be present to legalize themselves as per new schedule of interpreting the law relating to registering of voters.
Complaint comes from the Overlook farm, junction of Dunstable and Tenney road, of “help yourself to crops” by pheasants and deer. What the pheasants couldn’t eat the deer could, a sort of illustration of the story of Jack Spratt who could eat no fat and his wife who could eat no lean, but twixt the two they licked the platter clean. So between the swift running deer and the bright-plumed gallinaceous bird the garden has been trimmed more than a third. The pheasants ate the corn and the deer ate the stalk before you could get near on a tip-toe walk. The pheasants ate the beans and the deer ate the vine; the state says all right, no good to whine.
Neil McDonald is building a new house at Brookside, east of the residence of Matthew Smith on the Brookside road.
John Sundberg has the batters up for a new house at Brookside on the corner of Lowell and Chamberlin road. How nicely it will sound in a few years more of growth to say the suburbs of Brookside, then of course there will have to be a new schoolhouse.
The moths are not as plenty in Stony Brook valley by nearly one-half as last year, thanks to the birds and other parasites. Whoever infringes on the rights of the birds for painful pleasure ought to be sent to quarrel with the North Pole.
Edward E. Decater [Decatur], who has been in California for several years, arrived home last week Friday for a short visit.
Miss Ella Wright, who has been spending vacation days at the old Levi T. Fletcher homestead, returned to her home in Cleveland, O., last Wednesday.
Arthur H. Burnham is busy these Indian summer days with his three-horse corn reaper, and the farmers are getting their corn into bundles by a movement and a moment that makes the old-fashioned days look like forever.
Barn Dance. The Westford Athletic association gave its annual cheery barn dance last week Friday evening. The hall was crowded with a good-natured, fun-loving company. Everybody was self-controllable, so it was wholesome enjoyment to the brim all the while. Certainly something good made everyone look a smile. Even unbelievers in this kind of face would have found it good medicine to shorten up the face. Hibbard’s orchestra of Lowell, always grandly lively in tempting the feet to move, on this occasion, with their new captivating song dance melodies rather led all previous records.
The hall was trimmed for a farm scene with pumpkins, corn, donkeys and other things green. This was the work of taste, skilled by the plain nativeness of young ladies. Not a hint by a man. There was just enough of the farmer costume sprinkled around individually in the density of the company to give healthy variety. The prizes offered for the best costume was awarded to Miss May Balch for ladies and to S. L. Taylor for the other side of the firmament. This last was a speechless surprise, if smiles and bows were not quite enough add not a large quantity of unanimous appreciation. Many towns and some cities were represented in the social education in the varied aspects of the evening. Pleasing as the affair was, as fun goes, add to seventy dollars for finances as more fun.
Death. After a short illness the oldest citizen of the town, he of the recent gold-headed cane presentation, Theodore Horace Hamblett, died at his residence at Brookside, last Saturday, Oct. 2, aged 90 yrs. 8 mos. and 22 days. He was born in Dracut, the son of Theodore and Abigail (Butterfield) Hamblett, being one of twelve children, ten of them being his half brothers and sisters.
He was married Feb. 19, 1846, to Miss Hannah Jewett of Wentworth, N.H., and for over sixty-three years they have lived the companionable life of service, personally and towards the community. Two children were born to them—Lester H., who died in 1905, aged fifty years, and Emma, who died in infancy.
Soon after marriage he moved to Westford and bought the grist and saw mill at Westford depot. After carrying on this business ten years he sold to Stuart P. Wright and bought the Adams mill property at Brookside, carrying on the same business as at Westford, excepting a flour mill was added. He continued in this business until civil war time, when he sold to Moore & Craven of Graniteville, when it was changed to a woolen mill. In selling this property he reserved the house where he lived and which he built. He was a millwright by trade, and after selling this property he devoted his time to mill repairs, and was widely known and employed for his practical skill. He was temperance in all things, language, conduct, diet, judgment.
The funeral took place from his residence at Brookside, Tuesday afternoon. The services were conducted by Rev. Charles P. Marshall of the Westford church. Neighbors, friends, relatives and flowers by their presence and sincerity added fragrance to his memory. Among those present were Miss Sarah Richardson, passing to her ninety-second year, Mrs. Coburn of Fitchburg in her ninetieth year and sister of Mrs. Hamblett. Of this once large family only one brother, Warren Hamblett, and two sisters were able to be present. The bearers were Augustus Bunce, W. H. H. Barbeck [Burbeck], George F. Snow, Houghton G. Osgood. Burial was at Fairview cemetery, under the direction of Undertaker David L. Greig.
Center. The body of Mrs. Louisa C. Babbitt was brought to town last Saturday for interment in the family lot at Fairview. A committal service was conducted at the grave by Rev. C. P. Marshall. Mrs. Babbitt was a sister-in-law of Mrs. Augusta Prescott. Her age was eighty-five years and death was due to bronchitis.
Miss Hannah Morrill returned to her home in Amesbury after spending three weeks with her sister, Mrs. O. V. Wells. Miss Morrill is convalescent from a recent operation for appendicitis.
Mr. and Mrs. Sherman H. Fletcher, Miss Gertrude and Julia Fletcher, Mr. and Mrs. George T. Day, Miss Emily F. Fletcher, and Mr. and Mrs. Oscar R. Spaulding returned last week from a trip to Montreal, Quebec, and other Canadian points of interest. It was a specially conducted party, numbering eighty-three in all. The Westford members of the party report a thoroughly instructive trip. They were fortunate in having good weather during the entire week they were gone.
Master Gordon Seavey went last week to the Lowell General hospital for an operation for the removal of adenoid growth. The little fellow is doing nicely, but has not quite regained his usual sturdy cheerfulness.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Hildreth were weekend guests at H. V. Hildreth’s for over Sunday.
The Middlesex Union conference of Congregational churches will hold its annual meeting at the Congregational church in Groton, Wednesday, October 20.
Dr. Henry L. McCluskey with his wife and son are at Mrs. Andrew S. Wright’s this week.
Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher has been ill and under the doctor’s care this past week.
The Edward M. Abbot Hose Co. No. 1 held its monthly drill and business meeting Tuesday evening. The members of this company very much regret that it was impossible for them to participate in last Saturday afternoon’s competition at Graniteville, but owing to a combination of circumstances it was impossible to rally enough men together to enter the contest. They hope in case of another event of this kind to make a good response.
J. Herbert Fletcher and Austin H. Foss began their duties as jurors Monday of this week.
Mrs. John P. Wright and daughters, Frances and Alice, were in town last Saturday spending the day with their old neighbors, the Wayland F. Balch’s.
The ladies’ degree staff of the grange are busy rehearsing under the direction of Drillmaster W. M. Wright, ready to go to Tyngsborough the twelfth. This is the second time the staff has been invited out of town to do this degree work, and they are making every effort to maintain the same standard of excellence as heretofore.
Miss Clara Fisher is completing arrangements for a delightful concert the fifteenth. Not all plans are final, but her friend, Miss Amy Baker, is to read, which is very much of a treat, and Mr. Albert Prescott will sing.
The work preparatory to the erection of the new soldiers’ monument, which is to be presented to the town, is making good progress. The triangular piece of land at the west end of the common where it is to be erected is being graded and built up, and a solid foundation where the monument is to stand is being prepared and the triangle finished with a substantial granite border.
Rescued from Drowning. Michael Minka, a Polander, while sitting on the rail fence at the raceway, near the C. G. Sargent’s Sons’ machine shop, on Sunday afternoon, suddenly lost his balance and fell over backwards into the water of the mill pond, a distance of about fifteen feet. He could not swim and his cries attracted the attention of Arthur Anderson and two friends, who were near the electric car line close by, who ran to his assistance. He took up a large iron rake that was near by and used for taking weeds out of the pond, and as Minka was going down for the last time he caught his clothing with the rake, and with the assistance of his brother and chum, succeeded in pulling the unfortunate man out of the water. A large crowd was soon on hand and several men did everything to revive him until the arrival of a doctor. Dr. Sherman was out of town and Dr. O. V. Wells of Westford was called on and arrived very quickly. The man was taken to Healy’s hall, where the doctor worked over him, and with the assistance of Ed. Defoe, J. A. Healy and others, soon brought him to. When taken to his boarding place, at the home of Joseph Mardust, he refused to have him admitted to the house and his fellow countryman was taken to the town farm in West Graniteville. The accident happened about four p.m. and caused great excitement in the village.
Wedding. George Francis McCarthy and Miss Bertha F. McLenna, two well-known young people of this village, were married Tuesday afternoon, October 5, at the parochial residence of St. John’s church, North Chelmsford, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield being the officiating clergyman. The bride was becomingly attired in a dress of pale blue satin, trimmed with ecru lace, and wore a dark blue hat with long ostrich plumes. She was attended by her sister, Miss Stella V. McLenna, whose costume was dark blue foulard silk trimmed with white lace, and a large blue picture hat with white ostrich tips. Thomas J. McCarthy, brother of the groom, was best man. Both bride and bridesmaid carried large shower bouquets of red and white carnations. After a brief honeymoon trip that will be spent in the Berkshire hills and at Niagara Falls, Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy will return to this village. The happy couple were the recipients of many beautiful presents and start on their new life with the best wishes of a host of friends.
Firemen’s Celebration. The firemen’s gala day that has been looked forward to with such keen interest by the village people for the past few weeks, was held here on last Saturday afternoon under the auspices of the A. R. Choate Hose Co., and proved to be one of the most enjoyable events held here this season. The afternoon program opened up with a baseball game at Hillside park between the members of the hose company and the All Stars, and in spite of the slightly chilly atmosphere the game was hotly contested for six innings and resulted in a victory for the All Stars by the score of 9 to 7. Following is the lineup and the score by innings: All Stars—Hanson, 3b; B. McCarthy, 1b; Ledwith, c; Gilson, 2b; Hughes, ss; Buckingham, lf; Healy, cf; F. Defoe, p; Perkins, rf. Hose company—Prinn, 2b; York, rf and ss; Hemen, c; Payne, cf; E. Defoe, lf; A. Healy, 3b; J. Riney, 1b; T. McCarthy, ss and p; J. Healy, p; Gordon and E. Riney, subs. Score
All Stars | 0 8 0 0 1 0 – 9 |
Hose Company | 3 0 0 1 0 3 – 7 |
Batteries, F. Defoe and Ledwith for the All Stars; Jim Healy, T. McCarthy and Hemen for the hose company. Umpire, John Quessey, West Chelmsford.
After the ball game the large crowd assembled at the postoffice in Broadway, where Mrs. Clara E. Samuels of the Grant Jewelry Co., of Lowell, formally presented the beautiful silver loving cup to be contested for by the different hose companies, to Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher, chief of the Westford fire department.
Mrs. Samuels’ remarks were brief, but showed that she has the kindest of feelings for her many friends here and the best interest of the village people at heart.
Mr. Fletcher responded in a graceful manner, thanking the donors of the cup and expressing regret that the No. 1 Hose Co. of Westford was unable to be present. The hose-laying contest was then commenced with the A. R. Choate of Graniteville and the John Edwards of Forge Village competing. The Graniteville team was as follows: Capt. J. A. Healy, R. J. Hemen, J. E. York, Austin Healy, Edward Riney, Edward Defoe. The Forge Village team was Capt. Elmer E. Nutting, Walter Precious, William Hosmer, Fennimore Morton, Edward Hanley, Joseph Garlepy.
The contest was to run 130 yards, couple the hose, attach to hydrant and start water, in the best two out of three trials. The contest was won by the A. R. Choate hose, whose best average time was 45 1/5 seconds. The average time for the Forge Village company was 48 2/5 seconds. The judges were the three engineers, Chief Sherman H. Fletcher, John E. Edwards and A. R. Choate. The timers were P. Henry Harrington, Frank Lowther and John Quessey.
After the contest and the decision of the judges the cup was presented to Capt. J. A. Healy of the local company, who accepted in an appropriate speech, followed by cheers from the large crowd present. After the presentation a long list of sports was run off in the following order:
One-hundred-yard dash, won by W. Ledwith; Edward Defoe, second; Alfred Hughes, third; prizes, $2, $1 and 50 cents. Boys’ race, won by William McCarthy, George Boyd and Francis Gower tied for second; prizes, $1 and 50 cents. Mile run, won by J. E. York, Mattie Elliott second, James Harrington, third; prizes, $4, $2 and $1. Little girls’ race, won by Rose McCullough, Maud Robinson, second; Alice Harrington, third; prizes, 50 cents and 25 cents. Hop, step and jump, won by Will Wright, 34 feet, 7 inches; Ed. Riney second, 34 feet; prizes, $2 and $1. Ladies’ race, won by Miss Emma Woods, Lena De Lorenzo, second; prizes, $2 and $1. Three-legged race, won by Austin Healy and Ed. Riney; Pete Clement and Will Wright second; prizes, $2 and $1. Shot put, won by William Gordon, 35 feet, 6 inches; Will Lambert, second, prizes, $2 and $1. Broad jump, won by Ed. Riney, 8 feet 10 3/8 inches; J. E. York, second, 8 feet, 8 inches; prizes, $2 and $1. Half mile run, won by Florence Sullivan, Carl Hanson, second; Walter Shattuck, third; prizes, $2, $1 and 50 cents.
This finished the sports for the afternoon, after an exhibition of tumbling had been given by Arthur Seymour. All then wended their way to Healy’s hall, where an excellent supper was served in the lower hall, the members of the hose company assisting in serving.
Capt. J. A. Healy had general charge of arrangements; Lieut. D. W. Harrington was starter and Lieut. Alfred Prinn, clerk of course; judges of cases, Fred Provost and Henry Le Duc. The other members of the company assisted in various ways during the afternoon.
In the evening there was a social dance in Healy’s hall, the music being furnished by the Imperial orchestra of Leominster. At intermission refreshments were served in the lower hall.
The following committee had charge of the dance. Floor director, Ed. Defoe; aids, J. B. Riney, T. A. Riney, J. E. York, J. H. Payne, R. J. Hemen, H. E. Le Duc, W. P. Tousignant, J. B. Healy, J. Austin Healy, H. J. Healy and G. P. Le Duc.
This is the first big event that the fire company has had charge of and many good things are promised in the future.
Forge Village. The Harvest Home festival was celebrated Sunday at St. Andrew’s mission. The church was decorated with fruits, vegetables, flowers and autumn foliage. The words spoken by Rev. T. L. Fisher were very impressive and the singing of the harvest cantata by a full choir made the service one to be long remembered. There were prizes given to those bringing the best offerings. As all tried to do their best, it was hard to decide, but Misses Carolyn Precious, Mabel Sanborn, Gertrude and Hazel Comey and Lucretia Reed were the recipients. Mrs. Reed’s offerings were a fine bouquet of dahlias and a great variety of vegetables which she raised, being her own gardener. Mrs. Reed is eighty-two years old and that fact makes her offerings very interesting. The prizes were books of well-known authors.
Services at St. Andrew’s mission will be at seven o’clock, Sunday evenings throughout the month of October. Sunday school at the usual hour. The Guild held their regular meeting Wednesday evening, October 6th.
John Shackleton had his hand severely cut at his home Friday evening. A physician was called to dress the wound. He injured the same hand only a few weeks ago.
W. E. Parsons lost a valuable cow the past week, it having received an injury from some unknown source.
Mrs. Lucretia Reed is entertaining her great-grandchildren, Gladys, Evelina and Lawrence Ingalls. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ingalls have sold their farm on the Groton road to Mr. and Mrs. Maybrick of Maine. Mr. Ingalls and family will make their home in Beverly.
Mr. and Mrs. Napoleon LeClarc of Standford, P.Q., were the weekend guests of his brother, Felix LeClarc and family.
Henry Story has taken possession of his new home, recently purchased of W. E. Parsons.
Mrs. Louis Caisse and two children, Raymond and baby Doris, are visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Carkin.
Mrs. Sylvia Barnes of Stoneham is visiting Mrs. H. E. Randall.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Whidden and son Robert are spending these beautiful October days enjoying camp life at Tanglewood cottage. Also Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Lyons and son Harold have been spending a few days at their cottage and visiting old friends.
Misses Alma and Annie Gagnon and Miss Alma Bouchard of Newburyport were guests of Mr. and Mrs. Aimee Bouchard last week.
Saturday, October 16, 1909
Center. Miss Alice Howard, who graduated from Simmon’s college this last June as a trained librarian, has accepted a position in Cotuit, where she will have charge of the library, substituting and assisting, and her many friends wish her much success and pleasure in her new surroundings.
Mrs. John McIntosh, who is ill at her home with typhoid fever, is reported as doing well. The grange has sent the usual beautiful bouquet of flowers through its Flora, and the visiting committee were reminded of their friendly duties of fraternal sympathy.
Miss Edith Wright has been having an unexpected vacation from her school duties at Ayer. Owing to the prevalence of diphtheria, the school was closed and she spent last week at her home here.
Miss Wood, Miss Loker’s friend of Keane, N.H., has been enjoying a visit with her at Providence farm.
George H. [W.] Heywood observed the eightieth milestone in his journey of life quietly at his home Sunday. The day was made memorable by having his only daughter, Miss Elizabeth Hildreth, and her husband, and his only grandson, Roger Heywood Hildreth, aged just four weeks, to dine with him. It was little Roger’s first journey from home. Mr. Heywood is in quite comfortable health, considering the many ill turns he has undergone.
Mrs. Paul Litchfield of Chelmsford is the guest of her daughter, Mrs. Goode, at the village home of the Goode’s.
Mrs. Eliot Atwood and daughter, Miss Jessie, were guests in town and attendants at the Congregational church, Sunday.
The H. V. Hildreth’s enjoyed one more weekend at camp. The summer-like weather and the beautiful autumn foliage around the shores of the pond made their stay quite worth while.
John H. Shaw of Spokane, Wash., has been a recent visitor in town, one object of his visit being the settling of taxes on the place owned by his sister, Miss Charlotte Shaw, and occupied by A. O. [Alfred Oscar] Davis.
Arthur Wilson and Miss Florence Wilson are enjoying a trip to Washington.
Misses Carrie and May Atwood made a pilgrimage to Methuen, Wednesday of this week, which was the home of their maternal grandparents.
Those who have horse chestnut trees about their homes have a positively bumper crop this fall. To the person who could find some really practical use for these glossy brown nuts, a good profit might be realized.
Donald M. Cameron has been painting the buildings and making other improvements at the family homestead.
Grange. Conferring of first and second degrees was the program scheduled for the first meeting in October, but, owing to the fact that there is no class for initiation this fall, the program for the evening was a miscellaneous one. It was voted by the members to conduct a lecture and entertainment course for a fourth season. The committee in charge of this course consists of Rev. C. P. Marshall, S. L. Taylor, and the master and lecturer, A. H. Sutherland, and E. G. Boynton. This committee again bespeak the hearty cooperation and patronage of those outside the grange as well as the members. The object is to give the public a good, bright course of six entertainments and lectures as is possible with the amount raised and not as any source of revenue to the grange. The committee’s achievements in financiering last season will be remembered. The cost of the excellent course given was one hundred and sixty-eight dollars and some cents, and it turned into the grange treasury at the close of the course exactly three cents after all bills were paid. The program Thursday evening consisted of selections by the grange orchestra with encores; recitation by Mrs. Alvah Nelson; reading by Mrs. Sutherland and Mr. Marshall, after which there was some practical discussion of a timely subject, corn and potato culture.
The members of Westford grange made the visitation to Tyngsborough grange, for which they have been planning and keep preparing for some time, the special object being the conferring of the third degree by the ladies’ degree staff. Every member of the staff was able to go and act well her part. Also invited was the grange orchestra, who also did well and were much appreciated. Two barges, one in charge of Fred Smith and the other of William E. Wright, and single teams, conveyed the delegation, numbering fully fifty in all. The fourth degree was well exemplified by the regular officers of Tyngsborough grange. A good supper, comfortable weather to go and come, a hall beautifully decorated with flowers and fruits, and much pleasant sociability, made the visitation one of the pleasantest. There were also patrons present from Billerica, Dracut, Chelmsford and Pelham.
Concert. Edwin N. C. Barnes gave a song recital at the town hall last week Friday evening of most excellent merit, consisting of sea songs chosen from a great number received by him from English publishers while in London this past summer. Mr. Barnes was admirably assisted by Master Joseph Gewitz, boy violinist; Miss Bernice E. Wright, reader; and Miss E. Marion Sweatt, accompanist. Master Gewitz was heartily applauded for his skilful and sympathetic interpretation of difficult selections. Miss Wright was charming and dignified, and all her numbers were well received. Miss Sweatt is well known as an accompanist of ability and her work Friday evening was of her usual high standard.
Tadmuck Club. The first meeting of the Tadmuck club for its fourth season of work together assembled in the vestry of the Unitarian church, Tuesday afternoon. The pleasant parlors were bright with sunshine and well arranged autumn flowers.
The club starts the year auspiciously with the limit of a membership of seventy-five reached. There have been a few withdrawals owing to absence from town and ill health, but these vacancies have all been filled. New members added are Miss Edith M. Lawrence, Miss Elizabeth R. Cushing, Miss Winnifred Burnham and Mrs. A. H. Sutherland.
Miss Loker, who has always been the club’s choice of president, gave words of welcome and greeting, calling attention to the outside program for the year and to the printed constitutions for each member, and voiced the wish of enlargement of scope for the organization in the line of town betterment, etc.
The program for the afternoon was “Vacation experiences,” in charge of Mrs. William A. Woodward. Mrs. B. H. Bailey gave the first paper, which was exceedingly interesting and witty reminiscent of vacation weeks in Dedham. Miss Miranda Luce gave vacation experiences right at home, in which she used her happy gift of telling them in verse.
Miss Gertrude D. Fletcher had prepared a scholarly and instructive paper read by Miss Clara Smith of her recent trip to Montreal and Quebec. Interspersed at this point was a piano duet by Mrs. Marshall and Miss Julia Fletcher, which was followed by a sketch by Miss Clara Smith of summer days spent in ancient Duxbury, redolent of tradition of the old colony days.
Miss Loker closed the afternoon’s program with an account of enjoyable days spent at Burlington during the tercentenary Lake Champlain celebration.
Notice was given that the unfilled afternoon, December 21, on the program is to be travel talk by Mrs. Grace Lawrence of Littleton on “Merrie England.”
About Town. Rev. P. H. Cressey of Groton will conduct the services at the Unitarian church next Sunday in exchange with Rev. B. H. Bailey.
Mrs. James H. O’Brien, on the Pigeon hill branch of the Stony Brook road, who has been quite ill, is now enough better to stay better.
Among the marriages of interest to Brookside and Westford Corner residents will be that of Lincoln A. Reddick and Miss Ellen Knowles. Mr. Reddick will be remembered as a brother of Mrs. Edward Moore. For many years he was connected with the Brookside mills as watchman and otherwise, besides serving the town as constable for several years. Miss Knowles is the daughter of John H. Knowles, for many years night watchman at the Brookside mills, but more recently the storekeeper at Marshall’s hall at Westford Corner.
Since the death of Horace Hamblett, the holder of the gold-headed cane as the oldest citizen of the town, the question naturally comes up for an answer, “Who next in the old-age list to possess the cane.” There is good authority for believing that Matthew F. Downs, corner of Groton and Dunstable road, will be the next in line of possession. He is well in the eighties, besides being well, although not as gray as many of a younger day. If all this proves true, the Brookside precinct simply holds two.
The board of registration of voters will hold a meeting at Forge Village, Abbot’s hall, Monday evening, October 18, from 7:30 to nine, and at Graniteville, Healy’s hall, next Wednesday evening, from 7:30 to nine.
Joseph T. Richardson is helping along the prosperity of the Cold Spring farm, in tilling the soil and by other useful maneuvers.
John H. Decatur, who has had years of illness measured into him, had a condensed illustration served on him Tuesday evening. At present he is better but not up to his former self in the sunny helpful days of illness.
The cellar for the new house of John O. Sundberg of Brookside is already advanced enough to give an impression of the exterior design of the house.
Wilbert E. Parsons has resigned the office of inspector of meat, to which he was appointed by the selectmen, on account of contemplated removal from town.
Erving E. Staples, formerly of the sawmill at Westford, has accepted a position with the William P. Proctor company at North Chelmsford, in the sawmill department.
Mrs. John McIntosh, on the Concord road, has been seriously ill of typhoid fever, but is making good progress towards normal health.
Dedicated. Thomas H. Elliott, who lives in Lowell, pays taxes in Westford and goes to church in Littleton, has dedicated for the present the Nashoba schoolhouse, which he bought of the town, to a better observance of the Sabbath, better and larger thought and character. With this end in view, he has invited the Baptist society of Littleton to hold religious services in the schoolhouse Sunday afternoons, and they have accepted the invitation. Mr. Elliott will be remembered as a well-known influence in the Middlesex North conference of the Unitarian churches and in the denomination generally, but like Paul of old he is willing “To be all things to all men, if by all means he can save some,” [1 Corinthians 9:22] and neither Mr. Elliott or the Baptist society allows this movement to be construed as an attempt to make Baptists, but as a “Salt of the earth” movement. [Matthew 5:13]
Course of Entertainments. The grange at its last meeting voted to hold a course of entertainments as in previous seasons. Among those whom the committee have planned in the entertainment course will be Mr. and Mrs. S. Thompson Blood of Concord Junction. Mrs. Blood is well known in town, and Mr. Blood has a war record with the Spaulding Light cavalry, with funny faces and humorous conduct whenever he opens his knapsack. The committee of the grange for this course are Rev. C. P. Marshall, Alonzo H. Sutherland, Edson G. Boynton, S. L. Taylor, who are ready to receive promising encouragement. The grange disclaims all thought of enriching itself financially, and any surplus will be held in reserve for future entertainments.
Annual Meeting. The trustees of Middlesex North agricultural society held its annual meeting at Lowell, Tuesday. Only where vacancies occurred, the old board of officers were re-elected. A report of the recent fair at Chelmsford was made showing a net income of $300. Among those present was J. Lewis Ellsworth, secretary of the state board of agriculture, who announced that the state board would hold its winter meeting in Lowell or Grange hall, Dracut. Noted speakers will be present and address the meetings, which will be held three days, commencing on December 7. Program and all particulars in season not to too early. Arthur H. Cluer, for many years the efficient and sufficient president of the society, as well as a pillar in all good things, was reported dangerously ill at his home in Lowell, and resolutions of sympathy were passed.
Graniteville. Little Genevieve Healy, the three-year-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Healy, of this village, took first prize at the baby show held in North Chelmsford last Saturday afternoon. Little Russell Dudevoix, the ten-months’ old son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dudevoix, of this village, also received a prize.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank McLenna of Springfield have been recent visitors in this village.
Mrs. J. J. Dunn and Miss Catherine Dunn of West Chelmsford have been recent visitors here.
Football. The North Chelmsford football club visited here last Saturday afternoon and met the Graniteville A.C. in the first game of the season at Hillside park. The North Chelmsford boys won by the score of 5 to 0. Graniteville presented a much lighter team than their opponents, but played a plucky game throughout. North Chelmsford scored after six minutes of play, Lavalle, after a neat run of twenty-five yards, making the touchdown. Graniteville held them from further scoring during the half. In the second half Graniteville was somewhat reinforced by two new men, while the North Chelmsford boys made similar changes in their lineup. From the call of the whistle the play was fast and furious, and there were several mixups which were due more to lack of knowledge of the game than with an intention of injure a fellow player. Both sides took things in a good-natured way and were of the opinion that it was “all in the game.” Neither side scored in this half, although Scollan, the sprinter, made a fine run of thirty-five yards and but for the foul made by Pope, would have scored a touchdown. The ball was returned and both sides put up a game battle, but the half ended soon after, with the ball in midfield. When the game terminated both sides sized each other up, counted the bruises made in the conflict, shook hands good naturedly and decided to meet again in two weeks at North Chelmsford.
Forge Village. What came near being a very serious accident took place Sunday afternoon, when the 5:30 electric car, bound for Ayer, struck Adolphus Blowey, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Blowey. The little boy was playing on the road while waiting for his mother, who with her sister, Miss Elizabeth Orange, went to the cemetery in the afternoon and was expected on that car. When the accident occurred he was quickly carried into the house and Dr. Cyril A. Blaney, who was in the village, called to attend him. He received some cuts on his leg and two toes were broken. Conductor Walter Blodgett was in charge of the car. Upon learning of the accident, Superintendent Cushing came right down on the next car to see about it. The little boy, although only three years old, is doing as well as can be expected.
The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Blodgett was christened at St. Andrew’s mission, Sunday afternoon, at four o’clock, by Rev. T. L. Fisher. Mrs. Chester Blodgett and Miss Annie and Charles Blodgett were sponsors. Florence Ann was the name given to the little one. The christening robe was of Irish linen and sent from Oldham, England. Mr. and Mrs. Blodgett reside at the Ridges.
W. E. Parsons has moved his furniture store from Central street to Prescott street, and some time in the future will remodel it into a tenement house.
The Forge Village Tigers played the Littleton Wanderers on the home grounds, Saturday afternoon, and were defeated by a score of 20 to 8.
The Jolly Four held a social dance in Abbot’s hall, Saturday evening last, that was enjoyed by a large number. LeClerc’s orchestra furnished music for the dancing.
Miss Laura Sykes of Andover is visiting Mrs. Lowther for a few days.
The members of the I.O.O.F., M.U., are making arrangements for a social dance and chicken pie supper in the near future.
The annual meeting of St. Andrew’s parish was held at the vicarage, Monday evening. Twenty-five were present from this village. After the business of the evening was over, a social hour was passed when sandwiches and coffee were served by the ladies’ guild of Ayer.
Miss Rachel Cherry of this village has received a very interesting letter from her brother, Edwin Cherry, chief steward on the yacht Privateer. His boat led the third division of the Hudson-Fulton parade. They entertained Admiral Sir Charles Seymour and several other distinguished officers of the British fleet.
The recent warm weather brought many visitors to Forge pond the last of the week, and Sunday many who closed their cottages, opened them again to enjoy these beautiful October days.
Saturday, October 23, 1909
About Town. Among the revival of pleasant memories of ye old Stony Brook days is the calling on old-time schoolmates and friends of George W. Young of Oregon. He will be remembered as one of the older and genial scholars of the Stony Brook school, sitting in the back seat for large scholars, having as companion in the old-fashioned seats, our respected and venerable townsman, George W. Heywood, who has just passed beyond the allotted three score and ten with the additional ten years for good behavior. Mr. Young was a native of Westford and lived on the place now occupied by the Page sisters near Westford depot. For the past fifty years he has been in Oregon and California, and is remarkably well preserved in temperate habits.
Hiram Dane, an old veteran of the civil war, was attacked at his home on the Dunstable road, at Long Sought pond, by about fifty people in various ways, some with song, some with phonographs, some with declamation, and everybody with a smiling handshaking, it being his birthday number seventy. Mr. Dane was face to face in many of the severe battles of the civil war, but ever surrendered to the evening; but on the seventieth anniversary of his birth, surrounded by implements of peace, beside the peaceful water of Indian rendezvous of early history, he was obliged to surrender to the cunningly prepared flank movement of his friends.
Pheasants were seen helping themselves to apples, bugs and corn on the Old Oaken Bucket farm [70 Lowell Rd.] last Saturday. An eminent writer has said: “Cans’t thou name all the birds without the gun.” Well no, sadly no, more wicked yet don’t want to; without the gun, no fun. The birds of song and beauty and insect parasite are too closely related to the welfare of mankind to come the cruel act of giving them a name without pain. Let us name and tame them as they sing in the branches, and as a sort of missionary contribution, take right hold dear pheasants of corn and buckwheat. You shall receive a painless greeting, so keep right on eating.
Richard Shea, who works at the Cold Spring farm, stepped off a scaffold of hay about five o’clock last Saturday morning and struck on the barn floor, fracturing one hip and breaking one leg. Dr. Wells was called and accompanied him on the steam cars at 8:45 to the Lowell general hospital. The accident was caused when pitching hay onto the floor, the hay having a pitch tending towards the floor, without the aid of a pitchfork.
Rev. B. H. Bailey, with the aid of his physician, wisely reversed his decision and exchanged with himself last Sunday, instead of the arranged plans at Groton. At present it is planned to reverse the physician, unless there is valid opposition and fulfill previous plans the first Sunday in November.
The Alfred Woodbury farm in Parkerville has been sold to Charles Parker of Lowell. He has a sonship interest in the Parker families, for whom Parkerville was named many years ago.
Harry Dutton of Chelmsford has bought the Hildreth chestnut woodlot of the estate of Alvin Fisher. This lot is located on Rattlesnake hill and south of the residence of Frank E. Hildreth.
The Nabnassett school was suddenly closed Wednesday, on account of the sudden death of the teacher’s mother, Mrs. Juntzen, in Lowell.
Two names were added to the voting list at Brookside, Friday evening last week, two at Graniteville, Monday evening, and three at Forge Village, Wednesday evening. The last meeting of the board of registrars prior to the state election will be held Saturday, October 23, from twelve o’clock noon until ten o’clock p.m. Remember this is the day and the last day, try and interest yourself.
Center. Workmen have been busy connecting the town water supply with the house of Mrs. Andrew F. [S.] Wright [on Depot St.]. This is proving about as much of an undertaking of this sort as they have encountered. The distance from the main is about three hundred feet, and fully two thirds of this is ledge and rock, and much blasting has been necessary. This is one of the instances where it is a matter of some regret that the water was not connected at the time the main pipe was laid. There have been a number of other takers of the water supply this fall. If any who have had the use of this pure and abundant supply have ever regretted its introduction, we have yet to hear from them.
Miss Alice M. Howard, who recently went to Cotuit as librarian, assumed charge of the library there. It has been at our Westford library that she has acted as assistant and substitute.
Miss Grace Lumbert is in Lowell in her professional capacity at a case of typhoid fever.
Those attending the Middlesex Union conference of churches at Groton, Wednesday, were Rev. and Mrs. C. P. Marshall, H. G. Osgood, Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitney, Mr. and Mrs. L. H. Wheeler, Miss Lillian Atwood, Miss Ida E. Leighton and Mrs. Emma A. Day.
A good number of those interested in the social side of the Congregational church activities for the winter met at the home of Mrs. John B. Fletcher’s last Friday afternoon and mapped out the monthly socials with committees for the same. Mrs. David L. Greig leads off with the charge of an oyster supper accompanied with a good entertainment for next Tuesday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Will E. Carver have been enjoying autumn days of vacation in Westford.
Among those enjoying the concert at the Unitarian church, Friday evening, were Miss Jennie Chandler, at her aunt’s for over Sunday, also Miss Dora Spaulding Russell of Chelmsford.
Leon Cannell of Melrose was a visitor over Sunday at N. H. Wright’s, riding over the road to and from Melrose on his swift, strong mustang pony.
At the next meeting of the Tadmuck club, Tuesday afternoon, at 2:30, Miss Grace Whittemore of Tyngsborough will speak on “Physical culture.” It is expected that for the availability of piano for the dumbbell and Indian club drill the meeting will be held in the Congregational church vestry. Notice will be given Sunday.
Robert S. Young has gone to Arlington, where he expects to spend the winter.
Miss Elizabeth Hildreth, who has been spending the summer with her cousin, Miss Ella Hildreth, has returned to her home in New York.
Graniteville. The devotions of the Holy Rosary were held at St. Catherine’s church on Wednesday evening and were largely attended.
The ladies’ aid society of the M.E. church held a chicken pie supper in the church vestry on Thursday evening that proved to be a great success. A pleasing entertainment followed the supper and the whole affair was very enjoyable.
Alvin Nutting, a former resident here, but now located in Rutland, Vt., has been a recent visitor here.
William R. Johnson, a former Graniteville boy, and considered the best baseball pitcher in this vicinity a few years ago, has now a lucrative position with a well-known worsted firm in Camden, N.J., and made a brief business trip to this village this week.
Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Harrington visited friends in Leominster recently.
Death. Mrs. Jerusha Blood [nee Wiley], widow of the late Gilman Blood, died at the home of Mrs. L. A. Blood in this village on Friday morning, October 15, aged 87 years, 8 months and 6 days. She was born in the south part of Westford. Her married life was spent in Groton. At her husband’s death, eighteen years ago, she came to reside with Mrs. L. A. Blood. In February, 1907, she suffered a slight paralytic stroke, and gradually failed until death relieved her. She leaves three sisters, Mrs. Mary Ann Kitchen of North Billerica, aged ninety-five; Mrs. Hannah Bowers of Dover, N.H., aged eighty-five; and Mrs. Martha Heyward of Chicago, aged eighty-two years. The funeral took place from the home of Mrs. L. A. Blood in this village, on Sunday afternoon, and was well attended. The services were held at the house and were conducted by Rev. S. H. Armand of the M.E. church. There was singing by Mrs. Armand, who gave “It is well with my soul!” and “Some sweet morn,” in a very effective manner. There were many beautiful floral tributes.
The bearers were Fred Worthen, Mr. Russell, H. E. Gould and Edwin H. Gould. Burial was in the family lot in Groton, Rev. S. H. Armand conducting the committal services at the grave. Undertaker Rockwood of Groton had charge of the funeral arrangements.
Forge. Loyal Self-Help lodge, No. 7026, I.O.O.F., M.U., will hold their eighteenth annual ball in Abbot’s hall, Forge Village, Wednesday evening, November 3. Music by Hibbard’s orchestra of Lowell.
John Cavanaugh, the little son of Mr. and Mrs. John Cavanaugh, has been seriously ill with diphtheria at his home on pleasant street, but at time of writing is rather better, and there is hope for his recovery.
Miss Nora McDonald of Bradford street is also sick with diphtheria.
Mrs. James Wilson is suffering from an attack of rheumatism.
William C. Walter and Miss Edith Precious were hastily summoned to Lawrence by illness of their father, William Precious, Wednesday evening, but they were glad to find him much better when they reached him.
The choir of St. Andrew’s mission will be the guests of St. Andrew’s choir, Ayer, Saturday evening, October 30th.
The members of the choir are making preparations to hold an experience party in the near future. Several members of the parish will assist. Myles Collins will serve a lobster salad supper at his home, Saturday evening, which will be followed by a clambake, prepared by William Weaver at his home, Pond street. The proceeds will be for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Prescott of Cliftondale were weekend guests of his father, E. H. Prescott.
Ayer
A.W.C. Meeting. The program of the Ayer Woman’s club was in charge of the Topics of the Day section…
Mrs. Nina M. H. Beverly, president; Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Shattuck, Mrs. Sargent, Mrs. Barker, Mrs. Whitney, Miss Madolin Whitney, Misses Clara and S. Adelaide Blood attended the lecture on “Household problems,” by Mrs. Ellen Richards before the Altrurian club of Shirley, Thursday afternoon.
Shirley
Altrurian Club. The Altrurian club met at their room, Thursday afternoon, for the first time this season. Meeting called to order by the president, Mrs. M. W. Hazen, and the minutes of the last meeting read. All other business was suspended to receive and listen to Mrs. Ellen H. Richards, teacher of chemistry in the school of Technology, who had been invited to be present and address the club on “Household problems.” Mrs. Richards was well posted on the puzzling subject, having been taught all kinds of housework, commencing at the early age of thirteen. She stated that one’s muscles needed to be used and strengthened from early life to be able to carry out the problems of life. The new helps and improvements she thought added greatly to one’s pleasure, but more work, although the present generation had more opportunities for out-door interest, and the question was asked, “How can we make our time serve use best?” Ten minutes were given for discussion. A rising vote of thanks was tendered Mrs. Richards for her instructive and interesting talk. A large delegation was present from Ayer, Littleton and Fitchburg…
Saturday, October 30, 1909
Center. Mr. and Mrs. Emery J. Whitney are visiting friends in Worcester and Springfield, Mass., and in Hartford and Collinsville, Conn., going by trolley to Springfield and by automobile to Connecticut.
Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Spaulding attended the fruit show in Boston last week. Mr. Spaulding reports a fine display from the estate in Connecticut where Bert Drew, one of our Westford boys, is superintendent.
Augustus Bunce has not been well this past week under the doctor’s observation with a cold, but is much better.
John P. Wright from Lowell was faithfully at his post in the treasurer’s chair at the grange last Thursday evening. He and Mrs. Wright have the sympathy of their many Westford friends at again having their home in quarantine. Frances has scarlet fever in a mild form. Mr. Wright is staying at his brother’s in Chelmsford.
Rev. C. P. Marshall and L. W. Wheeler attended the session of the Andover conference of churches held with the church in Tyngsborough, Tuesday afternoon and evening.
A group of the Westford relatives and friends went down Wednesday, November [October] 27, to the marriage at Brookline of Miss Elizabeth Abbot Kebler, only daughter of Mrs. Kate Abbot Kebler, and the late Abbot Livermore Kebler, to Winthrop William Sargent, which took place in the Unitarian church. An evening wedding in the presence of a large company followed by a reception at the home on Beacon st., Brookline, from eight to ten. Mr. and Mrs. Sargent go to California to live and will be at home after Wednesday, November 17, at Casa Vivienda, Clovis, Cal.
Miss Sarah W. Loker has been in Boston this past week enjoying the celebration of the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Eliot Congregational church, Roxbury, of which she was an attendant and member for many years.
Mr. and Mrs. E. G. Boynton and Mr. and Mrs. Henry B. Read attended the marriage of their niece, Miss Nellie Houghton at Littleton, this week Wednesday.
The W.C.T.U. met at the home of Mrs. Florence Isles, Wednesday afternoon. There was a good attendance of the members, it being the annual meeting. The officers who served last year were re-elected, namely: Mrs. Jennie Hildreth, pres.; Mrs. Emma Day, sec.; Mrs. Luella Harmon, treas. Mrs. Hildreth having recently attended the state convention at Pittsfield, gave an interesting report of the sessions.
The Elliot F. Humistons are moving this week to the house recently vacated by the John P. Wrights to spend the winter.
The Edward M. Abbot Hose Co. have voted to purchase red shirts, caps and belts. Several of the citizens of the town have subscribed liberally toward the expense.
Frank C. Wright, rural mail carrier No. 1, is having his annual fifteen days’ vacation, as provided by the government. Warren E. Carkin is delivering the mail during said vacation.
W. H. Tarbell, the landscape gardener, is making quite extensive changes in the grounds of Mrs. Hiram Whitney.
Tadmuck Club. The second meeting of the season for the Tadmuck club proved most successful and enjoyable. The afternoon’s program calling for the use of a piano, the session was held in the vestry of the Congregational church. This had been brightened and made pleasant with autumn foliage and chrysanthemums. There was an excellent attendance of the members present and a few guests. Preliminary to the afternoon’s subject, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler gave a report of the “Reciprocity day” that she and Mrs. Marshall attended the day previous at Littleton. Mrs. H. V. Hildreth gave an interesting sketch of the Margaret Morrison school for girls at Pittsburg, which teaches the art of housekeeping and house making in completeness. The president then introduced Miss Grace Whittaker, who spoke on “Physical culture.” She told in an interesting way of how every one might make use of things freely given to all, fresh air, sunshine and exercise in a way conductive to health, cheerfulness and good looks, illustrating her talk with various gymnastic drills with wooden and iron dumb-bells and with Indian clubs given with much smoothness. After Miss Whittaker had finished speaking, many of the members took the opportunity to greet her and so much interest manifested in her favorite study that she has been consulted about the formation of a class for a series of lessons for the winter.
At the next meeting, November 9, the club will continue the consideration of practical subjects, when Mrs. Ellen H. Richards of Boston will address the club upon some phase of household economics, after which a club tea will be served.
Grange. There was a fair attendance of the members present at the grange Thursday evening. At the business session Mr. Marshall reported for the lecture committee that after careful investigation they had not found this season quite enough enthusiasm and interest to make sure of making the course a success. In view of the various other interests that were under way to take people’s time, attention and money, it was voted to rescind the vote for the course, and it was voted that the lecturer of the grange have funds from the treasury to the extent of five dollars a month in securing outside talent to make the meetings attractive and interesting for its large membership.
Thursday’s evening meeting was made pleasant by the presence of F. O. Wheeler of Salem Depot, N.H., lecturer of Essex County Pomona grange, who gave a varied list of readings and impersonations. Also present from other granges were Mrs. Alice L. Lane of Loyden, N.H., lecturer of that grange, and Mrs. Sarah R. Blood of Rushton, N.Y., who both spoke interestingly of doings in their respective granges.
Wedding. We are happy to chronicle a very pretty home wedding at the residence of Francis W. and Margaret (Denton) Banister. Their second daughter, Marguerite Howe, was united in marriage to Thomas J. Barnes of Lowell on Wednesday, October 27, at five in the afternoon by Rev. Charles P. Marshall. The bride’s only sister, Frances Cummings, was bridesmaid and the only brother Seth was the best man. The rooms were prettily decorated for the occasion with green and autumn foliage. A wedding supper to about twenty-five immediate relatives and friends of the contracting parties was served. Miss Gladys Fletcher presided at the piano for the wedding march. The wedding cake was cut and served by the bride. Miss Marguerite made a stately bride in her white gown and veil. The happy couple departed on the 6:37 train, and after a wedding tour will reside in Lowell, where Mr. Barnes is a clerk in the Boston and Maine freight office.
About Town. Daniel Nickerson, who has spent sixteen years in Alaska, is visiting his sister, Mrs. William Graves, at the Fletcher Cold Spring farm. He has a nugget of gold from the gold mines of Alaska, for which he has been offered two hundred dollars.
P. Henry Harrison [Harrington] has the contract for building the house [at 111 Lowell Rd.] for Nelse Nelson at Brookside. The cellar is completed and the lumber and other material has arrived.
The ladies of the First Parish church recently provided an evening of song, reading and instrumental music. Albert E. Prescott of Boston was soloist. Best judges say never better. Miss Amy Baker of Lowell, never new to Westford audiences, gave a varied program of select readings that displayed a genius behind the words and expression. Mrs. Josephine Bryant furnished the instrumental music and accompaniment. The proceeds were devoted to church purposes.
Rev. L. L. Green of Chelmsford conducted the services at the Unitarian church last Sunday in exchange with Rev. B. H. Bailey. It was a clear and logical review of some illogical beliefs of learned men in the influential past and the hopeful logical present, with its reliance on sanitary laws, ethics and the law of cause and effect.
Miss Marguerite Banister and Thomas Barnes of Lowell were married at the home of the bride in Westford, corner of Lowell and Providence roads, Wednesday evening, at five o’clock, by Rev. Charles P. Marshall. Their future home at present will be on Inland street, Lowell. Mr. Barnes is clerk in the employ of the Boston and Maine railroad, and Miss Banister is one of the beauty bright girls that cheers the rural life of her native town. Miss Gladys Fletcher played the wedding march and little Catherine Newton was ring bearer.
Among those who drew premiums at the recent New England fruit show in Boston was George Albert Drew, who drew premiums on best apples from all renovated orchards. Mr. Drew will be remembered as a native of Westford and a graduate of Westford academy and the agricultural college at Amherst. As a landscape gardener he has attained distinction, at present having charge of a large and wealthy estate at Greenwich, Conn.
Raymond Welch, the new superintendent of police of Lowell, will be remembered by many of his seniors in age, but juniors in strength, as a native of Westford and first saw stars at the house on Main street, now occupied by Mark Jenkins. For a few terms he was a scholar at the Stony Brook school.
Foxes are doing night patrol duty and doing the poultry business also. Tuesday evening they arrested six ducks, the property of Eugene Tallent, before being arrested. The feathers are all that is left of the struggle.
Seven persons registered last Saturday at the town hall, which makes the total number of registered voters 431, distributed in the several precincts as follows: Precinct one, 190; two, Graniteville, 118; three, Brookside, 62; four, Forge Village, 61. The polls open next Tuesday at 6:30 a.m., if you are up, and close at four p.m.
The estate of the late Horace Hamblett was appraised last Saturday by Augustus Bunce, Houghton G. Osgood, Samuel L. Taylor. Among other valuables which they prized very highly, but which they did not appraise, was that gold-headed cane to the oldest citizen, but in behalf of the kindly feelings and remembrances of the Hamblett family, they returned it to the selectmen, with the regretful thought that its stay was so short. It is now seeking the next oldest in the scale of age. There are several available ages and citizens. Two it is rumored are of the same age, and now what will they do? That is easy to answer. Westford is such a healthy place for ages, and has been for ages, that one cane won’t go round.
Henry O. Keyes telephoned to the selectmen last Saturday that dogs, guns and men were making a deer park of his pasture, woodland. That they heeded not his invitations to read what the law saith of their conduct, but instead at making a deer of him.
Next Thursday evening the grange will be addressed by E. H. Furbush, the state ornithologist, who will speak on birds beautiful and birds useful. Like the forestry question, it has a commercial and æsthetic value. Come and claim your own.
The next meeting of Middlesex North Pomona grange will be held next Friday, November 5, at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell. With harvesting done, better get into the old and refreshing habit of being present. You are missed. Let home miss you for the day. Closely following this will be the meeting of Middlesex Worcester Pomona grange at Littleton, Wednesday, November 10. This meeting is nearer and in some respects dearer.
Keep getting ready financially and socially with a strong leaning financially for the Unitarian church fair, which will be held Friday evening, November 11.
J. Willard Fletcher had a busy useful day Wednesday in attending his jury reunion at Boston.
Eugene Tallent has leased his farm on the Stony Brook road to Mr. and Mrs. William Parfitt of Lowell. Mrs. Parfitt is one of the thirteen brothers and sisters of Eugene Tallent.
Entertainment. Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher, with her usual philanthropic spirit and desire to prevent lassitude and dead level inertia in the life of West Chelmsford, Westford Corner and Brookline [Brookside], provided a tonic last week Thursday evening that did much to remove the don’t care attitude which houses everyone in their personal selfish interest. Mrs. Nettie L. Proverts of Lowell, always a favorite, sang several selections, that elicited attention to business on the part of the audience, and by request she sang tenderly, oh so tenderly, the song, “Daddy.” Miss Lillian O’Brien of Lowell, without aid, captured the audience by reading Van Dyke’s “The last [lost] word.” 0) { referrer_url = document.referrer; } const params = location.search.slice(1).split('&').reduce((acc, s) => { const [k, v] = s.split('=') return Object.assign(acc, {[k]: v}) }, {}) const url = "https://museum.westford.org/wp-json/iawp/search" const body = { referrer_url, utm_source: params.utm_source, utm_medium: params.utm_medium, utm_campaign: params.utm_campaign, utm_term: params.utm_term, utm_content: params.utm_content, gclid: params.gclid, ...{"payload":{"resource":"singular","singular_id":1775,"page":1},"signature":"f5da27b0ab6ad5c28933de55e62b167a"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();