The Westford Wardsman, October, 1910
Saturday, October 1, 1910
Centre. Mr. and Mrs. Walter Wright and Mrs. Elizabeth Whitney are enjoying an autumn sojourn to the White Mountains.
Mrs. Alvin Fisher has recently returned from a visit with the Jack Fisher’s at their home in Hartford, Conn. This opportunity of getting better acquainted with the three grandchildren in this pleasant home was especially enjoyed. At the close of the visit Miss Ruth Fisher and Miss Eva Fisher went down to Hartford for the week-end and escorted Mrs. Fisher home.
Mrs. Helen Leighton and daughter Frances were over Sunday guests at Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher’s.
Miss Mary Hager of Boxborough has been visiting Miss Alice Lambert.
Our popular motorman, John Sherlock, and Mrs. Sherlock move the first of the month from Mr. Spalding’s house into the house near the common, recently vacated by the B. F. Day’s.
Dr. and Mrs. Atwood, who have been spending the warm season north and part of the time with the Westford relatives, returned this week to their home in Daytona, Fla.
W. J. Merritt, who has been on the sick list and under the doctor’s supervision this week, is better.
Westford friends of Miss Mary Olivier [Olivia] Patten were saddened this week to hear of her death at the home of her sister, Mrs. A. F. Conant in Littleton. Mrs. Patten’s early home was in Westford and she always retained a warm love and interest in the place and for former contemporaries. A cellar hole is all that remains to show what was once the pleasant farm building of the Rufus Patten homestead, just off the Forge Village road on the westerly side of Westford hill.
Miss Gertrude Hamlin left this week to resume her studies at Miss Kimball’s Home School for girls at Worcester.
Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Howard have recently returned from a pleasant vacation at Salisbury beach, where they rented a cottage with mutual friends from Tyngsborough.
Frank C. Wright is detained at his home with malaria and Warren Carkin is driving the R.F.D. route No. 1 for him.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company was well represented at the firemen’s convention in Lowell last week Friday afternoon. After the big banquet, a picture of the assembly was taken. This was remarkably clear and it is interesting to pick out our local members from the hundreds of faces. J. Herbert Fletcher has presented the company with one of the pictures nicely framed, to hang on the walls of the room at the fire house.
A real estate transfer of much interest is the sale of the Austin H. Foss place to Wm. L. Woods, who has been superintendent of the Brigham farm for a number of years, and will bring to the management of his new property the energy and practical experience necessary to make it succeed. Mr. and Mrs. Woods many friends are glad to have them remain in town.
Mr. and Mrs. Foss left Tuesday for South Lake Weir, Fla., where they have large orange groves and other fruit. The grape fruits are now demanding their owner’s attention. Mr. and Mrs. Foss have many friends in this village and wish them much success in the change they have made, which is on account of Mr. Foss’ health. The same day this transfer took place the papers were passed selling the Pearl Harmon place to Lowell parties. Mr. and Mrs. Harmon go to South Lake Weir with Mr. and Mrs. Foss.
Members of the Tadmuck club will bear in mind the first meeting of the season next Tuesday afternoon in Library hall at 2:30. Some one has asked “What kind of souvenirs should be used in answer to the roll-call?” The chairman of that meeting would suggest the usual, broad interpretation of the word souvenir, something in remembrance. It may be a keepsake, a relic of antiquity, a reminder of personal experience, a treasure obtained on some excursion, a bit of jewelry or historic ornament. Each member should add a few words of explanation.
Party. Mrs. J. Willard Fletcher at her pleasant home in the Westford Depot district entertained a group of friends Wednesday afternoon, the memory of which will linger long with those who were so delightfully entertained. Mrs. Fletcher understands well the happy art of combining the genial hostess and capable housewife, which so insures the enjoyment of guests.
Whist, music and merry sociability engrossed the first part of the afternoon, after which the company was bidden to supper served on the spacious screened-in porch. A delicious menu of clam chowder, steamed clams with regular accompaniments, salads, lima beans, rolls, coffee, melons, sherbet, cakes and bon-bon was fully discussed. After lingering to enjoy the beautiful autumn sunset over the Stony Brook valley the guests took their departure.
Mrs. Fletcher was assisted in entertaining and serving by Miss Gladys Fletcher and her neighbors, Mrs. Steele and Mrs. Bannister. Mrs. Jacob Murphy of Billerica was a special guest of the afternoon. Others present were Mrs. Woods, Mrs. Edward Fisher, Mrs. Feeney, Mrs. Hartford, Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, Mrs. J. H. Fletcher, Mrs. Lizzie Hamlin, Mrs. D. L. Greig, Mrs. Perley Wright, Miss Mary Moran and Miss Esther Fisher.
Agricultural Fair. The annual agricultural fair held under the auspices of the Congregational church was fair in all the various phases that go to make up a successful result in an effort of this kind. It took place last week Friday afternoon and evening at the town hall and the beautiful fall day and moonlit evening was fully appreciated by the committee in charge as was also the generous patron and hearty spirit of cooperation among the workers. The hall presented a most attractive appearance with its prettily decorated tables for candy, aprons, fancy articles, food, samples and children’s postoffice. The stage-setting of autumn foliage and flowers was particularly well done. There were excellent specimens of fruit and vegetables from the Cold Spring farm. H. G. Osgood had a fine exhibit of eleven varieties of apples. Among novelties noticed were some handsome red currants; also, some skillful flowers carved from vegetables by a man employed at the Osgood farm. Among other exhibitors were noted the names of Boynton, Pyne, Jenkins, Sweetser, Decatur, Wheeler, Wallace, Hildreth, Taylor, Atwood and J. W. Fletcher. From six to eight an appetizing supper was served to a large number of people. The entertainment in the evening consisted of readings by Mrs. Belle Harrington Hall of Lowell, who has previously made such a good impression with Westford audiences. Through a misunderstanding the singer, who had been engaged, failed to appear, but Mrs. Hall supplied the deficiency to the satisfaction of all.
About one hundred and fifty dollars was realized from the enterprise.
Death. Henry J. Bineault died at his home in this village, Friday night, September 23, after a three-weeks’ struggle with typhoid pneumonia. Skilled help and the vigor of young manhood seemed powerless to control the ravages of the disease. This is the single case of typhoid in the village this autumn and it is not known how the disease contracted.
Mr. Bineault is survived by a widow, Ruth Miller Bineault, and an infant son, Everett Miller Bineault, and to this stricken young woman, hardly past girlhood, the sincere sympathy of the community goes out. The dead man also leaves a father living in Lowell and brothers and sisters. Mr. Bineault had recently entered the employment of O. R. Spalding and started to establish a home for his family in the Timothy Fletcher house, owned by Mr. Spalding.
The deceased received the last rites of the Catholic faith previous to his death and the funeral was held from the Catholic church in Graniteville, and was largely attended by relatives and friends. The floral tributes were numerous and beautiful.
About Town. The second child of August Nelson, a boy of eighteen years old, is still critically ill with typhoid fever, at his home at Mill’s corner, one and one-half miles below Brookside corner.
Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Denton of Somerville have been partaking of all things rural—air, scenery, and friendships at the Landscape farm of Mr. Denton’s sister, Mrs. Frank W. Banister, corner of Lowell and Providence roads.
The Sunday school of the Old First Parish church will organize for love and labor, Sunday, October 2, directly after the morning service. The choir of the church was favored again last Sunday with the deep and melodious Albert E. Prescott as bass.
Another old familiar resident of Westford in former years has migrated into the yonder in the death of Miss Mary Patten, at the home of her sister, Mrs. Albert F. Conant of Littleton. She was born in Westford, August, 1839, and here she spent her early live. She was a constant and familiar figure at the Congregational church and strong in its support and influence. She was a unique link in the rural life of the well-known Patten place, the building of which was wrecked by fire several years ago. She leaves two sisters, Mrs. Albert F. Conant and Mrs. Georgiana Stone of Illinois, and one brother, William O. Patten of Worcester.
The regular meeting of Westford grange will be held on Thursday evening, October 6, and the next meeting of the Middlesex-North Pomona, Friday, October 7, at Odd Fellows’ hall, Lowell.
Political. At the democratic caucus on Tuesday evening, Edward Fisher, chairman of the town committee, read the call. John M. Fletcher was chosen chairman of the meeting and W. H. H. Burbeck, secretary. Delegates to the several conventions were elected as follows: State, Edward Fisher; congressional, John M. Fletcher; senatorial, Albert R. Wall; county, Michael McGlinchey; district attorney, John L. Flynn; councilor, George H. Burke; representative, Angus McDonald, Robert J. McCarthy.
The republican representative convention for the eleventh Middlesex district, including the towns of Ayer, Acton, Chelmsford, Carlisle, Littleton and Westford, will be held at the town hall, Ayer, Saturday, October 8, at two p.m.
At the republican caucus held on Wednesday evening, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, chairman of the town committee, read the call, as a member of the Governor’s council and candidate for reelection. He was legally disqualified from presiding and George H. Hartford was elected secretary, and the following delegates were elected without opposition to the several conventions: State, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, William R. Taylor; congressional, George T. Day, George H. Hartford; senatorial, Alfred W. Hartford, Wesley O. Hawkes; councilor, Sherman H. Fletcher, Fred A. Sweatt; county, J. Arthur E. Wilson, Edward Hanley; representative, Harry L. Nesmith, Alvin Nelson, Thomas Dianio, Samuel L. Taylor; town committee, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, Alfred W. Hartford, Julian A. Cameron, Charles M. Trull, Walter A. Whidden, J. Arthur E. Wilson, Harry L. Nesmith, Andrew Johnson, Alvin Nelson, Edward Hanley, Fred A. Sweatt, Thomas Dianio, Wesley O. Hawkes, Edward M. Abbot, Samuel L. Taylor.
Grange. Westford grange bunched into barges, double teams, single teams, electric cars and steam cars and bounced to Chelmsford last week Thursday evening to their neighbors’ night invitation from Chelmsford grange. Sixty-five went this way and so far as heard from, no one went any other way. It was a jolly good time party, all the way there and return from there. The stay there was a lone feast of laughter, while sixteen gentlemen of Westford grange impersonated the ladies’ degree team, in the farce, “The third degree,” with masks, skirts, flounces, shirt-waists and ribbons. They marched and counter-marched. If it was not up to real prize winning military style, it was up to a continuous roaring of laughter. The grange orchestra added to the elasticity of the swing of affairs by their timely chiming music under the direction of Arthur J. Blodgett. Joseph Wall was grand bandstand director and military order general and led the first platoon. The second platoon was manned by the tall, graceful, nimble-step negro woman, Andrew Johnson. In the ranks as overseer was J. Willard Fletcher; chaplain, Horace E. Gould; treasurer, J. Everett Woods; lecturer, Alonzo H. Sutherland; steward, William R. Taylor; gate keeper, Fred Clement; Flora, Fred Blodgett; Ceres, Charles Blodgett; Pomona, David L. Greig. As candidates for progressive marching orders, Lewis Jenkins and John Feeney, jr., kept up with the turn about march, and the humorous, unprogressive and contradictory advice. The grand final laughing spat was the capers of the negro elephant, Andrew Johnson, with two candidates astride, and Joe Wall, with “The big stick,” as elephant tamer. Supper between acts.
Forge Village. The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John McNiff was christened Hannah Sunday morning at St. Catherine’s church, Graniteville, by Rev. Fr. Dougherty. The sponsors were Michael Walsh of Lowell, and Mrs. Joseph Binns of South Barre. Mr. and Mrs. McNiff, who lately came from Keighley, Eng., followed the custom of the land of their birth by entertaining a number of their friends at tea Sunday evening in honor of the event. Among those from out-of-town were Mr. and Mrs. T. Corcoran, John J. Lynch, Thomas Lynch, Miss Sadie Lynch, Miss Theresa Ferguson, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Mullen, Mr. and Mrs. Mannus and Michael Welsh, all of Lowell; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Binns of South Barre, Miss A. Emmett and Miss R. Emmett of Lawrence and many of the their neighbors, who enjoyed a delicious and dainty tea.
Miss Elizabeth Dufort and Mr. Lapointe of Leominster visited Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Daly at their home on Lakeside avenue.
Alvin S. Bennett has returned from Worcester, where he went last week to take up the affairs of the Bay State Stamping Co., during the absence of his brother, John Bennett, manager of the concern. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett attended the reunion of the G.A.R. at Atlantic City.
Miss Grace Lawrence and Miss Elizabeth Plummer are enjoying the beautiful days of early autumn at the White Mountains, where the scenery is now at its best. They are at present located at Bethlehem, N.H.
Miss Priscilla Bennett returned with her sister, Mrs. August Meyer, to Boston, Sunday, where she will spend several weeks.
A son [Francis Joseph Hosmer] weighing nine pounds was born to Mr. and Mrs. William Hosmer, Friday, September 23, at their home on Pleasant street.
Mrs. George L. Sanborn and Miss Eva Mae Lord have returned from a very enjoyable visit to Boston.
Alvin S. Bennett spent Tuesday visiting with Mr. and Mrs. George Smith at their home in Tyngsboro.
Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett were guests on Saturday of Rev. and Mrs. Thomas L. Fisher, their former pastor, at his summer home at Legate Hill, Pratt’s Junction. Mr. Fisher left for Sioux Falls, N.D., where he will take up missionary work on October 1. He was accompanied on his long journey across the country by Rev. Mr. Williams, a personal friend of many years, who goes to take charge of a parish about sixty miles from where Rev. Mr. Fisher will locate.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle held their first meeting of the year last Thursday afternoon at Recreation hall. The sewing hours were concluded with a dainty lunch and social hour. Mrs. Richard D. Prescott was retained as treasurer and Mrs. Henry Catchpole as secretary; the remaining members are Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, Mrs. Nelson Prescott, Mrs. David Lord, Mrs. George L. Sanborn, Mrs. William H. Fernald. They will continue to meet at the hall until further notice.
Wilbert E. Parsons left for Vancouver, Wash., last Thursday, after disposing of his real and personal estate. Mr. and Mrs. Parsons will reside for the future in the west. Mrs. Parsons, who was a local correspondent for the Westford Wardsman, is now correspondent for the Vancouver Columbian, a newspaper printed in Vancouver, Clarke County, Wash.
Services were conducted last Sunday afternoon at St. Andrew’s mission by E. H. Hilliard of Groton School, who opened the Sunday school for the fall term.
Miss Ruth Lewis of Leominster and her brother, R. Lewis of Ayer, were guests on Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Sweatt.
Graniteville. Mrs. W. C. Wright has returned from an enjoyable vacation spent in Provincetown.
Mrs. J. A. Healey and Miss Fanny McCarty were guests at the firemen’s convention held in Lowell last week. They were entertained by the firemen’s wives and daughters of Lowell and report an enjoyable time. Mr. and Mrs. Provost also attended.
The funeral of Henry Beneault took place Wednesday morning at eight o’clock from his home in Westford. At nine o’clock a funeral mass was celebrated at St. Catherine’s church by Rev. Fr. Doherty. The choir sang the Gregorian mass. A solo was rendered by Miss Mary Hanley. The flowers were numerous and beautiful and testified to the esteem in which the deceased was held. The bearers were Michael and Thomas Rafferty, Thomas Healey and Florence Sullivan. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
Mrs. Loveland and daughter Fay, from Somerville, are visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Dudevoir.
J. J. Downing has returned to Albany, N.Y., after a few days spent with his wife and daughter at the home of Mr. and Mrs. David Moran, and Miss Lillie Moran has returned after an extended visit with friend at Beachmont.
Mrs. D. W. Harrington has returned after spending a delightful visit with relatives in Worcester.
The Graniteville Athletic club has certainly got busy and their football club is sure to be a success. The boys have already got in some good practice work and will be in fine trim for their game with Forge Village which will be played on the home grounds here on Saturday, October 1. A return game will be played in Forge Village one week later. Great interest is being taken in the coming games and the loyal “rooters” from both clubs will be found on the side line.
Accident. Thomas Rafferty, the well-known stone contractor, met with a serious accident while at work on his quarry in West Graniteville last Saturday morning. In blasting out a piece of stone, while working with his son Michael, quite a quantity of dynamite was used and both men got away what was considered a safe distance before the explosion.
Although Thomas Rafferty was the farthest from the blast, a small-sized, jagged piece of rock hit him in its descent back to the earth, ripping an ugly hole in his left side and splintering the hip bone. He was brought to his home in the village and Dr. W. H. Sherman summoned and later Dr. O. V. Wells of Westford was called. It was found necessary to take eighteen stitches to close the wound and the patient is now resting as well as can be expected.
Saturday, October 8, 1910
Center. Miss Augusta Leighton and Miss Minnie Pollard of Newton have been recent guests of Mrs. Mary E. Fletcher.
The new officers and committees for the recently organized young people’s society [at the Union Congregational Church, corner of Lincoln St. & Boston Rd.] under the wise guidance of Mrs. Wallace are as follows: Otis Day, pres.; Ethel Richardson, vice pres.; Ida M. Trask, sec.; Pauline Wallace, treas.; social. Hazel Hartford, Sadie McMaster; prayer meeting, Anna Symmes; music, Hazel Hartford, Sadie McMaster, Grace Robinson.
Rev. and Mrs. Charles P. Marshall and daughter Marion have been in town this past week as guests at Mrs. Augustus Prescott’s and it has been a pleasure to their many friends here to meet them.
Miss Delia Wheeler, who has made her home for some time with Mrs. John B. Fletcher, has gone to Westminster to act as housekeeper in the household of her brother who has recently lost his wife.
Mr. and Mrs. Emory J. Whitney and Miss Emily F. Fletcher attended the funeral of Miss Mary O. Patten at Littleton last week.
Allister MacDougal at the Agricultural college at Amherst has recently been placed in charge of the orchards of Prof. Brooks.
Quite a large representation from our village enjoyed at various times last week the presentations of “The shepherd king” at the Lowell Opera house. Saturday afternoon a party of twelve went for the matinee.
Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher’s many friends are glad he is able to be about again after being confined to the house for several days with a siege of pleurisy.
Death. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Colburn died at her home late Tuesday evening from Bright’s disease from which she had been a sufferer for a long time. She was born July 31, 1841, and was the daughter of Amos and Isabella Hildreth Day. At the age of seventeen she united with the Union Congregational church and has always been a regular and faithful attendant when health permitted. Mrs. Colburn sustained an injury to one foot when a child which caused a life-long lameness and she has never enjoyed robust health. Four years ago the house and buildings known by older residents as the Amos Day place was entirely destroyed by fire and this loss of her life-long home and its contents was a great sorrow to her. Her marriage to Jonathan Colburn took place in 1873, and he survives her; also, her two sons, Charles Day Colburn and Jonathan Henry Colburn, and three grandchildren, Elinor, Charles and Clarence Colburn.
Tadmuck Club. The first meeting of the fifth season of the Tadmuck Club met at Library hall, Tuesday afternoon, under very pleasant auspices. Miss Loker, who has been the club’s only choice for president since its organization, made a pleasing address of welcome. She also brought to the members’ consideration the object of the club embodied in the constitution, “To cultivate an interest in literature and in the important questions of the day, political, moral and social,” thinking these objects had been very fairly well realized for the progress, pleasure and profit of the members and sounding some note of regret that the scope of the club may not have been quite outreaching enough in philanthropic directions and expressing the hope of some definite effort in this direction.
The program for the day was in charge of the president, the subject being, “Roll-call, answered with souvenirs of travel or historical interest supplemented with travelers’ tales,” and proved delightful in the working out thereof. Among some of the responses were two drawings of old houses with descriptions by Mrs. George T. Day, being the house where she was born, that stood on the present site of Sherman H. Fletcher’s home [33 Main St.] and also the house next the postoffice [i.e., the Wright & Fletcher Store, 40 Main St.] where the so-called Herrick house [36 Main St.] now stands. This was a most interesting contribution of local history in which Mrs. Day is an authority.
Mrs. Frank C. Hildreth, president of the local branch of the W.C.T.U., attended the sessions this week of the State convention at Attleboro.
Mrs. George W. Raymond of Ludlow, Vt., was a guest for several days the first of the week of Mrs. Lillian Lumbert and her daughter, Miss Grace.
Columbus day was observed by the schools being closed and the children having the holiday. Flags were in evidence through the village.
Little Gussie Anderson of Brookside, one of the primary pupils at the Frost school, while playing at recess Tuesday fell and received a badly cut lip and mouth. The little lad was taken to Dr. Wells and a number of stitches were necessary to close the wound.
Rev. and Mrs. David Wallace and Miss Sarah Loker have been attending what they could this week of the sessions of the American board centenary and the national conference of Congregational churches, which double event is being convened in Boston this week and next. On this account the regular church prayer meeting was omitted this week.
Mr. and Mrs. William L. Woods have transferred their household goods this week to their recently purchased home and are busily getting settled. Everyone is glad to see them established in a home of their own and wish them all happiness and prosperity.
A Mr. and Mrs. Lindsey with their eight-year-old son moved into the Brigham house vacated by the Woods’ family and Mr. Lindsey takes up the duties relinquished by Mr. Woods.
Mrs. Andrew S. Wright [nee Mary Abby Garvin] goes this week for the winter months to be with her brother-in-law, Mr. Newcomb, and her niece, Miss Amy Newcomb, in their pleasant new home in one of Boston’s nearby towns.
Mr. and Mrs. David Desmond, Miss Alice and William McDonald attended Brockton fair on Wednesday, going by auto, with A. H. McDonald as chauffeur.
Mrs. John P. Wright underwent a serious surgical operation at her home in Lowell on Wednesday of this week, performed by Dr. Mason of Boston, assisted by Dr. and Mrs. Wells of this town. What would seem more than the average share of sickness has been portion of this household during the past few years and the sincere sympathy of their many Westford friends go out to them at this time.
Word comes from our veteran townsman, Hiram Dane, who is in California, that he is well and enjoying his experiences there, although somewhat troubled with rheumatism. Mr. Dane expects to come back to his Westford home next spring. He is at Glendora, near Los Angeles.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Clarke and Mr. and Mrs. George Cameron were guests this week at Mrs. A. H. Sutherland’s [nee Mattie L. Cass], the two ladies being sisters of the latter.
Since the electric cars resumed traffic on our branch line in the spring, motorman Sherlock and conductor Cutter have scarcely missed a trip with their cars. Once or twice they have been held up for minor repairs, but there has never been any unnecessary delay. The patrons of the road very much appreciate having so prompt, efficient and courteous a set of men for the cars.
Funeral. The funeral of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Colburn took place from her late home on Friday afternoon, October 7, at half past one and was well attended by neighbors, friends and relatives. Rev. David Wallace of the Congregational church, of which the deceased was a member, was the officiating clergyman. A trio from the church consisting of Miss Lillian Atwood, Miss May Atwood and E. G. Boynton sang two selections, “No sorrow there” and “Looking this way.” The bearers were her two sons, Charles D. and J. Henry Colburn, and James Hildreth and Charles Hildreth.
The floral offerings were very beautiful and were as follows: Pillow of roses and galax leaves, inscribed “Mother,” from the children; wreath of roses and galax leaves, Miss Ella Hildreth; spray of yellow chrysanthemums, Mr. and Mrs. George T. Day; spray of roses and ferns, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Day and Mrs. Emma Day; spray of pink, Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Watson and Mrs. Maria Day; spray, Mr. and Mrs. Elliot F. Humiston; bouquet of cut flowers, Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Hildreth; bouquet of cut flowers, Mr. and Mrs. C. L. Hildreth; spray of asters, Gibson family; bouquet of sweet peas, Mrs. Ferguson; roses, Mrs. H. B. Hall; cut flowers, Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Maxwell and Miss M. L. Hildreth. Interment was beside kindred dust in Westlawn cemetery.
Grange. At the last meeting of the grange the attendance was good and much routine business was transacted. The names of four applications for membership to be initiated for the fall class were balloted for as follows: Mrs. Arthur E. Day, Miss Addie Day, Benjamin Prescott by initiation and Arthur E. Day by demit.
It was voted to extend invitations to Acton and Groton granges for neighbors’ night, November 17.
The lecturer’s hour was a social time. Dancing to the accompaniment of the grange orchestra was enjoyed and tables of whist were arranged for those who enjoy the game. It was voted to have the secretary pro tem send to the absent master and secretary, Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright, an expression of sympathy from the members in their illness.
Wednesday evening a special meeting was held for conferring first and second degrees on the four candidates. The third and fourth degrees will be conferred at the next meeting, October 20, the third degree work being done by the ladies’ staff, who have been rehearsing for this event.
About Town. At the sixth councilor district convention, republican, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher of Westford was nominated to serve another term in the executive council. Mr. Fletcher, who has also served in the House and Senate, is a conservative, a prominent business man, and a valuable man for the party and the State.
At a meeting of the republican town committee, last Saturday evening, it was decided to hold a rally at the town hall on Wednesday evening, October 19, when this array of ability will entertain: William H. Wilder of Gardner, Hon. Frank P. Bennett, jr., of Saugus, Judge John J. Pickman and Alonzo G. Walsh of Lowell. Everyone close by and afar off, in town, out-of-town and elsewhere are invited listeners.
John O. Sanburg has his cozy cottage at Brookside far enough advanced to add to the city appearance of street and connecting avenues.
Miss Edith Clark of Newton and Mrs. Granville Keith Cutler of Andover have been making a visit with their classmate, Mrs. George Howard, jr.
Hon. Herbert Fletcher has commenced the foundation for his new house on Oak hill. The underground tenement to be occupied by fruit and vegetables will be cement to the level of the green grass, thence skyward of stone. The house will be located on a prominent elevation facing the Groton road, and east of the crossing of the steam road. Tarbell of Lowell is landscape manager, and Stickney of Lowell is house fitter.
Ice thinner than skating, but thick enough to drown, was what the weather gave to the public on Thursday morning along the lily of the valley of the Stony Brook.
A forest fire started with the high wind on Wednesday afternoon on Dughill, westerly of Burgess pond. Fortunately the northeast wind controlled towards the railroad track and Hillside park, otherwise the heavy forest to the east would have been warmed more than is necessary. Chief forest fire warden John A. Healey was soon enough on the scene to discover that the fire was apparently one of plan. Three separate fires had been started along an old road.
Rev. Charles A. Allen of Waverley, professor at Harvard, conducted the services at the Unitarian church last Sunday.
Much sympathy goes to the Nelson family who live at West Chelmsford corner on the Lowell road. A few weeks ago Margaret, a sweet, loveable child, died with typhoid fever and Wednesday, the son August, just entering into manhood died with the same disease. Everything possible was done for their recovery, trained nurses were in attendance and doctors in consultation, but the dreaded fever could not be allayed. To this doubly-saddened home goes the true sympathy of friends.
The next conference of Unitarian churches, for Middlesex North, will be held at Lowell, October 19.
Mr. and Mrs. William J. Parfitt moved to Hopkinton, N.H., this week, where he is to have charge of a large farm.
The next meeting of the board of registration will be held at Graniteville on Monday evening, October 17, at Healey’s hall, from 7:30 to nine; at Forge Village next Wednesday evening at Abbot’s hall, from 7:30 to nine. The last registration meeting will be held at the town hall Saturday, October 22, from noon to ten o’clock.
Mrs. Elizabeth Peckins has sold to John Feeny the triangular lot of land bounded by Main street, Providence and Leland roads.
Daniel H. Sheehan of Pigeon hill has several portable engines sidetracked at Westford station. This added business suggests to him the desire to sell his cotton-woolen-cider-mill.
Death. Mrs. Clementine Keyes Swett died in Boston last week Friday as the result of a surgical operation. She was the daughter of the late Trueworthy Keyes, and was born at Westford Centre in 1838 and was therefore seventy-two years old. Most of her girlhood life was passed on Francis hill, on her father’s farm in the easterly part of the town, where culture, method and variety were foundation principals of the old homestead life. She was one of the old-time scholars in the old Stony Brook district in the strenuous days of the old Brick schoolhouse. Near the close of the reign of the old district system she was for several years a teacher in this historic district. As such, she was apt, cultured, winsome, methodical.
The funeral took place from her home in Winchester on Monday forenoon, Rev. D. B. Scott of Lancaster, officiating. The bearers were Rev. E. C. Bartlett, Harry C. Reynolds, Samuel Usher and John K. Murdock. Burial was in Riverside cemetery, North Chelmsford. She left besides her husband, Charles E. Swett, two sons—Ralph and Arthur, and one daughter, Edith.
Forge Village. The Ladies Sewing circle will hold their first supper of the season at Recreation hall, Saturday evening, from six to eight o’clock. Delicious brown bread, baked beans, cakes and pies of every description, and coffee will be served. The affair is for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission. The horse sheds in the rear of the mission house which were built some time ago have received a coat of paint, which adds considerable to the appearance. The expense was met by the Ladies’ Sewing circle. Hugh Ferguson had charge of the painting.
James E. Kitchen of Lowell and Robert O’Brien and Frank Noyes, two well-known musicians of Lowell, were entertained on Sunday by Mrs. Henry Catchpole.
Craven Midgley and two daughters, Misses Sadie and Daisie of Lowell, visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Myles Collins, Sunday.
Rev. Frederick Bowles of New Brunswick is spending a few weeks as the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton.
The members of the Loyal Self-help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., observed the one hundredth anniversary of the order with a social dance in Abbot hall, last Saturday evening. A large number were present from Littleton, Ayer, Graniteville, Westford and North Chelmsford. Dancing was enjoyed from 7:30 to 11:30. At intermission, refreshments of ice cream and cake was served. Music was furnished by Thayer’s orchestra of Pepperell. All the members of the order wore souvenir badges.
At a meeting of the John Edwards hose company held on Wednesday, it was voted to hold a social dance in Abbot hall, Saturday evening, October 22. Music will be furnished by Thayer’s orchestra of Pepperell. The affair will be held for the benefit of the hose company. The money will be used for the firemen’s field day next year.
The young men’s R.T.S. society opened up their new club rooms last week Friday evening. A minstrel show was held and a clever performance was given and greatly enjoyed by the large number who were invited to attend. Charles Flanigan acted as interlocutor, Philip Lord and Edward Spinner were the end men. Many original and local jokes kept the audience in roars. Solos were sung by John Spinner, jr., Dola Dumont, William Goodall. An excellent program is being arranged for the coming winter when they will entertain their friends once a week.
Cameron school closed on Wednesday and was observed as Columbus day. The mills ran as usual on that day.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McDonald have purchased the Bradley farm at the Ridges, Groton, and expect to take possession on Monday. The farm was purchased from Michael Bradley of Littleton.
The infant daughter [Mary Laura Juliette Benoit, born Sept. 2, 1910] of Mr. and Mrs. James Benoit, who has been seriously ill with cholera infantum, has had a change for the better. Hopes are now entertained for her recovery.
Miss Mamie McDonald and Miss Sadie Kavnaugh of Lawrence were weekend guests of Miss Sadie Smith at her home on Lakeside avenue.
Stephen Keefe of the Townsend A.A., and his sister, Miss Annie Keefe of Townsend Harbor, were among the out-of-town guests who attended the Odd Fellows’ dance on Saturday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. W. C. Precious, James H. Brown and Edward T. Hanley were among those who attended the Mechanics’ fair at Boston this week.
Miss Bertha Wilson is visiting with friends in Boston this week.
William Weaver had a narrow escape from serious injury on Saturday evening, as it is he is suffering from a bad sprain. While attempting to board an electric car at the railroad crossing on Middlesex street, Lowell, for North Chelmsford, Mr. Weaver had one hand on the car and was waiting for a passenger to get off, when the car started suddenly, he alleges, throwing him to the ground with considerable force. He was picked up and assisted to the car. Sunday morning his hand was so badly swollen that the services of a physician was necessary, and his hand was put in splints. He also received bruises about his body and knees.
Owing to a misunderstanding, E. H. Hibbard, superintendent of the Sunday school conducted the services at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday afternoon.
Graniteville. At the 10:30 o’clock mass in St. Catherine’s church on Sunday morning, Rev. Fr. M. E. Doherty delivered another of those instructive sermons on “The sacrament of penance.” These sermons are being followed with deep interest by the parishioners of St. Catherine’s church. The holy rosary devotions were held in the church on Thursday evening at 7:30 and were largely attended.
Many people from this village attended the one hundredth anniversary of the M.U. Odd Fellows that was held in Forge Village on Saturday evening. The celebration took the form of a dance that proved to be very enjoyable to all.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. J. B. Carmichael on Thursday afternoon.
Chestnut parties are very much in evidence here at present, and those who have been gathering report the supply quite plentiful this year. The chestnut woods beyond Scribner hill [in Tyngsboro] appear to attract the largest number of people.
The members of the soccer football club are now in fine fettle and hope to be in readiness for their game in Forge Village next Saturday.
The local fire department were called out for a woodland fire back of the baseball grounds on Wednesday afternoon and owing to the brisk wind several acres were burned over before the fire was gotten under control. This is the third fire that has taken place in the vicinity of those woods during the past four weeks.
Carroll Furbush and friend of the U.S.S. Nebraska have been recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Furbush in this village.
C. of F. of A. Cameron circle, C. of F. of A., held a largely attended and interesting meeting in their rooms on Tuesday night. The meeting was made notable by the presence of two grand circle officers. Mrs. Evelyn Sawyer of Boston, grand supreme supervisor of laws and acting state deputy, and also Mrs. Julia McCarty of Lynn, grand chief companion. Before the meeting both officers were entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Wall.
During the meeting, under the head of new business, Mrs. Julia B. Wall, who has been treasurer of the local circle for the past four years and was recently elected to the position in the grand circle of grand outside guard, was duly installed in her new position by acting state deputy, Mrs. Evelyn Sawyer of Boston, assisted by grand chief companion, Mrs. Julia McCarty of Lynn. For the good of the order both the visiting grand officers were heard in short addresses, which proved very interesting to the members present.
After the meeting a short entertainment was given, after which refreshments were served. The whole affair proved to be very enjoyable. Cameron circle is now enjoying prosperity and is looking forward to many pleasant social events to be held during the coming season.
Saturday, October 22, 1910
Centre. Mr. and Mrs. William A. Woodward of East Bridgewater were week-end guest of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Fletcher.
Warren Russell of Atkinson, N.H., was a guest of his cousin, Mrs. M. J. Wheeler, last week.
In the list of floral offerings at the funeral of Mrs. Mary E. Colburn last week inadvertently a handsome spray of roses from the Union Congregational church was omitted.
Augustus Bunce’s many friends are glad that he is much more comfortable after the serious ill turn of last week.
Nahum H. Wright, who has also had a serious ill turn, is resting comfortably.
This is the busy season with the tax collector. Saturday of this week he will be at George Mountain’s store, Forge Village, from one to 2:30, and at Walter Wright’s store in Graniteville from three to 4:30.
The fall meeting of the Middlesex Union conference of churches will meet with the church in Lancaster on Wednesday, October 26, with a most attractive program outline.
Alec Fisher is having an extensive clearing of rocks in the large field owned by him at the junction of Cummings road and Depot street.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth and Mr. and Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher attended the wedding of their classmate, Miss Gertrude Craven, at her home in Lowell on Wednesday evening [Oct. 19] to Mr. Elliot, a son of Thomas H. Elliot, the well-known real estate dealer.
Next Sunday will be observed as rally Sunday in the various departments at the Congregational church, and a full attendance at the services is earnestly requested.
Mrs. Sarah Heywood Trumbell [sic] of Billerica has been visiting Miss Emily F. Fletcher and was a guest at the Tadmuck club on Tuesday afternoon. It was pleasant to have as a guest, Mrs. Martha Taylor Howard, who was formerly so helpful a member of the organization.
The grading and other finishing touches of the pretty new dwelling house W. J. Merritt has had built during the summer are being given and Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Wright expect to move in next week.
Mrs. John P. Wright, who underwent a surgical operation at her home in Lowell last week, is making as good progress toward recovery as can be expected.
Misses Frances and Alice Wright were over Sunday guests with Dr. and Mrs. Wells.
Mrs. Charles H. Bonney of Cambridge, who gave the address before the Tadmuck club on Tuesday, was the guest on Tuesday and Wednesday of Rev. and Mrs. David Wallace.
Tadmuck Club. A most successful meeting of the Tadmuck club was held in Library hall on Tuesday afternoon. It was to be regretted that Mrs. Loker, owing to Mr. Bunce’s illness, was unable to be present. In her absence the vice president, Miss Ella Hildreth, presided most acceptably. The subject for the afternoon was “Greeting” from the Cantabridgia club, Cambridge, by its president, Mrs. Charles H. Bonney, and “Reminiscences of Cambridge,” by Rev. B. H. Bailey.
Mrs. Bonney combined a charming personality and the ability to tell things most capably and clearly. The message that she had to bring from a club, whose membership numbers five hundred to our modest unaffiliated club of seventy-five was stimulating and helpful. She outlined some of her club’s activities, its influence and responsibility, its service and opportunity, elucidating particularly its efforts for civic betterment, such as the elimination of bill-boards, for a saner Fourth, for good literature and dramas and its attitude toward the cheaper class of moving pictures and in closing gave the real aim of the Cantabridgia club as embodied in its motto, “To make tomorrow better than today.”
Rev. Mr. Bailey rounded out the afternoon’s program with reminiscences of student experiences of his alma mater, Harvard college [B.A. 1854, Divinity School 1860].
The next meeting of the club should prove of much interest to all the members, which is an address on “Conflicting ideals in education,” by Frank H. Hill, superintendent of schools.
About Town. The next meeting of the board of registrars will be held at Healey’s hall, Graniteville, Monday evening, October 24. Forge Village on Wednesday evening, October 26, at Abbot’s hall. Town hall on Saturday, October 29, from noon until ten p.m.
The selectmen have made the following appointments of precinct officers to serve at the state election, November 8:
Precinct 1—Walter J. Merritt, warden; Leonard W. Wheeler, deputy warden; John M. Fletcher, clerk; Albert W. Heywood, deputy clerk; W. H. H. Burbeck, T. A. E. Wilson, inspectors; William O. McDonald, deputy inspector.
Precinct 2—Albert R. Wall, warden; Timothy Riney, deputy warden; William H. Beebe, clerk; J. W. Prinn, deputy clerk; Hammett D. Wright, Joseph Wall, inspectors; Charles O. Blodgett, M. Edwards, deputy inspectors.
Precinct 3—Michael McGlinchey, warden; Peter J. McGlinchey, deputy warden; William R. Taylor, clerk; Charles S. Edwards, deputy clerk; William J. Donnelly, Houghton G. Osgood, inspectors; Amos Polley, Charles M. Trull, deputy inspectors.
Precinct 4—Alvin S. Bennett, warden; David Lord, deputy warden; Fred E. Reed, clerk; Edson G. Boynton, deputy clerk; John Edwards, Arthur H. Comey, inspectors; John Flynn, James J. Wigham, deputy inspectors.
The tropical Indian summer weather is developing summer blossoms and fruit. Chelmsford reports ripe strawberries and the writer reports a pear tree in full blossom in Lowell. This he has seen without the aid of anyone else’s eyesight.
The selectmen and management of the Lowell and Fitchburg railroad have decided that folks must be five minutes earlier than by their past record, as the starting time of the first car will be 6:55 instead of at seven o’clock.
Charles O. Prescott and Edward Fisher represented the First Parish of Westford as delegates to the Unitarian conference at Lowell on Wednesday. Besides the delegates, fifteen volunteers took their privileges and counted as part of the enthusiasm of the old historic church.
At the republican rally on Wednesday, Alonzo G. Walsh of Lowell, William H. Wilder of Gardner, Hon. Frank P. Bennett, jr., of Saugus, Judge John J. Pickman of Lowell, and candidate James H. Wilkins of Carlisle answered roll call as they were severally introduced to recite their lessons. They were all marked up perfect, by the teacher, who introduced them to recite. It was an evening of real profit, these gentlemen speaking well.
The switch track at Westford station will soon be extended towards the stone arch bridge in the direction of where Graniteville nestles in the valley.
Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher is ill at his home on Oak hill and under the restrictions of a physician. These restrictions prevented his being present or presiding at the republican rally held on Wednesday evening. The speakers were all eloquent with good cheer and good advice.
Another little son, Stanley Law Snow, arrived on Friday, October 14, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Allen Snow of West Chelmsford.
At this harvest time of the year there is an opportunity to look back and see what the products of the fields have been. One family reports that from three trees of Gravensteins, ninety-four bushels of apples were sold and this makes no account whatever of the apples that fell and were not sold. As some of the apples brought fine prices in the market the net return from these three trees was very gratifying.
Mrs. Littlefield of Fitchburg and her son, Fred Littlefield of Farmington, N.H., were recent guests at Charles Walker’s.
Miss C. Abbie Butterfield of Tyngsboro, for a long time an honored teacher in the old red schoolhouse of Stony Brook district, was in town this week visiting old-time friends. She planned the new schoolhouse and was the last teacher in the old building and the first in the new.
Miss Maria Bunce of Lowell and Henry Bunce of North Chelmsford have been guests at the Bunce homestead during the illness of Mr. Bunce.
Forge Village. The Ladies’ Sewing circle held a bean supper in Recreation hall, Saturday evening, which was a very enjoyable affair. The tables looked very attractive and inviting, and were well laden with many good things. Supper was served from six to eight o’clock, and was in charge of Mrs. Nelson Prescott, Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, Mrs. David Lord, Mrs. George L. Sanborn, Mrs. William H. Fernald and Mrs. Henry Catchpole. The affair was for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission. Mrs. Hovey and Mrs. Rand of Ayer were among the out-of-town people that were present.
Rev. M. L. Kellver, professor of the Theological school at Cambridge, occupied the pulpit at St. Andrew’s mission, Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Catchpole spent the week-end as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer of Clinton, Miss Emily and John W. spend Saturday and Sunday with their sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mason of Lowell.
Mr. and Mrs. Albert Bailey and two children, Lillian and Lester of Lowell, spent Sunday as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Myles Collins.
Arrangements are being made for a football match between the Buntings of Lowell and a picked team from this village and Graniteville to be played in Lowell on Saturday afternoon.
George Wilkinson of Harvard spent Sunday with his mother, Mrs. Joseph Wilkinson.
Mr. and Mrs. David Lord entertained Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Sargent and their little granddaughter, Arline Farmer of Pepperell, over Sunday.
Miss Theresa Lowther and Miss Rachel H. Cherry were week-end guests of Miss Catherine Lowther of Andover.
A daughter [Adnah Irene Comey] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Arthur H. Comey on Saturday, October 15.
Miss Ida M. Phillips, a former teacher at Cameron school, and Miss Lillian M. Phillips, of the teaching staff of the Oakdale intermediate school, were visitors at Cameron school on Monday. During their short stay they called on old friends and were entertained at tea by Mr. and Mrs. George O. Jackson.
Mr. and Mrs. James Benoit have the sympathy of their many friends in the loss of their only child Laura, who died on Sunday night after a short illness, aged two months. Spinal meningitis was the cause of death. The funeral took place on Tuesday afternoon. The bearers were Masters Maxine Ricard, Silver Benoit, Joseph Milot and Midase Pameton. Burial was in St. Catherine’s cemetery.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle met at Recreation hall on Thursday afternoon. After the usual work, a lunch was served.
The members of the John Edwards hose company will hold their third annual ball in Abbot hall on Saturday evening, October 22. Music will be furnished by Thayer’s orchestra of Pepperell. An oyster supper will be served at intermission. This will be the last affair to be held in the hall for some weeks as it will undergo repairs and will be painted and decorated inside.
A library has been arranged in the teachers’ room of Cameron school for the benefit of the school children. The books are loaned from the J. F. Fletcher library and are greatly appreciated by the children. Books are renewed once a week.
Death. Mrs. Alice M. Mountain, wife of George E. Mountain, passed away at her home on Central street, Friday afternoon, October 14, after a long and very painful illness, aged fifty-four years. Mrs. Mountain had been a resident of this village for many years and was highly esteemed, and was very generous when appealed to for any worthy cause. She will be greatly missed by a large circle of friends. Besides her husband, she leaves one sister, Mrs. Charles Grey, and two brothers, Alex Courtney of Brookside, and Richard Courtney of Humphreys street, Lowell.
Funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon at her late home and were attended by a large number of relatives, neighbors and friends. Rev. David Wallace of the Congregational church of Westford conducted the services and appropriate selections were sung by Mrs. David L. Greig and Mrs. Homer Seavey. The bearers were George Baker of Ayer, George E. Sanborn, George O. Jackson, Francis Lowther, Augustin W. Carkin and Edmund J. Hunt of this village. There was a wealth of beautiful flowers, the last offerings of loving friends. Burial was in Fairview cemetery, Westford.
Saturday, October 29, 1910
Centre. A pleasant social gathering took place last Friday evening at the Congregational parsonage, when Mrs. Wallace entertained the recently organized C.E. society. There were about twenty present and a happy evening was enjoyed with games, music and refreshments.
A recent guest at Mr. and Mrs. Calvin Howard’s has been Mrs. Susie Richardson, whose home for a number of years has been in California, but whose early home was in Tyngsboro. Her husband, Samuel Richardson, pleasantly recalls his student days at Westford academy.
Mr. and Mrs. Lafayette Porter of Presque Isle, Me., were guests this week at the Congregational parsonage. They were former parishioners of Mr. Wallace at Presque Isle.
Miss Alice M. Howard has been having a short vacation from her library duties at Cotuit at her home in the westerly part of our town [on Howard Road].
The next meeting of the Tadmuck club will be an open meeting and a cordial invitation is extended to all to be present and hear Frank H. Hill’s address on “Conflicting ideals in education.” Mr. Hill is superintendent of school and his presentation of so timely a subject should be of interest to all parents, teachers and friends. Everybody will be very welcome and it is sincerely hoped a large audience will greet Mr. Hill next Tuesday at Library hall at three o’clock.
Workmen have been busy at the Whitney park this week. The entire surface has been rolled with a heavy roller and the various sections have been staked out preparatory to having the shrubbery put in place. The tennis court some of the fine days this past week has received an appreciative patronage.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth has been spending the week with Mrs. Nelly P. Draper at her home in Auburndale.
The dual athletic meet held at Littleton last Saturday afternoon is reported by our young people most enthusiastically as a thoroughly good time. Twenty-eight went in the big three-horse barge guided by genial Fred Smith. The honors in the various contests were graciously conceded to the visitors. Presumably this was all skill on their part and not because the Littleton hosts were too polite to supersede their guests. The judges were William E. Wright and Dr. C. A. Blaney. A fine supper was served at the town hall at the close of the meet.
Rev. David Wallace, H. G. Osgood, L. W. Wheeler, Misses C. S. and L. B. Atwood and Mrs. Lambert attended the fall conference of churches at Lancaster on Wednesday.
Miss Ida Leighton has been doing substitute work for Miss Bunce at the library. Mr. Bunce is quite comfortable at his home, but the physicians’ directions are rather a restraint from emulating the strenuous life.
The prolonged drouth is proving rather serious to the residents removed from the water supply. One man was heard to say this week that if conditions continued he should have to resort to selling his cattle. Many reports come of great inconvenience and some actual deprivation.
The poles are nearly all set for the new Parkerville telephone line and part of the wiring is done, but it will still be some time before the subscribers, of which there are a good number, are enjoying the service. These are listed with their numbers in the new telephone book.
Mrs. John Wilson is very ill at her home in the south part of the town.
Miss Elizabeth Hildreth of New York city is spending the autumn weeks with her cousin, Miss Ella Hildreth, at Prospect hill farm.
Mrs. Jaques and Miss Dorothy of Malden were over Sunday guests at William Sutherland’s.
Grange. There was a large attendance at the grange last Thursday evening for the conferring of the third and fourth degrees, followed by the harvest supper. The third degree work was done by the ladies’ degree staff in their most creditable manner. It was under the direction of W. M. Wright as drill master. Mrs. Fred L. Snow was master of the staff and Mrs. A. H. Sutherland and Mrs. Gould were the assistants. Fred A. Smith and Katherine Burke conducted the picturesque harvest march. The fourth degree was conferred by the regular officers.
A communication from Acton grange stated that owing to having received a number of similar invitations to other granges for neighbors’ night, they would be unable to come to Westford. Littleton grange was invited with Groton grange for November 17.
The beautiful and appetizing harvest supper was under the direction of Fred A. Smith and a group of capable assistants. There were patrons present from Chelmsford and Littleton.
Meeting. The combined missionary meeting and prayer service on Tuesday at the Congregational vestry was well sustained and of much interest. The service was in charge of Mrs. Wallace and the study for the afternoon was “Missions in Mexico.” Misses Burnham, Lawrence and Crocker, Mrs. Gould, Mrs. J. B. Fletcher and Mr. Wallace carried out the various parts after which Miss Lillian Atwood read a most interesting account of the pilgrimage she and Miss May Atwood made on Columbus day to Andover and Bradford for the dedication of the boulder tablet at the latter place, commemorating the one hundredth anniversary of the American board of commissioners of foreign missions. It was the annual business meeting for the local society and the following officers were elected: Miss Sarah W. Loker, pres.; Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, vice pres.; Mrs. David Wallace, sec. and treas.
Congregational. Rally Sunday at the Congregational church happily proved just what the name implied. A large audience was present in the morning for the combination church and Sunday school service. The pretty auditorium never presented a more attractive appearance with its decorations of autumn leaves, cosmos and chrysanthemums. This was under the skilful direction of Elliott F. Humiston. The pastor’s address and the music were especially adapted to the occasion, after which the children of the Sunday school gave a program of song, recitation and drill. Rally day buttons were presented to the primary pupils. Superintendent H. G. Osgood and Miss Edith A. Wright had charge of the Sunday school exercises. The evening services were also well attended and of exceptional interest.
About Town. Councilor Herbert E. Fletcher, reported ill last week at his home, is recovering and will be ready for town meeting.
The happily successful Greig farm have sold their winter apples to Spencer & Lord of Boston, who furnish the barrels. The quantity and price is certain to make a “barrel of money” for the raiser.
Mrs. Littlefield and son Fred of Farmington, N.H., have been utilizing the sunshine hospitality always in stock at the Walter homestead.
The thunder shower on Tuesday evening got a blow that made it deaf and dumb and all gossip is silenced except by wireless. M. Edward Riney reports that while driving near the catholic cemetery, Graniteville, his horse was knocked down by the lightning and both shafts were broken.
The next meeting of Middlesex North Pomona grange will be held at Lowell on Friday, November 4, Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street. Westford grange will furnish the dinner.
West Chelmsford, with a little help from Westford corner [Nabnasset], reports forty cases of scarlet fever, and the schools are closed for three weeks.
Rev. J. S. Moulton of Stow, a former minister of the Unitarian church, conducted the service last Sunday in exchange with Rev. B. H. Bailey.
Donald M. Cameron has bought a large residence at 328 Wilder street, Lowell. The house, splendidly built, with nine rooms, was once the property of the late George E. Evans for a long time city engineer of Lowell. Extensive alterations have been begun by Mr. Cameron, a piazza, pantry, solarium and bathroom being added. Along with the house two lots of land were conveyed amounting to 12,437 square feet, making an aggregate frontage on two streets of two hundred feet. In the rear Mr. Cameron is having built a garage twenty-two by twenty-six feet.
Beatrice May Johnson, youngest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. August Johnson, at the end of the Westford line near West Chelmsford, was buried on Friday afternoon, October 21. Funeral services were held at the house at two o’clock, Rev. David Wallace of the Congregational church here, officiating. There were several selections sung by the Misses Edith, Annie and Elsie Lundberg. From loving friends and relatives came beautiful flowers. Undertaker Greig had charge and the burial was in the West Chelmsford cemetery.
The final meeting for registration will be held at the town hall from noon until ten p.m. Saturday, October 29.
An auto accident occurred in Cold Spring woods last week in the darkness of night and pine trees. The wagon part of the collision was wounded badly. The parties are still unknown.
One person registered at Brookside last week Friday evening, and four at Graniteville on Monday evening, and two at Forge Village on Wednesday evening.
A Narrow Escape. Although warned by state and town and by the recent automobile accident at the Cold Spring farm, reckless and fast driving is still uncurbed on the public way. A narrow escape from serious collision was barely averted last week at the junction of Lowell and Stony Brook roads, known as Taylor’s corner, by the quick action of the driver of the carriage. The careful driver was coming down the hill, intending to keep on towards Stony Brook. A big automobile driven by a Westford man came along at a swift speed and gave no signal of approach as should be the custom of this cross road. The driver of the carriage had presence of mind enough to turn his horse quickly from the straight course and head him around the corner on to the Lowell road, causing the hind wheels of the carriage to rise in the air. It was a narrow escape and that there was no accident was due to the quick wit of the man in the carriage. Again and again automobiles go by this crossing and give no warning, nor slacken their speed. This is not the first time that similar accidents have been averted here. It seems as if auto drivers ought to be more careful at this place.
Forge Village. Mrs. Mary I. Drake observed the seventy-second anniversary of her birth on Friday, October 21, at her home on Pleasant street. A supper was served in the evening to a number of her friends. Her sister, Mrs. Lucretia J. Reed, assisted in entertaining their guests. Another sister, Mrs. Sarah McIntyre of Shrewsbury, her niece, Mrs. Minnie Capson and grandniece, Miss Edith Capson, and one brother, Alvin S. Bennett, were among the guests. The little grandniece, when told to ask a blessing, said “God bless those that have come. God bless those that wanted to come and couldn’t. God bless those that stayed at home.” A number of pretty remembrances were received and a shower of birthday cards were received from relatives out west.
The members of John Edwards hose company held their third annual ball in Abbot hall on Saturday evening, and in spite of the wet weather a large number were present. Thayer’s orchestra of Pepperell furnished the music for dancing. At intermission a supper of oyster stew, cake and coffee was served. Guests were present from Ayer, Leominster, Littleton, Lowell and Graniteville. Those in charge of the affair were Francis Lowther, general manager; Edward T. Hanley, assistant manager; George H. Weaver, floor director; James Whigham, John Sullivan, John W. Catchpole and Fred Drolett, aids.
Mrs. R. N. Jennison and daughter, Florence R. Peck of Cochituate, were guests at Henry Storey’s the past week.
Frank H. Tyzzer, who occupies the Sunrise cottage at Forge pond, was here last week on a hunting trip, and his efforts were rewarded by getting three large black ducks. He was accompanied by Chief Edwards of the Melrose fire department.
Miss Annie Long and Miss Ada Long of Lowell, former residents here, were entertained on Saturday and Sunday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton.
Rev. M. L. Kellner, professor of the [Episcopal] Theological school at Cambridge, occupied the pulpit at St. Andrew’s mission last Sunday and his fine sermon on the ideal life proved very interesting. Mr. Kellner will have charge of the services again tomorrow.
Rev. A. L. Bumpus of Belvidere, Ill., who has been appointed vicar of St. Andrew’s, will preach his first sermon at the mission chapel on Sunday, November 6.
Several of the flower gardens in this vicinity are still in full bloom. Mrs. Ellen Flynn on Pond street has a fine showing of flowers that are still untouched by the frost. Mrs. H. E. Randall has several roses in bloom. Vegetables are also in evidence in several of the gardens which is unusual for this time of the year.
The ringing of the bell on the fire wagon on Sunday evening at 7:15 brought the residents out in quick time on Pleasant street. A fire was discovered by Joseph Bennett on land owned by Mrs. Harriett E. Randall on Pleasant street, and very close to several houses. Soon after the alarm was given a stream of water put out the fire and the excitement ended almost as soon as it began.
Archie S. Bennett, professor in the English high school at Cambridge, spent the last of the week with his grandfather, Alvin S. Bennett. He has resigned his position with the school and has been appointed manager of the National Art magazine, published in Boston.
Miss Elizabeth M. Plummer went to Salem this week to attend the twenty-fifth wedding anniversary of her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. George Creesey. Over three hundred attended the sliver wedding reception held on October 25.
Miss Grace Lawrence is spending this week as the guest of her cousin, Miss Olive Prescott of Reading.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle met at Recreation hall, Thursday afternoon, and enjoyed a lunch and social hour at the conclusion of the work.
William Wilkinson of Hartford, Conn., is visiting his mother, Mrs. Joseph Wilkinson, of Commonwealth avenue.
Edward T. Hanley, Walter Precious, Frederick Naylor and Warren Winslow are attending the Lowell Textile school.
John P. Brown of Manchester is visiting his parents for a few days.
Mrs. Michael Keefe and little son of Townsend were guests on Saturday and Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. John Carmichael.
Graniteville. Forge Village-Graniteville combination did not prove to be strong enough to down the Buntings at football last Saturday, the Lowell club winning by 8 to 0. The game was played in Lowell.
On account of the democratic rally which was held in Healey’s hall on Thursday evening, the regular meeting of Court Westford, M.C.O.F. was held on Wednesday instead.
The devotion of the holy rosary was held in St. Catherine’s church on Sunday evening and was largely attended. The services were conducted by Rev. M. E. Doherty, who gave a short but instructive sermon on the “Life of St. Joseph.” A recital of the rosary then followed, with benediction of the blessed sacrament.
In spite of the rain last Saturday night, many people from this village attended the firemen’s dance in Forge Village and had a very enjoyable time.
The speakers at the democratic rally on Thursday night were Hon. J. J. Mitchell, candidate for congress in the fourth district; P. A. Kiley of Lynn, candidate for the senate in the seventh district, and Edward Fisher of Westford, candidate for representative.
The Ladies Aid society of the M.E. church held their annual harvest supper and entertainment in the church vestry on Thursday evening, October 27. Their annual affair always is looked forward to with great interest and it was carried out in a manner to fulfill all expectations. Everybody had a good time and pronounced it the best yet.