The Westford Wardsman, October, 1911
Saturday, October 7, 1911
Center. Mr. and Mrs. [Walter L.] Cutter are rejoicing over the advent of a baby daughter [Florence A. Cutter born Oct., 2, 1911] into their home, come to join a family of three brothers.
Robert S. Young, who has suffered a prolonged period of ill health, has not been as well this week and requires the close attention of physician and nurse.
Miss Martha Hildreth and her mother, Mrs. James Hildreth [nee Sarah Rebecca Tenney], have come to spend the winter with Mrs. Fletcher [nee Elizabeth Porter Tobie] Perkins [Peckens] and her sister, Miss Lucy Tobey [Tobie]. Mrs. Hildreth is ninety-three years old, the oldest woman in town. Mrs. Perkins is eighty-five and Miss Tobey [Tobie] is seventy-nine, which makes quite a household of elderly members.
Miss Ruth Fisher has been obliged to have a leave of absence from her school duties, having been seriously threatened with a nervous breakdown, a rest and change of scene being ordered by her physician. Miss Clara Smith and Miss Edith Forster are substituting at the Frost school in Miss Fisher’s place.
Mr. and Mrs. H. B. Hall and Miss Marion Hall leave this next week to spend the winter in California. They have relatives in Pasadena and Los Angeles, and their son, Harry Hall, who is in California, will spend the winter with his parents. Miss Marion has secured a nice position to occupy herself with while there.
Master John Gill Fletcher has been suffering with abscesses in both ears and was taken to Lowell by Dr. Wells one day last week for special treatment by a specialist.
Mrs. John B. Fletcher, who has been in the habit of spending her winters in Chelmsford, will remain in her own home this winter, and Miss Delia Wheeler is to stay with her as companion and helper.
Mrs. Sarah J. Drew, who has been suffering with an attack of bronchial pneumonia, is much better and making good recovery.
Mrs. George Whitney is ill at her home suffering with abscess of the stomach.
The net proceeds of the recent agricultural fair were about one hundred and fifty dollars.
E. S. Raymond, who is such a good friend of our town library, has recently presented some beautiful volumes of Japanese art which are most attractive and well worth perusal.
The first meeting of the Tadmuck club will be held on Tuesday afternoon, October 11, at the Unitarian vestry at three o’clock. The meeting is in charge of Miss E. Marion Sweatt, Mrs. C. A. Blaney and Miss Winnifred Burnham. It is to be a “home afternoon,” and members will answer the roll-call with useful household hints; also, historical stories of the town. The ladies will bring their sewing and help make this an informal affair. A musical program has been arranged and club tea will be served.
Charles D. Colburn, who so seriously injured his left hand in an ensilage cutter two weeks ago, is making as good progress with the injury toward recovery as can be expected.
The Westford Board of Trade held a well attended meeting at the town hall on Wednesday evening. The committee for a descriptive pamphlet of the town reported and the pamphlet as outlined by them was ordered printed. This is to contain views and reading matter with advertising, the latter to defray the expense of its getting up. Those in charge of oiling streets reported and it was stated that fully half of the expense had been met by private subscription, the rest to be met by the town. This oiling has proved itself a good thing.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company held its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening. About a dozen hydrants were opened and tried out, and later a business meeting was held at their headquarters.
About Town. Eben A. Wood of Nicholville, N.Y., has been making a short visit to his relative, Miss Loker, at the Providence farm. He has been correspondent for a Potsdam paper for twenty-five years. As such he has preserved his correspondence which has been gathered into several volumes.
The youngest daughter of Mrs. Robarge of West Chelmsford has scarlet fever. They formerly lived at Brookside.
George Perkins, who has been superintendent of the Nabnassett farm for eight years for George C. Moore, has bought a forty-acre farm in Paxton, Worcester county, and moved onto it. The family will be missed around Brookside and West Chelmsford for their good, wholesome companionable ways.
Curtis P. Mason, employed at the Read farm, has been seriously ill and removed to the Lowell hospital.
Andrew A. Sackett, a farmer section master on the H. E. Fletcher railroad, has been visiting old friends on Oak hill and West Chelmsford.
The historical sketch of the old No. 2 Moors’ school in Groton by Edward A. Richardson of Ayer, [serialized in Turner’s Public Spirit over the past month or so] proved like his former review of “Annals of a neighborhood,” a charming exposition of schoolday life and the only regrettable word “concluded.”
Mrs. George H. Whitney is seriously ill at her home on East Main street, corner of Providence road.
Congratulations to George E. Howard on the arrival of new hopes and promises [Phillip Robbins Howard born Sept. 28, 1911, Littleton]. May it prove medicine to Grandpa Calvin Howard in recovering from his recent accident.
Charles L. Watts has left the employ of the Brookside mills where he has been employed many years, and has moved to Clinton in the employ of Paul Wise, a former superintendent of the Brookside mills.
The obituary notice of Dr. John Scott Mason, which appeared in last week’s issue, and making his winter home in Westford, has led the writer, as well as Westford, to inquiring “Who art thou?”
Grange. Middlesex North Pomona grange held its monthly meeting with North Reading grange on Friday of last week. The address of welcome was given by Chester Hayward of the local grange, response by Rev. James Danforth of Tyngsboro, chaplain of the Pomona grange. The following question was handed out for general discussion. “Which is more serviceable to a farmer—practical knowledge gained by experience, or knowledge gained from agricultural books and papers.”
Afternoon session was an address by Elmer A. Stevens, treasurer of the commonwealth. His address fitted closely the appropriateness of speaker and hearers, on the subject of “State expenditures.” This was followed by music and papers. At 6:30 the degree of Pomona was conferred on a large class of candidates.
Temperance Meeting. The semi-annual meeting of the Middlesex Northwest temperance union will be held in the Congregational church, Westford, on Thursday, October 12, commencing at 9:45, with devotional service by Rev. David Wallace of Westford. The vote in Maine and its bearing on the temperance cause at large will be discussed by Rev. Silas N. Adams, Concord Junction, and Rev. George M. Howe, Groton. At 10:45 an address will be given by Rev. Herbert S. Johnson, president of the anti-saloon league, on “The anti-saloon league and its work.” General discussion at 1:30. Praise service, Rev. Edgar Crossland, South Acton. At 2:15 an address on “Temperance,” by Rev. George F. Kenngott of Lowell, followed by general discussion.
To be Closed. The Nabnassett farm will take on the evidences of closing, as the owner has decided to close down for the present. This is one of the largest hay producing farms in Westford, it being made a specialty. It is located at the outlet of Nabnassett lake on the east, the lake outlet passing through the center of the farm and close to the farm buildings; thence on to Stony Brook and thence by canal from West Chelmsford to the mills owned by Mr. Moore at North Chelmsford. With the closing of the farm will also be the closing of the boathouse. The farm has several hundred acres of park forestry surrounding Nabnassett lake.
W.C.T.U. Meeting. The W.C.T.U. held its October meeting with Mrs. Emma Day, Cold Spring and Graniteville road, on Wednesday afternoon with twelve members present. Mrs. Janet Wright, the president, presided. After the usual routine business, arrangements were made for the temperance union meeting which meets in town next Thursday. The union is non-sectarian and it is hoped the town will be largely the comfort and entertainment of visitors. The committee on the dinner are Mrs. S. L. Taylor, Mrs. Homer M. Seavey, Mrs. John McMaster, Mrs. Emery J. Whitney, Mrs. Longley, Mrs. C. A. Blaney, Mrs. Q. A. Day, Miss Louise Crosby, Mrs. Alice Lambert.
Forge Village. Many of the village people were present at the formal opening of St. Catherine’s church on Sunday afternoon. They had the pleasure of listening to Monsignor Teeling, D.D., of Lynn, the first monsignor to be welcomed to the town of Westford.
The Ladies’ Sewing circle met in Recreation hall on Wednesday afternoon at the usual hour. Rev. A. L. Bumpus was the guest of the meeting.
The regular meeting of Loyal Self-Help lodge, I.O.O.F., M.U., was held in Abbot hall on Monday evening. P.P.G.M. George Emsley of Lowell was the guest of the evening and entertained the members of the lodge by a well chosen speech. Joseph Bennett also entertained with phonographic selections.
Miss Theresa Lowther and Miss Rachael Cherry were present at the musical festival held at Worcester last week. They were entertained during their visit by Mr. and Mrs. Baker of College hill.
Supt. Frank H. Hill addressed the teachers of Cameron school at a meeting held at the school on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Brackett, supervisor of drawing, also made a few remarks.
Mr. and Mrs. John Campling of Lawrence with their family visited at the home of Edward J. and William Hunt over Saturday and Sunday.
John Spinner, jr., has accepted a position in the express office at Ayer.
Mrs. T. Thompson of Boston is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. George Cougle.
The Sunday school teachers of St. Andrew’s mission are busy arranging for a children’s concert to be held in the near future.
Mr. and Mrs. George Cougle have sold out their boarding house in Bradford street, which they have superintended for the past seventeen years, and have set up housekeeping in Edward T. Hanley’s tenement on Central [now W. Prescott] street. Mrs. Miller with her daughter and grandson now have charge of the boarding house.
The Jolly Six held a social dancing party on Friday night in Abbot hall. A delicious oyster supper was served at intermission.
A. Carkin visited his daughter, Mrs. Caisse of Leominster, on Sunday.
Howard Northrup has returned from a visit to relatives in the Provinces.
Mrs. George W. Cressy of Salem and Miss Edith Cressy of Los Angeles, Cal., have been recently the guests of their sister and aunt, Miss Elizabeth Plummer of this village. Miss Cressy will return to California shortly to continue in her profession of trained nurse.
A son was born last week Thursday to Mr. and Mrs. George Howard of Littleton. Mr. Howard is the well known clerk for Conant & Co.
Miss Grace Lawrence, who has been stopping at Maplewood, N.H., has returned. She says that the Presidential range is covered with snow, which looks to be a forerunner of a cold winter.
Graniteville. Little Henry Payne, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Payne, was struck by a carriage driven by James B. Healy on last Sunday and knocked down. The boy was badly shaken, but no serious results are anticipated.
Thomas Denio, the well-known station agent at West Graniteville, had the misfortune to break his right wrist while cranking an automobile a few days ago and will be unable to work for several weeks. Mr. Crane of Springvale, Me., is now substituting in his place.
C. T. Kellogg, the state auditor, who has been at the office of the Abbot Worsted Company here for the past few days, received a painful injury by having a heavy limb fall on his head while walking under a tree here early on Tuesday afternoon. The wound bled quite freely and Dr. Sherman, who attended him, found it necessary to take several stitches to close the cut.
Misses Mary and Kitty Rafferty, who have spent the summer months at the Hawthorne Inn, East Gloucester, and Misses Annie and Lena Healy, who have been at the mountains, have returned to their home in this village.
Wallace Walsh is now at the Massachusetts General hospital in Boston, slowly recovering from an operation that was performed on his leg. Mr. Walsh has been lame for a long time, and strong hopes are now entertained that he will receive the full use of his limb when he is discharged from the hospital.
Formal Opening. The formal opening of St. Catherine’s church, an event that has been looked forward to with deep interest by the parishioners for the last few weeks, took place here at 4:30 [sic] o’clock Sunday morning and was largely attended. Last Sunday was holy rosary Sunday and was set apart for the formal opening. The pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, ever mindful of his parishioners, had secured Rt. Rev. Monsignor A. J. Teeling, D.D., pastor of St. Mary’s church of Lynn, to officiate on this occasion, and the people here had the pleasure of welcoming a monsignor for the first time in Westford. Monsignor Teeling was heard in a very pleasing address, opening his remarks by congratulating the pastor and his parishioner on the fine appearance of the church.
Rev. Schofield made a few introductory remarks, then the rosary was recited by Rev. Michael Doherty and the congregation, and then benediction was celebrated by Monsignor Teeling, assisted by Rev. Schofield and Rev. Doherty. The regular choir, under the direction of Miss Mary Hanley, assisted at the services.
Saturday, October 14, 1911
Forge Village. Services will be held in St. Andrew’s mission at 7:30 o’clock tomorrow evening, Rev. A. L. Bumpus officiating.
Miss May E. Lord of South Framingham visited with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. David Lord, over Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. William Petherick of Leominster were guests of Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett on Sunday.
Misses Hilda and Edith Normington of Worcester visited friends here during the week.
Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Richards are rejoicing over the arrival of a baby girl [Regina L. R. Richards] at their home on Tuesday morning [Sunday, Oct. 8, 1911].
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Holland of Worcester spent Sunday at the home of Mrs. Mary I. Drake.
Mr. and Mrs. Chester Lawrence of Dorchester were guests of Miss Grace Lawrence the early part of the week.
Mrs. Ernest Longbottom and son, William A., of Arlington Heights, were guests at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett over Sunday.
The Abbot Worsted Company shut down on Wednesday for the remainder of the week for a short holiday. Operations will be resumed on Monday morning at the usual hour.
Mrs. James Whigham and little daughter, Doris, are visiting relatives in Worcester.
Mr. and Mrs. John Morton and baby daughter Lillian M. visited at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton on Sunday.
Mrs. Winnie Patrey is spending a few days with friends in Hudson.
A daughter [Edith Frances Charlton] was born last week [Sept. 29,, 1911] to Mr. and Mrs. William Charlton of Groton. Mrs. Charlton was formerly Miss Laura Hindle of this village.
Miss Maria May has been confined to her home this week suffering from blood poisoning in one of her fingers.
Miss Catherine Lowther of Andover was the guest of her mother, Mrs. M. A. Lowther, last week Thursday and Friday.
John Edwards is having his home wired for electricity.
Mrs. Charles Blodgett, Mrs. William Blodgett and Mrs. Chester Blodgett of Groton Ridges visited Thursday at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Mason of Lowell.
The Sunday school children of St. Andrew’s mission are preparing for their concert to be held in the near future in Recreation hall.
Through the kindness of the J. V. Fletcher library of Westford, books will now be delivered from a special branch library in St. Andrew’s mission. The library will open on Sunday afternoons at 3:30 o’clock and on Sunday evenings at 7:30; also, on Wednesday evenings. Miss Theresa Lowther will have charge.
Mr. and Mrs. Dorr of Cambridge have returned home after their summer vacation spent at their camp on the shores of Forge pond.
Center. The Ladies’ Missionary society of the Congregational church met in the vestry on Wednesday afternoon. Miss Loker, the president, conducted the meeting with a program of interest. Plans for the season’s work were discussed and decided upon. A study of missions in India will be carried out. The society has twenty-one members, and six have just been added. A tea was served at the close of the meeting and social hour enjoyed after which a meeting was held to plan out and appoint committees of the socials for the season. An outline for each month for suppers, socials, etc., was planned and judging by preceding seasons will be effectively carried out.
At the meeting of the grange last week Thursday evening, voting for candidates occupied a part of the evening, followed by a program of music and readings.
The stores of J. Herbert Fletcher and Wright & Fletcher, including the postoffice, will close three nights each week, beginning October 12, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. They have been closing for some time on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30, and townspeople having errands at the stores will bear in mind this additional evening of closing.
Welcome visitors expected for the week-end at Mrs. Edward Prescott’s are Mrs. Charles P. Marshall and daughter Marion, joined by Mr. Marshall on Monday.
Mrs. Homer M. Seavey is preparing to go next week for a week’s stay with Mrs. E. J. Meecham of Holyoke. Mrs. Ida M. Gould will superintend Mrs. Seavey’s household during her absence. Mrs. Meecham was formerly Miss Millie Smith, who taught at the old Center primary here, and one of the pleasant group of teachers who boarded at Mrs. Seavey’s.
Among the Baldwin apples being harvested by D. W. Wheeler are some measuring twelve and one-half and twelve and three-quarters inches round.
The Unitarian society are perfecting their arrangements to entertain the Unitarian conference of churches in the beautiful old First Parish meeting-house next Thursday with cordial efficiency.
At the Ladies’ Missionary society on Wednesday, Miss Miranda G. Luce contributed to the interest of the meeting with a loan exhibit of rare articles gathered in many lands by a sea captain ancestor.
R.F.D. carrier S. H. Balch of route two has been having the customary fifteen days’ vacation allowed by the postal authorities, and Warren E. Carkin has been taking his place on the route.
Miss Adrith Carter underwent a successful operation for appendicitis at the Lowell General hospital on Friday of last week and is making satisfactory convalescence.
Rally Sunday. It was rally Sunday at the Congregational church last Sunday and it proved true to name. There was fully one hundred and fifty in attendance. It was a combination church service and Sunday school. Special music was furnished by Miss Edna Ferguson and E. G. Boynton. There was an address by Albert McQuestion of Lowell, treasurer of the Lowell District Sunday School association. This was in place of the usual sermon.
At the conclusion of the address, H. G. Osgood, superintendent of the Sunday school took charge and the three junior classes of the Sunday school gave an exhibition of their regular work. Shorter addresses were given by Rev. David Wallace, John P. Wright and H. G. Osgood on what the Sunday school can do for the church, and what the church can do for the Sunday school
Obituary. Robert S. Young died on Saturday evening at the home of his step-son, Walter J. Merritt. Mr. Young had been in failing health, suffering from chronic enteritis. The deceased was born in Chateauguay Basin, Canada, almost eighteen miles from Montreal, May 27, 1838, making him seventy-three years old his last birthday. Mr. Young learned the printer’s trade in early life and came to Lowell as a young man. For many years he held a responsible position in the printing office of the J. C. Ayer Company, from which he retired in 1895, after twenty-six years’ service. For some time his home was in Arlington, but about two years ago [he] came to live with his step-son, Walter J. Merritt, where he resided until his death.
About three years ago, Mr. Young sustained a great loss in the death of his wife, who combined in a marked degree the qualities of capable helpmeet and companionable wife.
A prayer service was held at the home in Westford on Tuesday at 11:30, conducted by Rev. David Wallace, pastor of the Union Congregational church. This was followed by a service at the Lowell cemetery chapel, conducted by Rev. N. T. Whittaker of Lowell, a former pastor. There was a large gathering of friends present. Two beautiful selections, “The Christian’s good night,” and “Sometime we’ll understand,” were rendered by Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Peacock. The floral offerings were numerous and beautiful. The bearers were C. W. Russell, C. A. Evelyn, W. H. Sullivan and A. S. Hamilton.
Interment was in the family lot in the Lowell cemetery. Mr. Young was a member of William North lodge of Masons, of Oberlin lodge, I.O.O.F., and of Wannalancit Encampment, I.O.O.F. Undertaker David L. Greig had charge of the funeral arrangements. Mr. Young was the last surviving member of the family of his generation.
Tadmuck Club. The first meeting of the Tadmuck club took place on Tuesday afternoon at the vestry of the Unitarian church. Miss Sarah Loker, who has always been the club’s hearty choice as president, presided, and in her opening remarks expressed much pleasure that the loyalty to the club’s best welfare had so evidently lived over vacation, one manifestation being the large and enthusiastic audience present. Miss Loker brought to the consideration of the members the making of a change in the constitution, thereby making the membership limit one hundred instead of seventy-five. Action will be taken on this at the next meeting. There is at present a considerable waiting list.
The program for the afternoon was a “home afternoon,” and was most attractively carried out by the committee in charge. The vestry was decorated with autumn foliage and flowers, rugs and pillows. The plan was to make it an afternoon of informality and sociability, balancing some of the more studious programs. The members were invited to bring their work and there was a roll-call interspersed with readings and music. These consisted of a fine piano selection by Miss Julia Fletcher, preceded by a descriptive article of the same prepared by Mrs. Frost and read by Miss Edith Lawrence. Miss Pauline Wallace and Miss Lillian Sutherland gave a vocal duet. There was a violin solo by Miss Evelyn Hamlin and Miss Daisy Kabele read “Seeing things at night,” is a splendidly appointed boat. Some of the principal stopping places of the party will be Maderia, Gilbralta, Port Said, Suez, Bombay, Calcutta, Singapore, Manilla, Hong Kong and Honolulu. They will arrive in San Francisco early in February. Mr. and Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Whitney were at Westford for over last Sunday. Their many Westford friends extend to them a very sincere “bon voyage.”
John M. Farrell, auctioneer, is to sell by public auction the personal property at the late Mary E. Brigham farm on Depot street, Westford, on Tuesday, October 24. The electric cars, which pass the door, are to run hourly from North Chelmsford all day. The sale will commence at ten o’clock in the morning.
The life of the little daughter born [Oct. 2, 1911] to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Cutter recently was of short duration and full of suffering for the little stranger. Apparently well for the first few days, a serious abscess developed, which complicated with pneumonia, brought death [Oct. 17, 1911] after fourteen days of life. The child had been named Florence A[nna] Cutter. The body was taken to Ayer and buried beside the body of a baby brother. Mr. and Mrs. Cutter have the sincere sympathy of many friends in their bereavement.
Mrs. Thomas Lindsey of Somerville has been the guest for several days this week of Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitney.
Last Saturday evening those who visited the store and postoffice of Wright & Fletcher [40 Main St.] felt as if the town was right in line with the march of progress with its latest improvement of new electric lights. The store made a well-lighted and cheerful appearance. The same evening the residence of Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher [33 Main St.] was lighted with its new electric equipment for the first time and since then the different houses that have been wired the workmen have been busy getting the lights ready to turn on.
Misses Sarah, Lillian and May Atwood leave this next week to spend the winter months in California. They expect to go by the Canadian Pacific route and to visit Rev. E. H. Roper and family at Seattle on the way. [Rev. Elijah H. Roper was pastor of the Union Congregational Church from 1897 to 1902. The Atwood sisters carried on a correspondence with the Roper family into the 1930s.]
Fred A. Shorey is at his home, laid up with an injured foot. He received the injury from a heavily laden dray falling on it. One of the bones of the foot was broken and it will be some time before Mr. Shorey can be about again.
The Boy Scouts, under the direction of Dexter Coggshall, have arranged for a field day at Whitney park this Saturday afternoon at 2:30. A good list of sports have been arranged.
The regular meeting of Middlesex North Pomona grange will be held on Friday, November 3, at grange hall, Dracut.
Obituary. Augustus Bunce died at his home on Tuesday afternoon of this week. Mr. Bunce had been in poor health for some time, but at the last the end came suddenly, he having been confined to his bed but a few days. Mr. Bunce was born in Westford on September 7, 1832, making his age a little more than seventy-nine years. Aside from a short period in young manhood, all his life had been spent in his native town where he has been a successful farmer upon his own ancestral acres.
In 1870 he was united in marriage with Miss Emily White Loker of Acton, who died a few years ago. The deceased is survived by two children, Henry A. Bunce, living in North Chelmsford, and Miss Mary A. Bunce, our town librarian, who lives at home and has given her father a daughter’s faithful and loving care. He is also survived by one brother, William Bunce, of Worcester, and two sisters, Misses Carrie and Maria Bunce, of Lowell.
In September, 1858, Mr. Bunce united with the Union Congregational church and has always been devoted to its best interests and welfare, and a constant attendant at its services while health permitted. A few years ago an excellent historical sketch of this church appeared in these columns written by Mr. Bunce. He was always a discriminating reader and consequently well informed on all subjects of interest, and was also a close student of Nature, the secrets of plants, flowers, trees, birds and stars were as an open book to him through the study and observation of many years.
Mr. Bunce needs no eulogy. He would be the last one to desire it. His long, upright life, faithful to all its duties, the modesty and dignity of his character bear eloquent testimony of his worth in the hearts of all who knew him.
About Town. The registrars of voters will meet at Healy’s hall, Graniteville, on Monday evening, October 23, from 7:30 to nine o’clock, and at Abbot hall, Forge Village, Wednesday evening, October 25, from 7:30 to nine o’clock, and the last opportunity to qualify for the November election will be held at the town hall on Saturday, October 28, from noon until ten p.m.
Mrs. John Perkins is making preparations to vacate the Bean cottage at Westford Center and move into the John Decatur house on the Lowell road.
Charles W. Whitney is enlarging his poultry profits by enlarging the housing capacity. It will be a two story affair.
Oliver Desjardins of Pigeon hill, Westford, was before his honor, Judge Atwood of Ayer, last Saturday on the charge of something other than milk being sold for the Lowell market. The case was continued until today by request of his counsel, John M. Maloney of Ayer. The prosecutors were William E. Ashworth, selling agent for the milk, and Melvin Marsters [sic], milk inspector of Lowell and William R. Taylor of Westford.
The school teachers of the town went to Townsend on Wednesday for educational invigoration in attending the teachers’ institute.
Superintendent Ogley of Brookside mill is keeping part of the machinery active on a water wheel revolution.
Banquet. The village church at West Chelmsford, which includes in the parish, Westford Corner, Brookside and our own beautiful, busy Oak hill, held a banquet last week Friday evening in the church vestry, under the management of Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher. Supper, social, literary, all received its management from the serenely balanced management that governs Oak hill.
The supper was clearly up to meet all the tastes of modern acquirements. Rev. William H. C. Mae of North Chelmsford asked the blessing, and after this example of gratitude, everybody was in harmony with the supper. After all had partaken of their fill, Rev. Frank Hargrave, minister of the church [1911-12], in a few remarks of thankfulness to all who had contributed towards the evening, introduced Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher as the man of the hour, who proved to be ready, wise and witty in dealing with the literary aspects of the evening.
Rev. Havermale of Graniteville was the first to start the after supper spirit, choosing for his subject “Is the church a beggar?” His anecdotes were helpful for digestion and good for finance. Prof. Bond of Lowell entertained with song, receiving an encore for more. Mrs. A. F. Edwards was accompanist.
Rev. Sarah A. Dixon proved enough for all the many jokes that had preceded and proved an original team in reply and with her subject “Church going.” Mangus Pihl of Lowell, an expert story and anecdote teller, followed and certainly entertained those present. The last on the program, a talk on “Prison life and punishment in the past and present,” by Probation Officer Ramsey of Lowell, who has recently returned from Europe, was true to life, but sad. What he saw in Europe convinced him against the policy of disarmament and old time punishments for crime.
Among those who assisted in making the evening as pleasant as possible were Mrs. A. Frank Edwards, Mrs. Josiah Smith, Mrs. James Peck, Miss Janet Brown and Miss Margaret Reed.
Temperance Conference. The semi-annual meeting of the Middlesex Northwest Temperance Union met at the Congregational church in Westford on Columbus day. More than the usual number were in attendance on account of the day being a holiday. The meeting opened at 9:45 with devotional service by Rev. David Wallace of Westford. “The vote in Maine This was excellently read by Miss Martha L. Grant.
The speaker of the afternoon was Dr. O. V. Wells, who gave a paper on “Epochs in medical history.” This was followed, and deservedly so, with the closest attention. It was the studious medical man’s presentation of an extensive subject brought to the comprehension of the average listener, a skillful outline of the accomplishments of men of science for the alleviation of human disease and suffering. Hippocrates and Galen of early time and later in the development of medical history, such names as Harvey, Jenner, Morton, Lister, Pasteur and others, and what they had achieved. Dr. Wells outlined what anesthesia, anti-toxin, X-rays, septic and anti-septic surgery had accomplished in medical science. Other important sub-topics were the progress in the treatment in such dreaded diseases as small pox, diphtheria, tuberculosis, yellow fever and acute cerebo [sic] spinal meningitis.
At the close of his paper Dr. Wells showed some interesting plates illustrating the work of the X-rays. The next meeting will be the first in the winter’s special topic for study of South America, the special subject being “The conquest of Peru,” in charge of Charles O. Prescott.
Presentation. Following the regular service at the Congregational church on Sunday evening a somewhat unusual and interesting event took place. This was the farewell good-will party with presentation tendered to Misses Sarah, Lillian and May Atwood, who were to leave the following Wednesday to spend the winter in California. A little diplomacy was used to insure the presence of all three at the meeting.
Following the preaching service, Arthur E. Day, church moderator, called a brief business meeting, when John P. Wright was chosen assistant treasurer in place of Miss Lillian Atwood, the regular church treasurer, during the latter’s absence, after which Mr. Wallace requested the audience to remain seated a little longer, and in most felicitous manner extended the good will and appreciation to the Misses Atwood of their many friends in the church, and presented, as a slight manifestation of the same, a gift to each to use while away and to remind them of the home friends.
To Miss Lillian a fountain pen of newest pattern, which he suggested might be used to record new impressions and to write to the home friends. To Miss Sarah he presented an electric flash light, and to Miss May a beautiful traveling toilet set in seal leather case. A fourth gift for the use of all the party was a fine large thermo [sic] bottle.
The recipients were taken completely by surprise and no formal speeches were expected. Mr. Osgood immediately announced the hymn “God be with you till we meet again,” which was sung with very significant and genuine expression, after which all repeated the Mispah benediction with the same earnestness and then came the opportunity for all to informally greet the prospective travelers and to wish them Godspeed and a pleasant sojourn in the west.
Much regret is felt over losing the Misses Atwood for the winter, for they fill a valuable place in the church’s activities musically, socially and as pastor’s helpers, and a very hearty welcome awaits their return.
Entertained. Mr. and Mrs. David L. Greig and Mrs. J. Willard Fletcher combined forces on Tuesday evening and gave a very delightful party to a large gathering of their friends. This was held at Mr. and Mrs. Fletcher’s pleasant home in the Westford depot neighborhood, and the spacious rooms were well adapted to the pleasant entertaining of the guests. A bountiful supper was served during the early evening. The decorations were in keeping with the season of Hallowe’en, supplemented with autumn foliage.
After full justice had been done to the delicious menu progressive whist was enjoyed. Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, Miss Charlotte Prescott, A. W. Hartford and John Feeney had the highest scores and received pretty Hallowe’en prizes. Each guest also received a pretty Hallowe’en souvenir. David L. Greig read a selection on “Husbands,” which was much enjoyed. A good old-fashioned song, with Miss Gladys Fletcher at the piano, filled out the evening’s enjoyment, after which good nights were said with very sincere assurances to their entertainers, by the guests, of a most enjoyable evening. There were fully forty guests present.
About Town. Hugo T. Page is seriously ill with pneumonia at his home on Depot road. Dr. Blaney is in charge of the recovery problem, which makes it look encouraging for recovery.
Brookside station on the Stony Brook railroad was operated on last week Friday night for financial reasons. Twenty-cents’ worth of financial regularity was discovered. It took an auto and experts to perform this irregularity act as the entering and departure act clearly proved.
Foxes are marketing the poultry in the Stony Brook valley. Prices are not satisfactory and an attempt is being loaded up to lessen the returns. The foxes are liable to have the returns read to them at any time.
The next meeting of Middlesex North Pomona will be held with Dracut grange on Friday, November 3. An interesting program is in preparation.
The next meeting of the W.C.T.U. will be held on Wednesday, November 1, with Mrs. S. L. Taylor at the Old Oaken Bucket farm, an appropriate name for the nature of the meeting. Mrs. Homer M. Seavey, who was a delegate to the state convention held at Holyoke, will make her report at this meeting.
A cosy “at home” affair was that party of the olden-time corn husking with modern jollifications added which gathered at the roomy and attractive home of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur T. Blodgett on Depot street Monday evening. A large company husked corn and supper. The Blodgetts know how to entertain without any stingy penny wise contractions.
Conference. The conference of Unitarian churches of Middlesex North met with the old First Parish last week Thursday. The weather was cloudy and threatening, but the thinking spiritual was bright and light and threatening more. The large audience clearly thought so and the addresses of the day were heavily charged with the inspiration that is peculiarly of this new opportunity day of ours. Rev. Albert Lazenby and Rev. Abraham M. Rihbany both struck new springs. The former on “The men and religion movement,” Mr. and Mrs. Charles McLenna, who have recently returned from a brief honeymoon trip, were serenaded at their home on Broadway on Thursday evening of last week by a large number of their friends, who came to extend the hand of welcome to the young bride and congratulate “Charlie” on his choice. The party assembled at Music hall and headed by the Bingville band, with Thomas Hughes as drum major, marched to the McLenna home. The instruments used by the “band members” were not injured in any way by the slight mist that was falling, as they have stood many a hard campaign, being the property of the Graniteville cornet band, the same tenors, baritones and slide trombones having been in existence here about twenty-five years.
The players were not skilled musicians, but what they lacked in harmony they made up in volume, and judging from their efforts in getting music out of the horns, one could see that their work was a labor of love. “Charlie” soon responded and set up the cigars for all, after which there was a spasm by the band. Frank Charlton then sang “When a girl from old New Hampshire loves a man in Graniteville.” This was followed by “The hills of old New Hampshire,” both complimentary to the bride, who was formerly a Nashua, N.H., girl.
After a brief reception was held by Mr. and Mrs. McLenna, during which all shook hands with the bride and bridegroom, three cheers were given to the happy couple and after singing “For he’s a jolly good fellow,” and “Good night ladies,” the serenaders, with their harmonious accompaniment formed in line and marched back to the hall, where all separated for their various homes. It was a welcome home for “Charlie” and his bride all right, and both appreciated the thoughtfulness of the “boys.”
St. Catherine’s Church. Sunday morning at St. Catherine’s church, both masses were celebrated by Rev. Michael E. Doherty and he also delivered the first of a series of instructive sermons on “The holy sacrifice of the mass.”
On Tuesday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock, instruction for the children who are preparing for their first communion was held in St. Catherine’s church. In the evening at 7:30, the holy rosary devotions were held, followed by benediction of the blessed sacrament. The regular choir were in attendance, and the services that were conducted by Rev. M. E. Doherty were largely attended. After the devotions there was a meeting of the ladies’ sodality.
Tomorrow evening at 7:30 o’clock, there will be a meeting of the Holy Name society in St. Catherine’s church, and every man, particularly the young men of the parish, are invited to be present. After the meeting there will be services that will consist of benediction of the blessed sacrament. This service is for the men of the parish.