The Westford Wardsman, October, 1912
Saturday, October 5, 1912
Center. Miss Evelyn Hamlin, who expected to enter Miss Kimball’s Home School for Girls at Worcester, has gone to Wheaton seminary at Norton. This change of plans was owing to Miss Kimball being ill and having to discontinue her school this season.
Rev. and Mrs. L. H. Buckshorn, of Vineyard Haven, have been guests in town this week.
The ladies of the Unitarian church are planning a food sale to be held in the church parlors on Friday afternoon, October 18, at 2:30 o’clock. Music will be furnished by friends from Cambridge as follows: Mrs. Grace Foss, soprano; Mrs. Blanche Akerly, pianist; Miss Marjorie Shaw, violinist. This promises to be one of the pleasant social events of the opening season and is under the capable direction of Mrs. Homer M. Seavey and Mrs. Herbert V. Hildreth.
Miss Sarah A. Drew has been in town this week attending to settling of affairs of her late cousin, Miss Mary E. Drew.
Charles Clarke, of Somerville and L. J. Marden, of Woburn, were auto guests at A. H. Sutherland’s on last Sunday.
John M. Fletcher has been enjoying a ten-day’s sojourn at Farmington, N.H.
The invitations have been sent out for the wedding reception of Miss Charlotte Helen Prescott and John Sumner Greig for Wednesday, October 23, from eight to ten o’clock in the evening. These invitations are sent by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Richardson Spalding, at whose home the wedding and reception will take place.
A group of young people enjoyed a neighborhood husking bee at the home of Albert Tuttle on last Saturday evening. After the husking Mrs. Nelson Tuttle served refreshments, assisted by Mrs. A. H. Sutherland.
Harold W. Hildreth has been having a week’s vacation spent at the parental home.
Mrs. Dora Spalding Russell and Mrs. Ella Bennett Wing were in town one day last week calling on girlhood friends.
Miss Miranda G. Luce, who has not been well for some time, has been less well this last week and receiving the ministrations of physician and nurse. Her many friends extend sympathetic greetings and good wishes.
Mr. and Mrs. Julian A. Cameron and son Alexander start this next week for an extensive travel tour, going on one of the Hamburg-American cruises around the world.
W. M. Wright and William Seifer have been drawn to serve as jurors at the October court meeting at Lowell and Cambridge.
Congregational. On last week Friday evening the C.E. Society of the Congregational church, under the direction of Mrs. Wallace, its president, had a social and supper, it being its second anniversary. A pleasant supper was enjoyed, after which a program was given, the leading feature of which was experiences related in earning the ten dollars contributed by the society to the Ladies’ Missionary society.
On last Sunday, at this church, Mr. Wallace gave an excellent sermon from the text: “Enter ye in the narrow gate”—a few points from which were broadways everywhere popular, narrow ones unpopular; broad views popular and the narrow and bigoted unpopular, shrinking from the idea that few are saved; God’s desire that all should reach immortality; when Jesus said this, there were no church, sects or theology, but text is of universal application; in school only the worker advances, in business the same and in morals especially broad ways grow narrow and is disastrous, narrow ways grow broader and easier.
Sunday will be observed as rally day and special efforts will be made to have the services of interest and a full attendance is hoped for.
Tadmuck Club Program. The calendars for the seventh consecutive season of the Tadmuck club have been distributed this week bound in attractive club color of silvery grey. The subject matters within the covers is in its way fully as attractive and promise much for entertainment and instruction for the season of 1912-13. “Holland” is the special topic for study for the winter, interspersed with miscellaneous subjects. Appropriate quotations have been printed for many of the afternoons. Embodied in the calendar is a fitting “In memoriam” to those members who have passed on since the club was organized. These names are Mrs. W. J. Sleeper, Mrs. Martha P. Cooper, Mrs. F. C. Hildreth, Mrs. Emily M. Fletcher, Miss Mary E. Drew and Mrs. M. Abbie Wright. That the membership may be in touch with the business requirements of the club, the constitution and by-laws are printed in this season’s calendar.
The opening meeting will be held on Tuesday afternoon of next week in the Unitarian church parlors at three o’clock, and will be “the home” with the motto of ro the meeting: “Give them friendly welcome, every one.” The hostesses are Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, Mrs. F. W. Banister and Mrs. C. H. Wright. Following is the program: Opening address by the president, Miss Sarah W. Loker; secretary’s report; appropriate quotations; readings, Mrs. Perley E. Wright and a paper by Mrs. Eulalie G. Fairfield, of Littleton, on “Home-making and housekeeping.”
In addition to this promising program the committee have arranged for favorite rules and recipes of some of the housewives to be written up about the rooms and members are advised to bring pencils and paper.
About Town. J. Willard Fletcher, whose ribs were damaged for the uses for which nature ordered them by contact with an unruly horse and a stubborn freight car, is improving rapidly under the skill of Dr. Blaney so that he has advanced to the position of walking superintendent of seeing that other people keep to work.
William F. Seifer and Willie M. Wright have been drawn to do justice in jury decisions.
John P. Wright and family and Miss Sutherland were Saturday and Sunday inhabitants at Mt. Wachusett. Mr. and Mrs. S. L. Taylor were also Sunday climbers. It was a beautiful day to go to see (?). the fog and the rain allowed a beautiful view of surrounding landscapes, most of which could be nearly plainly seen almost several rods off. Many thanks to the premeditated courtesy of John P. Wright for the use of his umbrellas.
The Unitarian Sunday school will reorganize on Sunday, October 6, for constructive work in character development. All who believe in Sunday schools are invited as scholars.
John A. Taylor has arrived at North Dakota. Leaving the shirt-sleeves weather of Westford on September 19, he arrived a few days later at Grand Forks, where overcoats, mittens and snowstorms were all the go as weather signals.
The annual meeting of the Middlesex North Agricultural society will be held on Tuesday, October 8, beginning at ten o’clock in the morning, at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell.
George W. Whitney, who has been ill with rheumatism, is improving under the guidance of Dr. Blaney and the rheumatism is occupying less room.
Death. After a long illness of many years of consumption George W. Bussey died at his home at Brookside on Monday evening at the age of sixty-one years. He was a native of Pelham, N.H., but had lived the greater part of his life in Westford where he had been a successful farmer. He was temperate in habits and wisely frugal in resources, and reliable in transactions. His well guarded life in daily conversation and action apparently left as its harvest only friends.
The funeral took place from the residence on Wednesday afternoon, Rev. Crawford, of West Chelmsford, conducting the services. The floral tributes were beautiful.
He leaves as near relatives, a wife, Sarah J. (Irish) Bussey, a brother and sister. Burial took place in Strawberry Hill cemetery, West Chelmsford, by the side of his first wife. The bearers were members of Oberlin lodge Odd Fellows—Fred L. Fletcher, George O. Spalding, Ward A. Coburn and George A. Defarge, who conducted the burial service at the grave.
Graniteville. The Chicken club, a newly formed organization of this village, held a social dance in Healy’s hall on last Saturday evening that was well attended. The Colonial orchestra of Lowell furnished excellent dance music and at intermission refreshments were served. Many were present from Forge Village, Westford, Littleton, Pepperell and surrounding towns.
News has been received here recently of the death of John Loftus, a former resident of this village. He died at his home in Lowell on September 30, after a brief illness. Mr. Loftus was well-known through his connection with the Abbot Worsted Company here, where he held the position of overseer for a long term of years. He was one of the pioneers in the worsted industry in this vicinity and was considered an expert in his particular line. Some few years ago he retired from active service, having merited a well deserved rest, and with his family removed to Lowell. He always professed a fondness for city life with its conveniences. The Loftus family are well and favorably known here where neighbors and friends unite in extending their sympathy.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Greenwood, with their little son Louis, of West Virginia, and Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lussier and their son Louis, of Manchester, N.H., were recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. Omer Fisher.
In St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning both masses were celebrated by the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, who also announced that the first of the October devotions would be held on Thursday evening at the usual hour.
Forge Village. Sunday being the first Sunday of the month, the service of holy communion will take place at St. Andrew’s mission on Sunday morning at 9:30 o’clock. Rev. A. L. Bumpus will have charge.
Miss Elizabeth Proctor, of Providence, R.I., is the guest of Mr. and Mrs. James May, where she is visiting her brother, Joseph Proctor, a recent arrival from England.
The engagements are announced of the following well-known young village people: Joseph Connell, of Westford, to Miss Delphine Socha, of Bradford street; also, John Wisely, of Newark, N.J., to Miss Ellen Byrnes, of Pond street. Both marriages are to take place shortly.
Mrs. William Burnett was the guest at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Chester Blodgett, of Groton, on Wednesday.
Mrs. James Whigham spent Wednesday visiting her sister, Mrs. William Blodgett, of Groton.
The electric wiring at the home of W. C. Precious is now completed and will shortly be connected with the main line.
A number from here attended the devotions for the month of October at St. Catherine’s church at West Graniteville on Thursday evening.
The sympathy of the village is extended to the bereaved family of the late John Loftus who died in Lowell during the week. Mr. Loftus, being a former resident of Graniteville, was very favorably known in this village.
Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Provencher returned to their home in North Adams on Sunday after their long vacation spent in their bungalow on the shores of Forge pond.
Mrs. Clarence Hill and little son, of Leominster, were guests at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Daly recently.
Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Cockroft, of Ware, are spending a few days visiting at the homes of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Hunt and Mr. and Mrs. William Hunt.
The young ladies of St. Andrew’s parish spent a most delightful evening with Miss Helen Peabody and Miss Isabel Carney, of Groton, on Thursday. The meeting place was recreation hall and as during last year, these bi-monthly gatherings will be looked forward to with great eagerness.
Fred A. Sweatt, John Carmichael, Elmer E. Nutting, Edward T. Hanley and James Sullivan were entertained on Saturday and Sunday at the summer home of Julian A. Cameron, of Westford at Essex Island. The merry party made the trip by automobile.
The John Edwards hose company held their regular meeting on Wednesday evening in their rooms in the fire house.
Saturday, October 12, 1912
Center. Miss Lillian Sutherland and Miss Margaret Sullivan, who entered the Normal school at Lowell at the beginning of the fall term, have been chosen members of the school glee club, which means besides the practice and development in singing, the participation in many pleasant musical events.
The auction of household goods and farming implements took place at the Andrew Wright homestead on last Saturday afternoon and was well attended, and all the articles disposed of. A few antique pieces attracted some discriminating buyers. Mr. Rice, of Boston, who recently bought the place, has decided to dispose of his purchase and some Waltham people are now considering buying the property.
Mrs. O. R. Spalding entertained the Thimble club on Wednesday afternoon of this week.
Evangelist Jones, of Lowell, will conduct another service at Long-Sought-for chapel on Sunday afternoon at three o’clock, and the committee in charge are assured of an interesting meeting. If stormy the meeting will be postponed until the following Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth attended the electrical exhibition at Mechanics building, Boston, on Wednesday of this week.
Mrs. Hiram Whitney is having a large screened-in piazza built at the east side of her house.
Mrs. Willard Fletcher very pleasantly entertained the W.C.T.U. at her home on Thursday afternoon of last week, and proved herself, as always, a gracious and efficient hostess. Twenty members responded to the roll call and there were also guests present. At the social hour after the business meeting, an entertainment was enjoyed as follows: Vocal duet, Mrs. Blaney and Miss Seavey; piano solos, Miss Gladys Fletcher and Miss Minnie Coffin. Miss Coffin, who is a niece of Miss Belle Walker, also read two selections which were much enjoyed. Mrs. Fletcher served delicious ice cream and cake.
Misses Gertrude and Julia Fletcher recently enjoyed the musical festival at Worcester.
Miss Sarah W. Loker visited friends in Keene, N.H., last week.
William L. Woods has been detained at home this week with a serious cold, requiring medical attendance.
The tennis devotees have been making the most of the good weather at Whitney park this last week.
Mrs. Arthur Manchester, of Newport, R.I., is the guest of her sister, Mrs. Leonard W. Wheeler [nee Mary Houghton Williams].
Grange. The regular meeting of Westford grange took place on Tuesday evening at the town hall. At the business session the committee for a drinking fountain to be presented to the town reported and it was voted that this committee have power to proceed with the purchase and installing of a fountain according to their recommendations. The design submitted is one especially prepared to harmonize with the soldiers’ monument. Further business was the voting upon the following candidates as members of the order: Miss Ruth M. Smith, Miss Mary G. Hickey, Miss Ruth Robinson and Edward Clement.
A special meeting for the following Thursday evening was called for the first and second degrees for these candidates. The third and fourth degrees will be conferred at the regular meeting on next Thursday evening, which will also be neighbors’ night. Carlisle and Groton are the especially invited guests, and other visiting patrons will be welcome.
The program for the evening was open to the public and a good number responded to listen to the good musicale which had been arranged by Dr. and Mrs. Blaney. Miss Carolyn M. Ingalls, soprano, and Miss Marjorie Thompson, alto, both of Boston, with Mrs. Myra Pond Hemenway, of Needham, pianist, presented a program of unusual merit. Mrs. Perley Wright interspersed the musical numbers with readings that were much appreciated.
Tadmuck Club. The first meeting of the Tadmuck club took place on Tuesday afternoon in the parlors of the Unitarian church. A beautiful Indian summer day, a finely carried out program, pretty decorations and a social tea made it a most auspicious opening for the season. The one thing greatly regretted by all the members was the absence of Miss Loker, the president, who was detained at home with a serious cold, and her opening address, always such a pleasant feature of the opening meeting, was much missed. However, she sent a written message to the members which was read by Miss Ella Hildreth, vice president, who graciously presided. The club’s gain in numbers and strength were fittingly noted.
Quotations, in which the autumn season and the home sentiment predominated, were given. Mrs. Perley Wright recited Sam Walter Foss’ “The house by the side of the road,” most effectively, after which Mrs. Eulalie G. Fairfield, of Littleton, the speaker of the afternoon was introduced, and gave an address on “Housekeeping and home making,” which held the most appreciated attention of her audience.
Mrs. Fairfield presented a bright, clear and original paper in which personal experience played its part. Her discriminations between the science of housekeeping and the art of home making were drawn with keen insight. In the former fresh air, cleanliness, comfort and the development of each member’s best personality were points well elucidated.
At the close of the address a social tea was enjoyed, during which many took the opportunity to greet Mrs. Fairfield and express their appreciation for her address. Another pleasing feature of this home afternoon was a collection of favorite rules of the housekeepers arranged about the rooms. Many were noted busy with paper and pencil over these.
Late fall flowers, such as sumac, barberries, hydrangeas and other cut flowers lent themselves charmingly to the decorative scheme. Guests present from Littleton besides the speaker of the afternoon were Mrs. Wilcox, president of the Littleton club, Mrs. Houghton, Mrs. Prouty and Mrs. Christie.
The capable committee in charge of the afternoon were Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, Miss Eva E. Fletcher, Mrs. Frank W. Banister and Mrs. Charles H. Wright. At the next meeting the first program on the season’s special topic of Holland will be given. This deviates slightly from the printed program, and will be “Holland’s industries,” by Mrs. Piper, of Keene, N.H.
About Town. The Benevolent society of the village church, West Chelmsford, will give a harvest supper in the vestry of the church on Tuesday evening, October 15. This supper, at six o’clock, comes well recommended from past experiences, well planned, well ladened and should be well patronized. Like the past these supper temptations, arranged to the point of a temperate satisfaction, will be handled with skill by Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher, of Oak hill, domestic capacity. The after supper entertainment will be largely musical, in charge of Mrs. F. L. Roberts, the well-known alto of the First Universalist church, Lowell, Mrs. Blanche Roberts and Miss Hazel Roberts. This and the supper as by past tests will prove that this also is “The best.”
John A. Taylor writes from North Dakota of three-weeks’ rain that has sprouted the grass, followed by a blocking snow, so that between sprouted by rain and buried by snow there does not seem to be much left over with which to crow. The wheat crop was promising an enormous yield and this disastrous failure to land a fulfillment has changed that prosperous smile of the farmer to some other facial expression, and those who make a specialty of threshing wheat have lost that relish for smiling. Of course we shall all have to contribute our share towards helping out this loss by way of the tariff, but the tariff should be notified not to try this trick again.
Miss Elsie Coffin of South Berwick, Me., has been spending these glorified autumnal days at the old Walker homestead, visiting her uncle and aunt, Charles E. and Miss Belle Walker. During her stay Miss Walker gave a social party of chat, song, recitation, piano limber-toed quickstep with refreshment accompaniment. Many thanks for personal experiences.
At the next regular meeting of the Westford grange Thursday evening, October 17, Carlisle and Groton granges have accepted invitations to be present and furnish entertainment.
Mrs. Nelson Tuttle and Mrs. Alma Richardson were chosen delegates to the Unitarian conference at Stow last Thursday.
At the annual meeting of the Middlesex North Agricultural society held at Lowell Tuesday, Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher and Samuel L. Taylor were elected trustees from Westford. A sum not to exceed five hundred dollars was voted for Farmers’ institutes the coming season. Howard W. Foster was chosen the committee on institutes.
The arch bridge [on Depot St.] at Westford station that spans Stony Brook is having side abutments laid preparatory to widening the bridge on the west side. This is part of the improvements that Geo. C. Moore is laying out at and around the old historic saw and grist mill. It is expected that the town will bear a part of the expense of widening the bridge. This is equity. The bridge is narrow and Mr. Moore is the largest individual taxpayer to the town and a staunch friend of labor and public improvements. There is no cessation of activities in his business directory as long as there is a dollar and an opportunity. Let the town encourage by boosting a little on the bridge.
The ladies of the Unitarian church will hold a food sale and musical entertainment at the vestry of the church next Friday afternoon and evening. The musical entertainment will be by Boston talent, instrumental and vocal. Mrs. Foss with the smooth, clear, correct expression, who sang recently in the Unitarian choir, will be one of the number. Those who have an ear for music and have it turned to new harmony and those who have not an ear will do well to come. There will be other fun.
James Shay has moved into the Whidden house at Westford station, recently vacated by Herman Parcell, who has moved to the western part of the state by whom he is employed to exterminate the tree pests.
Henry O. Keyes met with a smashup mishap Monday on Cold Spring road, near the Fletcher Farm. While driving a load of hay the harness broke, which made the horse feel like a mile race track until Mr. Keyes reined him into a bank wall, which brought the race track pace entertainment to a successful close. Several shafts were badly bruised and mutilated and four or five wheels were badly mismated and headed in all directions, except the right one. The hay clung to the rigging and Mr. Keyes clung to the hay. At last accounts they were still clinging.
The first ice frost of the season was chilled to visibility Wednesday morning.
William R. Taylor was a temporary resident Sunday at the two thousand feet elevation of Mt. Wachusett. It was estimated that there were more than five hundred others that were temporary at this autumnal view point. Forty lakes and ponds can be seen from this elevation above sea level and a large number of leaves. The Sunday electric car continues to run during October and rest the other six. This is reversing the ancient command.
The registrars of voters will hold a meeting at Brookside at Moore’s mill next Friday evening. This will be the only meeting in precinct 3 before the presidential election. It will save much foot effort to all in this precinct to register at this meeting rather than journey to the other precinct meetings, which will be held at Graniteville, Healey’s hall, Monday evening, October 21; Forge Village, Wednesday evening, October 23, at Abbot’s hall; town hall, Westford Center, Saturday, October 26, from noon until ten p.m.
Westford grange has accepted an invitation to neighbor’s night with Tyngsboro grange Tuesday evening, October 22.
The Abiel J. Abbot family are enjoying home grown green peas at this late summer day. It is equally as progressive to be late as early when it is only peas.
Marcas H. Winship died at the Lowell General hospital on Tuesday morning, following a surgical operation, aged sixty-three years. He had been a resident of West Chelmsford for more than fifty years and at the time of his death was one of its oldest residents, and was well known to the older residents of Westford. For many years he was the village storekeeper and postmaster. Wisely temperate and economical in personal habits and business management he was enabled to retire from business a few years since. He was a familiar figure in the life of the village and has lived to see nearly all the residents of his boyhood days pass to the invisible and unfamiliar faces take their places. He will be missed as part of the old time life of the village. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. Loren J. Ellingwood of West Chelmsford and Mrs. Frank B. Brown of Newtonville; also, a sister, Miss Elizabeth Winship. An account of the funeral, which was held Thursday afternoon, will be given next week.
Graniteville. A fire in the two-story double tenement house on River street on last Sunday noon caused a loss of about $1000 before being finally extinguished by the Graniteville fire department. The blaze was discovered by William Buckingham who sounded the alarm, the department making a quick response. Some delay was experienced in getting a line of hose to the house as it was out of the fire district, but finally, after eight hundred feet of hose had been laid, the fire was soon under control. The building is owned by the Abbot Worsted Company and occupied by the families of George Leland and John Woraby. A defective chimney is given as the cause of the blaze. All the furniture was saved.
The first of the October devotions were held in St. Catherine’s church on Thursday evening of last week and were conducted by Rev. Edward C. Mitchell. The services consisted of the recital of the rosary, followed by a sermon by Mr. Mitchell and the benediction of the blessed sacrament. The regular choir were in attendance. There was a large congregation present.
The members of the A. R. Choate hose company held their regular monthly meeting in their rooms on Monday night. Business of a routine order was transacted, after which the matter of improving the service of the company was freely discussed.
George Leland, who has been ill for several months, was taken to a hospital in Tewksbury on last Sunday.
The members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society met for the first time in several weeks, the meetings for the summer months having been dispensed with, in their cosy rooms on last Monday night. The meeting was well attended and proved to be highly interesting. Considerable business of importance was transacted and eight new applicants for membership were received. This society is planning on holding some form of entertainment in the near future.
The world’s series baseball games have been attracting the usual amount of attention here this week, with the fans about equally divided as to the ultimate result.
Death. The death of Capt. Eugene DeRoehn, who died at his home in Lowell on Thursday night, October 3, came as a great surprise to his many friends here, where he was well and favorably known. Capt. DeRoehn, with his family, lived in this village [Graniteville] for many years and had a wide circle of friends, owing to his close connection with affairs of public interest. During his stay here he held the office of constable of the town of Westford, and was also truant officer. He was commander of the Westford Veteran’s association, was custodian of the village clubhouse and the Sargent school and also sexton of the M.E. church. He was a good friend and a kind neighbor, and always had a pleasant smile or a cheerful word for everyone. He was very devoted to his home and will be sadly missed in that cheerful family circle of which he was the head for so many years. The deepest sympathy is extended to the bereaved family in this sad hour.
Saturday, October 19, 1912
Center. The next regular meeting of the Tadmuck club will take place on Tuesday afternoon at Library hall at three o’clock. The subject will be the first in the season’s regular topic for study of Holland. Mrs. Mary Piper, of Keene, N.H., will give a paper on “Holland’s industries.” The following names have been proposed for membership in the club: Miss Ruth Smith, Miss Ellen Hickey, Mrs. Frank C. Wright, Mrs. George Walker, Mrs. Alec MacDougal and Mrs. W. R. Carver.
Mrs. A. W. Hartford spent the week-end with Melrose relations.
Miss Sarah W. Loker has been a guest during part of this week with a cousin in Natick.
The W. R. Carvers are nicely established in their new home.
Rev. Mr. Haynes, of Acton, occupied the pulpit of the Congregational church on last Sunday morning in exchange with the pastor. There was a large attendance, and with an excellent sermon and the musical part of the service well sustained, it proved a good meeting.
Samuel H. Balch, R.F.D. carrier on route No. 1, is having the customary fifteen days’ vacation allowed by the government and William E. Green is acting as substitute mail carrier.
We note the death last week [Oct. 11, 1912] of James W. Moore at his home in North Chelmsford at the age of seventy-seven years. Mr. Moore was a former resident of this town, his home being the one now owned by George W. Heywood.
Westford grange has accepted an invitation for neighbors’ night with Tyngsboro grange on Tuesday evening, October 22.
Mrs. M. E. Buckhold, of Ludlow, Vt., was an over Sunday guest with her sister, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher.
In these busy days of apple harvesting, George H. Burke, of North Westford, has gained the reputation of a champion picker. One day recently in the Whitney orchards he picked one hundred bushels.
About Town. The H. E. Fletcher Company have been awarded the contract by the Boston and Maine railroad for relaying the bank wall and straightening the curve on the railroad track at Tyngsboro. The wall is between the track and the Merrimack river and is considered unsafe, having more inclination toward water than some people, while relaying it was deemed advisable to shorten the curve.
Herbert Walkden, a graduate of Westford academy, has entered Amherst Agricultural college.
Alister McDougall, one of Westford academy’s bright boys, received second prize, $5.00, for judging cattle at the Brockton fair. With this encouragement he will attend the fair at Chicago the coming fall.
The selectmen have appointed Alec McDonald as superintendent of streets in place of Frank E. Miller, resigned. Mr. Miller has left the roads in good condition, and if he must resign in favor of farming, there is no time so good as when the roads are good. His successor has had experience and observation with the state and town, and comes well endowed for efficiency.
On Sunday afternoon services will be held at Long-Sought-for chapel on the Groton road. Services will be held there on every Sunday afternoon until further notice.
George W. Heywood observed his eighty-third birthday on last week Wednesday. His acquaintances and friends called and exchanged congratulations. The writer recalls his early school days at the old Stony Brook school. Nearly all of those early schoolmates and playmates have answered the final “recall,” but he remaineth the loyal old prophet in peaceful warfare for the rights of the people.
The funeral of Marcus H. Winship, who died at the Lowell General hospital on the anniversary of his marriage, took place from his home in West Chelmsford on last week Thursday afternoon. His many friends and associates in the village where he had been so long a familiar presence, were gathered at his home, and some of his old-time friendships in Westford were also present at this final farewell. Rev. Charles E. Spaulding, a former minister of the village church, and a long-time friend of the family, conducted the services. The bearers were Samuel Naylor, Frank Bickford, Thomas Brown and Frederick Edwards. Burial was in the village cemetery.
Richard M. Yarnold, of Parkerville, had his left foot amputated at the Lowell General hospital on last week Friday as the result of being thrown from a mowing machine during the haying season, being thrown onto the knives and lacerating the left foot sufficiently for hospital treatment these many weeks, finally resulting in amputation.
The harvest supper and musical entertainment at the vestry of the village church, West Chelmsford, on Tuesday evening, was well planned and patronized and proved to be the awakening event in the social life of the village. The vocal selections by the Roberts trio, of Lowell, were the real propelling influence of the evening. Without doubt or flattery, the supper took first premium in comment with all suppers yet heard from. Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher had charge of the evening as her contribution of service for village and church.
Rev. David Wallace and Mrs. Wallace, the Misses Carrie, Lillian and May Atwood, Mrs. Emma Day and Mrs. Alta M. Taylor attended the conference of Congregational churches at Pepperell on Wednesday and report inspiration. Rev. David Wallace spoke with clear vision and the optimism of a practical student of life on “Christian ideals applied to church work.”
The board of registrars of voters will hold a meeting on Monday evening, October 21, at Healy hall, Graniteville, from 7:30 to nine o’clock; at Forge Village, Abbot hall, Wednesday evening, October 23, from 7:30 to nine o’clock; at town hall, Westford Center, on Saturday, October 26, from noon until ten o’clock. This will be the final meetings before election day.
Martha Taylor Howard has just returned to New Jersey from attending anniversary exercises at Mt. Holyoke college.
Westford grange will be neighbors’ night guest on Tuesday evening of next week at Tyngsboro, and have unanimously accepted the invitation to be guest neighbor.
Are all the nominees on board for representative from this district? There appears to be only five. As there are six towns in the district it seems to average only five-sixths of a man to a town. That doesn’t seem to be man enough, but perhaps that will be enough to man the situation and Bumpus into action.
The monthly meeting of the Alliance connected with the Unitarian church was held at Mrs. George T. Day’s on Friday afternoon of last week at 2:30 o’clock. Mrs. Alma Richardson, president, presided, and twelve were present. After the usual opening service the secretary, treasurer and chairman of the postoffice mission and cheerful letter committee made reports. An interesting paper was then read by Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher on the subject of “Essentials in the Alliance,” and Mrs. Helen K. Frost gave a talk on “Religious news.” After the close of the meeting a half-hour was spent in conversation, interspersed with music.
Wedding Anniversary. A jolly good party of twenty-five gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William E. Green on Tuesday evening, the tenth anniversary of their marriage. Sports, games and phonograph selections kept everybody busy. Mrs. Perley Wright added entertaining variety by giving several humorous readings, for which the company responded with well pointed hurrahs. The company gathered with a farther reaching motive than the cheer of an evening, and a bountiful variety of things endurable were presented to them by the company of the evening and others who could not be company. Ralph Bridgford acted as centerpiece for the company and made the presentation speech, to which Mr. and Mrs. Green rallied with appreciation in words and other palatable hospitalities.
During the evening Mrs. Perley Wright read an original poem, which summed up “the evening we celebrate”:
We’ve come here, your friends and neighbors,
To offer unto you our kind congratulations,
Which you know right well are true,
That you’ve walked so long together in the rugged path of life
And performed the sacred ministries
Of husband and of wife.
Full well do some remember
That bright October day
When Parson Mudge bade you join hands
And then said: “Let us pray.”
Wafted aloft on angel wings the prayer to heaven was sent,
That God your married life would bless,
With love and sweet content,
That no unkind or selfish thoughts
Might dwell in either breast
And that all your future life might be
With peace and plenty blessed.
Ten short years have rolled away since that eventful day.
They have been filled with varied scenes—
Some sad, some bright and gay.
These children dear have blest your home,
Your sorrows to beguile.
We come tonight with thankful heart
That still with us you stay
And join in helping celebrate
Your wedding anniversary day.
In nineteen hundred thirty-seven,
If you that year should see,
Your silver wedding will be due
And we tonight agree
To do the very best we can to meet you at that time
And have some abler pen than mine
Report the show in rhyme.
Forge Village. Prof. Enoch, the well and favorably known English swimmer, has recently been the guest of Patrick May. During his stay here he entertained a large audience in Abbot hall in a concert given by the Y.L.S.C. for the benefit of the boathouse fund. The professor certainly did some daring feats in a large tank filled with water, the tank having a glass front in order that everyone might be able to see his performance. He ate crackers, drank milk, smoked and reclined under water, and also imitated several beasts and men while in the tank. He certainly made a great hit and it can be said that it was one of the best events the hall has seen for a good many years. An excellent program was carried out during the evening.
On Monday evening in Recreation hall, the members of the Y.L.S.C. gave a linen shower to their club chairman, Miss Ellen Byrnes, whose wedding to James Wisely, of Newark, N.J., took place on Tuesday morning. The affair came as a complete surprise to Miss Byrnes, who thought she was to attend an important club meeting. A dainty supper was served under the autumn foliage decorations and after the tables were cleared the evening was spent in music, song, dances and a general good time. Miss Byrnes received a host of many useful and ornamental presents, which will later help to beautify her new home.
Evening services were held at St. Andrew’s mission on last Sunday at the usual hour. Mr. Bumpus delivered a most interesting lecture on “Missionary work in Alaska,” and illustrated his discourse with stereopticon views. Many were present form Ayer, Graniteville, Westford and Groton, besides a goodly number from this village.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held their regular meeting in Recreation hall on Thursday afternoon.
On last Sunday Mr. and Mrs. William Baker spent the day with their sister, Mrs. Arthur Blodgett, of Westford. While there they enjoyed picking ripe raspberries, which is a rare event in October.
Many from here attended the rosary devotions held at St. Catherine’s church on Thursday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Longbottom, of East Lexington, visited Mrs. Longbottom’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. [William] Burnett, on Wednesday of last week. Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom made the trip by automobile.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Blodgett and Mrs. Chester Blodgett, of Groton road, attended the Fitchburg fair on last Saturday.
John Hanley and family spent the week-end at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hanley.
Thomas and James Kitchen, Howard Sykes, Ernest Myers, Miss Florence Sykes and Miss Kitchen, of Lowell, were entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Catchpole on Sunday.
Weddings. On Tuesday morning, at St. Catherine’s church, Miss Byrnes and Mr. Wisely were joined in the holy bonds of matrimony by the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, in the midst of a host of friends and relatives. At 9:15, to the strains of the wedding march, played by Miss Mary T. Hanley, the bridal party entered the church and marched down the aisle to the altar, when Mr. Schofield awaited them. The bride was attended by Miss Ellen Walsh, and the groom’s brother, Hugh Wisely, of New Jersey, acted as best man. The bride looked beautiful in a gown of helitrope silk and a large white beaver hat. She carried a white prayer book. Miss Walsh wore pink silk and a white hat.
Immediately after the ceremony the bridal party were taken in an auto to the home of Mrs. Ellen Oldham, where the bride made her home. A wedding breakfast there awaited the party at which also intimate friends gathered. In the evening a reception was held, after which the young couple departed on the late express for Newark, N.J., where a newly furnished home awaits them.
The bride, while residing here, made a host of warm friendships and all join in wishing her and her husband all “health, wealth and prosperity” in their new life.
The wedding of Miss Delphine Socha, a well-known young lady of this village, and Joseph Connell, of Westford, took place on Saturday morning at St. Catherine’s church at which a large number attended. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Edward Mitchell, curate of St. John’s church, North Chelmsford.
The bridal party entered the church to the strains of the march played by Miss Mary Hanley, and the regular choir was in attendance.
The bride was gowned in white silk with lace overdress and wore a veil. She carried a bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley and carnations. She was attended by two bridesmaids, Miss Annie Socha, her sister, who wore pale blue chiffon and blue veil, and by Miss Catherine Connell, sister of the groom, who wore pink silk and pink veil. Miss Josephine Socha was flower girl. The groom was attended by his brother, Eugene Connell, and Archie Brudeau.
After the ceremony a reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. P. [Phillip] Socha. A wedding dinner was afterwards served in Abbot hall to a large number of relatives and friends. D. L. Page Co., of Lowell, catered.
Later Mr. and Mrs. Connell departed on a short wedding tour, and on their return will make their home in this village, where they have the wishes of a host of friends for a prosperous and happy future.
Graniteville. In St. Catherine’s church on last Sunday morning both masses were celebrated by the pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, who delivered a short but very interesting sermon on “Purity.” Mr. Schofield also announced the date for the rosary devotions to be held during the current week.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church is now planning for an entertainment to be held in the near future.
Many of the ball fans of this village took in the game between the Red Sox and the New Yorks in Boston on last Saturday and were well rewarded for the trip by witnessing a classy ball game. Several others also took in the games at Boston that were played in the early part of this week.
Workmen from the Boston and Maine railroad are now putting in new rails on the Nashua and Acton branch and the train crew is now stationed near West Graniteville.
The Wisely-Byrnes wedding that was solemnized at St. Catherine’s church on last Wednesday morning was well attended by many from here and Forge Village. The bride, formerly Miss Helen Byrnes, is equally popular both here and in Forge Village, and has a host of friends. Mr. Wisely, the groom, is a resident of New Jersey.
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Flaherty, of Portland, Me., have been recent guests of the Willis family and Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Prinn.
The members of St. Catherine’s Temperance society held a well-attended and highly interesting meeting in their rooms on Fifth street on Monday evening with Thomas Hughes, president, in the chair. Business of importance was transacted and twelve candidates were initiated into membership of the order. The members are now planning on holding a social dance in the near future.
Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Healy and Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Dudevoir were included in the merry theatre party that attended one of the leading attractions in Boston on Tuesday night, the trip being taken over the road in Mr. Healy’s touring car.
Saturday, October 26, 1912
Center. Mrs. Wm. A. Woodward has been visiting former friends in town this week. Mr. Woodward has resigned his school at East Bridgewater and is travelling for a school supply firm and their new home is in Stoneham.
Mrs. George S. Mudgett of Riverdale, N.H., has been a visitor in town this last week.
Schools were closed last week Friday, the teachers attending the convention in Ayer.
Mrs. King of Chelmsford is staying with Miss Miranda Luce as nurse and companion.
Mrs. Warren, who recently bought the H. B. Hall place, is having repairs and improvements made. The house is being shingled and various other jobs of carpentry are being done. Modern plumbing with new bathroom is being installed and much repapering and repainting of the rooms. Mr. and Mrs. Warren do not expect to move into their new home until spring, planning to spend the winter months in Florida.
At the evening service at the Congregational church Sunday Mr. Wallace gave an interesting and comprehensive report of the recent conference at Pepperell, the general subject being “Christian ideals,” the different speakers applying their relation to different phases of daily living.
Alec Fisher is having various repairs made on his house. Strengthening of underpinning, new windows throughout, the removal of much of the shrubbery close to the buildings and repainting are among the things being accomplished in the way of improvement.
Mrs. Helen Leighton and daughter Frances were week-end visitors with the Westford relatives this last week.
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Atwood, who have been spending the summer with the Westford relatives, have gone to Boston and will soon leave for Daytona, Fla.
A most interesting and practical set of views is being exhibited by the Library Art club depicting the industries of lumbering, mining, quarrying, pottery and glass making.
George E. Gould is removing the old thorn bush hedge in front of his buildings. This was set out many years ago by John Lanktree, who owned the place at that time. We believe this is the last fence or fence substitute enclosing buildings from the street to be removed from our main streets.
Marden Seavey and Edward Blodgett attended the electrical exhibit at Mechanics’ building, Boston, last Saturday.
Grange. It was the annual neighbor’s night in Westford grange last week Thursday evening and the membership acted the part of hosts to Groton and Carlisle granges. Delegations were also present from Littleton, Acton, Pepperell, Winchendon and Goffstown, N.H.
The third degree was exemplified by the ladies’ degree staff very creditably indeed, Mrs. Perley E. Wright acting as master and J. H. Colburn as director. The fourth degree was conferred by the regular officers. After the degree work the following program was given by Groton members as follows: Reading, Miss Gillespie; piano solo, Miss Eva Blodgett; song, Miss Bailey. From Carlisle grange a musical reading by Mrs. Lucy Davis; song, Harold Chamberlain; piano solo, Miss Grace Chamberlain.
A vote of thanks was extended to the visiting patrons for their pleasing program. Supper was served in the lower hall to about two hundred. A. H. Sutherland, J. W. Fletcher and Andrew Johnson were in charge of this part of the evening’s program with a group of assistants.
At the business meeting a hearty vote of thanks was given to Dr. and Mrs. Blaney for the fine musical program provided at the last meeting.
Tadmuck Club. The second meeting of the Tadmuck club took place on Tuesday afternoon at the club’s regular meeting place in Library hall. This was the first working program of the season and was well attended. Beginning with the special topic of Holland for the winter, the subject for Tuesday afternoon was “Holland’s industries.” Miss Clara Smith read a paper on this subject written by Mrs. Mary Piper of the Fortnightly club of Keene, N.H. This paper fully demonstrated that not all the attention of Holland’s people was absorbed in the care of the dykes and cleanly housewifery. Its commerce, lace making, delft china and dairying were well described and in connection with the latter industry Miss Edith Forster read an article on cheese making, especially at Edam.
Miss Ella F. Hildreth read the second paper on Holland’s royal family, written by Miss Madella Nims, also of Keene, which was an interesting record of those who had ruled this quaint country. At the close of the program it was voted that a letter of thanks be extended to the writers of these papers for the loan of the same.
A letter was read from the Lowell Woman’s club, outlining the coming pure food exposition under the auspices of this club December 4 to 14.
The matter of teaching sewing in the four upper grades of the Frost school in conjunction with the philanthropy committee of the club was brought up and after discussing the matter it was voted that the president and treasurer by empowered to use a certain amount of money from the club treasury to advance the plan.
The next meeting will be on November 5, and the subject will be “Universal suffrage,” in charge of Mrs. David Wallace and Mrs. Goldsmith Conant.
Wedding. One of the prettiest of home weddings took place on Wednesday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oscar R. Spalding [1 Leland Road], when their sister, Miss Charlotte Helen Prescott and John Sumner Greig were united in marriage. The ceremony took place at seven o’clock in the presence of the relatives of the bride and groom and a few chosen friends. Rev. Benjamin H. Bailey was the officiating clergyman.
A reception followed from eight until ten, to which over two hundred invitations had been issued, and one of the pleasantest social gathering of the season was enjoyed by the large number present. Adams’ orchestra, of Chelmsford, played for the wedding and throughout the evening rendered delightful music from their station in the wide veranda especially closed in and decorated for the occasion.
The ceremony took place in the wide bay window in the parlor beneath a large pink rose, whose petals later in the evening showered the happy couple with confetti. From this central decoration ropes of feathery asparagus fern were draped. Beautiful cut flowers adorned the other reception rooms and in the dining room the decorations were of yellow chrysanthemums. Refreshments were served during the evening by the D. L. Page Co.
The best man at the marriage ceremony was Robert Prescott, brother of the bride, and Mrs. Spalding performed the gracious office of matron of honor for her sister.
The bride’s gown was of satin stripe voile over white silk with a long tulle veil caught with duchess lace and lily-of-the-valley spray. She carried a bouquet of lilies-of-the-valley.
The matron of honor was beautifully gowned in pale gray crepe meteor with handsome garniture of lace and silver trimming. The bride’s mother wore a gown of lavender voile with black trimmings and the groom’s mother a handsome costume of silver gray charmuse. There were many other beautiful gowns worn by the guests.
The ushers were Robert Prescott, John P. Wright and Edward Fisher. Little Miss Esther Fisher made a charming flower girl. Dainty boxes of wedding cake were disposed to each guest as they took their departure.
In the wide upper hall the wedding gifts were arranged and there was a beautiful chosen array of silver, cut glass, pictures, linen and many other ornaments. A handsome gift of furniture given by the bridegroom’s parents had been arranged in the pretty new home, which has been being prepared for several months. In this new home Mr. and Mrs. Greig will be at home to their friends after Wednesday, December 4.
The sincere good wishes of a wide circle of friends for happiness and prosperity go with them in their new life.
About Town. Blodgett Bros., the large, successful farmers on Milestone hill, have sold their milk route in Graniteville to Harry Ingalls. This route they have been managing with satisfaction to their customers and themselves for twelve years, but with the new and larger accommodations of a new barn and increased dairy output, it was evident they could not be an output everywhere, hence condensing of labor.
Miss Belle Walker is visiting her sister, Mrs. Clara Littlefield [nee Clara Augusta Walker] in Fitchburg.
At the registration meeting at Brookside on Friday evening of last week, two names were added to the list of voters, Augustus Johnson and Nelse Esterly. At Graniteville on Monday evening seven names were added: William A. Ledwith, Joseph O. LeDu, Thomas A. Hughes, Carl H. Hanson, Joseph Carpenter, Raymond V. Charlton, George E. Symmes. At Forge Village on Wednesday evening, two names were added: Lawrence Reardon, Harvey W. Barnes. The last meeting of the board of registration prior to state and presidential elections will be held at the town hall this Saturday afternoon and evening from noon until ten o’clock. This will be the last opportunity for a qualified voter to register.
Henry O. Keyes attended the Bancroft auction of Groton last week and was a liberal buyer of horses, cows, corn fodder and numerous other wooden-wheeled contrivances.
Mrs. William Whitney, on the Lowell road, is ill at the Lowell General hospital, having been operated on for a complication of disturbances.
J. Willard Fletcher, as discoverer, has discovered another fractured rib as the result of his recent drag about with the horse. Dr. Blaney is master of ceremonies in the rib reconstruction act.
Pomona Program. Middlesex North Pomona grange will hold its next meeting at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell, on Friday, November 1, with the following program: Music, Percy A. Yarnold; paper, “Twelve books that should be found in every home,” Mrs. Nellie O. Wilson, lecturer of Carlisle grange; reading, Mrs. Perley Wright, of Westford; discussion, “Why has the farmer no voice in making the prices, either of what he produces or what he consumes, and what is the remedy?”; music, Chelmsford quartet of ladies; address, Evan A. Richardson, lecturer of Massachusetts state grange; music, Mrs. Frank D. Hodges, of Nashua, N.H.; paper, “How can the woman in the country home find more time for study, recreation and out door life,” Mrs. W. A. Sherburne, lecturer of Tyngsboro grange; paper, “Some of the laws of the state the people would be better off without,” Mrs. Stanley Nichols, lecturer of Reading grange; paper, “The grange in 1940,” Mrs. Helen H. Buck, lecturer of Wilmington grange; talk, “My visit to the fairs of Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont,” Percy A. Yarnold, past lecturer of Chelmsford grange; song, Miss Rachel Wall, of Graniteville.
Food Sale and Concert. Under the management of Mrs. H. M. Seavey and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, the Unitarian church held a successful food sale and musical concert in the vestry of the church last week Friday afternoon. The food sale needs no recommendation. The committee in charge are highly recommended by the Unitarian parish and the public. The musical entertainment was also no disappointment to expectation. If “music hath charms to soothe the savage breast,” 0) { referrer_url = document.referrer; } const params = location.search.slice(1).split('&').reduce((acc, s) => { const [k, v] = s.split('=') return Object.assign(acc, {[k]: v}) }, {}) const url = "https://museum.westford.org/wp-json/iawp/search" const body = { referrer_url, utm_source: params.utm_source, utm_medium: params.utm_medium, utm_campaign: params.utm_campaign, utm_term: params.utm_term, utm_content: params.utm_content, gclid: params.gclid, ...{"payload":{"resource":"singular","singular_id":1700,"page":1},"signature":"095df0b29cab7c035408446438060ca4"} } const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest() xhr.open("POST", url, true) xhr.setRequestHeader("Content-Type", "application/json;charset=UTF-8") xhr.send(JSON.stringify(body)) }) })();