The Westford Wardsman, October, 1914
Saturday, October 3, 1914
Center. George E. Gould has been in attendance at the Brockton fair this week.
The discontinuance of the only passenger train on Sunday over the Stony Brook railroad was anything but agreeable to those in the habit of shipping milk on the car regularly on that train. The alternative was teaming the milk to Littleton, a distance of eight miles for much of the milk and at double the usual expense. This obliged the farmers to get up earlier than on other mornings, instead of having a Sunday morning nap. About fifteen of those affected appeared at a hearing before the selectmen Monday evening. They will, if necessary, take the matter before the public service commission. A curtailment of service that cuts out all chance for travel, refuses shipment of a perishable product and puts newspapers on a freight train is curtailment indeed.
Miss Emily F. Fletcher was among those present at the meeting of the Federated Societies of Natural History convened at Worcester last week.
Alfred W. Hartford, who has managed the Westford A.A. series of ball games this season so successfully, was a guest of the Townsend party Tuesday evening given by Mr. Higgins, of that town. The party went to Boston and took in the ball game in the afternoon and later were royally entertained at a banquet at Hotel Thorndike and later enjoyed a theatre party at the Majestic.
Mrs. George W. Heywood has moved into her new home at the Center, opposite the Congregational church. The other members of her household are W. H. H. Burbeck and Mrs. Mary Prindle.
Alec Fisher has had the large central chimney torn out of his house [3 Depot St.] and is making other repairs.
Mrs. Maria Stone is again domiciled with her sister, Miss Ida E. Leighton, and her niece, Miss Elinor Fletcher.
Mr. and Mrs. Tarleton and son Grafton are visiting at the Congregational parsonage.
“Over the threshold back and forth, the seekers come and go.” After Wednesday of this week this was no longer true of Wright & Fletcher’s store, where for seventeen years people have gone for their daily mail, and where Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher has so efficiently conducted the affairs of the postoffice with his assistants. The office was moved on October 1 across the common to J. Herbert Fletcher’s store, newly fitted up in such excellent style to serve the patrons of the office, and where Mr. Fletcher, assisted by Mrs. Fletcher and others, will endeavor to maintain the same high standard of efficiency.
Mrs. Homer M. Seavey is reported gaining satisfactorily at the Lowell General hospital and her many friends look forward to her homecoming.
Rev. George W. Morrow, one of the field secretaries of the Anti-saloon league, and active worker for the campaign for national prohibition, spoke at the Congregational church last week Friday evening. A good delegation came up from Graniteville. Rev. A. E. Kernahan offered prayer and a quartet from his church sang. Mr. Morrow is a vigorous and logical speaker and presented the work and aims of the league most ably. A number of pledges to help the work were received.
Sunday will be observed at the churches as Peace Sunday and a collection will be taken to be forwarded to the Red Cross society for help in the European war.
The first killing frost came for the gardens on Westford hill Monday night. It is a busy time with the many orchardists taking care of their apples. The crop is abundant and of good quality, but prices are very low for all grades of fruit.
Pleasantly Entertained. Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Sutherland entertained a very pleasant party at their home last Saturday afternoon. The guests were mostly brother and sister officers and members of North Middlesex Pomona Grange of Lowell, of which Mr. Sutherland is the present master. The Lowell delegation came in good season in the afternoon, arriving by automobile. Whist and sociability occupied the time pleasantly until supper time. It was a merry group that assembled at the long table and who did full justice to the appetizing menu. Later the guests took their departure with many assurances to their host and hostess of their appreciation of so pleasant a reunion. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Warren A. Sherburne of Tyngsboro, Mr. and Mrs. Norman R. Peavey of Dracut, Mr. and Mrs. Frank J. Spalding of Lowell, Mrs. Alice B. Colburn of Dracut, Mrs. Hattie A. Vickery of Chelmsford, Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, Mrs. H. V. Hildreth and Mrs. John Feeney of Westford.
Fatal Accident. A sad and fatal accident occurred Wednesday morning when Arthur Wilson was bringing the school children to the regular sessions. Frederic E. Healey [Haley, per his death certificate], the nine-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Frederic Healey, living at the Bunce farm, lost his life. The lad came out to meet the auto truck which slowed down for him and instead of getting on at the rear as usual he started to jump on at the side, on the off side from the driver, missed his footing and fell, causing the rear wheel of the heavy truck to pass over his body. It could be seen at once that he was very seriously injured and Miss Mary Burbeck, who was passing at the time, took the injured child and drove as quickly as possible to Dr. O. V. Wells’ office, but life was already extinct before medical assistance could be given.
The sad duty of notifying the stricken parents had to be performed and later the body was taken to their home. Those acquainted with the details of the tragedy say that no blame could be laid to Mr. Wilson, who always drives his truck when he has the school children slowly and carefully and observes every precaution for their safety.
Tadmuck Club. The calendars for the season of 1914-15 have been distributed to the members this week and are most attractive in their external appearance in the club color of gray, and the subject matter within the covers show the work of a very thoughtful and efficient program committee and promise a profitable and successful season’s work together—Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher, Mrs. William C. Roudenbush and Mrs. Goldsmith H. Conant, who have worked in conjunction with the incoming president, Mrs. Herbert V. Hildreth.
The opening meeting will be next Tuesday afternoon from three to five o’clock at the Congregational church. This will be a reception to the president to which every member is cordially invited. This is not a guest afternoon and is limited to the membership.
A delightful feature will be a song recital by Albert E. Prescott.
Grange. Quite inadvertently we omitted to send for last week’s issue any account of the recent neighbors’ night in Westford Grange. It was a large and pleasant affair and worthy of a report. The new Lowell Grange was the especially invited Grange and a delegation of forty came up, the majority coming by auto truck. Other Granges represented were Dracut 5, Littleton 20, Chelmsford 24; also, members from Groton, Acton, Tyngsboro, Hudson, N.H., and Billerica. Readings and music were furnished by Lowell members and Robert Marden and Lewis E. MacBrayne, of the Courier Citizen staff, gave interesting talks of combined wit and wisdom, the former on “What I know of Germany,” he having been in Germany at the outbreak of the present war, and Mr. MacBrayne contributed a unique discourse on “What I know about farming.”
The hall was prettily decorated with autumn flowers and foliage and a bountiful harvest supper was served in the lower hall in charge of Mrs. S. B. Wright, Arthur Day, Arthur Walker and other assistants. There were 204 in attendance.
About Town. Under the general management of Miss Margaret Reid the village church at West Chelmsford gave a social, supper, musical and literary entertainment last week Wednesday evening. Westford, North Chelmsford, Graniteville and Lowell were liberal in individual presence. Miss Etta Thompson, of Lowell, did the song act, likewise Miss Helen Marden of North Chelmsford as violinist. A short sketch entitled “Love of a bonnet,” was presented in fine style by the Misses Bernice Brown, Rita Bickford, Ellen Nelson, Leonora Burne, Esther Reid, assisted by Mrs. Josiah Smith. Miss Gertrude Morrill and Mrs. Frank Edwards were skillful in making the piano entertain the company. Those who were assistant managers were Mrs. W. C. Edwards, Mrs. G. H. McGregor, Mrs. T. Brown, Mrs. J. Reid and Mrs. J. Smith.
A meeting was held at Historic hall, West Chelmsford, Tuesday evening in the interest of starting a Grange. About four dozen personalities were present. Fred L. Fletcher, a past master of Westford Grange, presided, and made the opening speech, followed by Mrs. Sarre, of Lowell, Flora of the State Grange, followed by Norman L. Peavey, of Dracut, deputy of the State Grange. All emphasized Grange work social and secular. After these officials had staunchly stamped approval and encouragement, Samuel Naylor of West Chelmsford, and S. L. Taylor of Westford, led forth in observation and back view of the social life of the village. It is expected that several members of Westford, Chelmsford and Tyngsboro Granges will join the new Grange. After securing the necessary signatures for a new Grange the meeting adjourned until next Tuesday evening.
The annual meeting of the trustees of Middlesex North Agricultural society will be held on Tuesday evening, October 6, at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell, at 10:30 in the morning.
Sidewalk rumor saith that the Sunday milk train on the Stony Brook road will do business again on the Lord’s day, commencing Sunday, after one Sunday off. “Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy” and let milk sour.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Schellinger [Schellenger], of Merrimack, N.H., were Sunday guests at the Old Oaken Bucket farm, the aforesaid Robert being a [half] brother of Mrs. S. L. Taylor [nee Alta Mahala Schellenger].
Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Taylor took a pleasure trip this week down the beautiful Hudson to New York city, where they did much sight-seeing, and a side trip was made to Bound Brook, N.J., to visit relatives.
The infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Felix McGown [McGowan], Lowell, was buried on Wednesday afternoon. The baby was only two months old and was named Samuel Madison, after Samuel Madison Hutchins, who used to live opposite Fairview cemetery. It will be remembered that Mr. McGown lived there with Mr. Hutchins. There are three daughters in the McGown family.
Arthur Day had the distinction of picking a basket of luscious raspberries from his vines recently.
The Old Oaken Bucket entered apples, potatoes and corn at the Groton fair last week and was awarded some premiums, and left a lot for others because of it being far removed from home to lug or tug so many said premiums. The fair was the best since Old Oaken Bucket folks commenced to handle premiums.
Graniteville. Commencing last Monday, and until further notice, the mills of the Abbot Worsted Company will run on a schedule of four days a week.
The new rule recently made by the officials of the Boston and Maine railroad whereby the Sunday trains on the Stony Brook branch will be discontinued, went into effect on last Sunday. As a result the Sunday papers were somewhat delayed, but they finally arrived by freight. The reason given for the discontinuance of these trains is that the Boston and Maine Company wish to curtail expenses. In the meantime the farmers are obliged to carry their milk to Littleton in order to put it on the train Sunday morning.
Many of the baseball fans here are planning on taking in some of the games of the world’s series in Boston.
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Defoe, of Beverly, have been recent visitors here.
Frank P. Hawkes of Melrose, has been a recent visitor at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Hawkes.
Thomas Horan, of Charlestown, has been a recent visitor here.
The members of Cameron Circle, C.F. of A., held a well attended and interesting meeting in their rooms on last Tuesday evening. Much business of importance was transacted and the report of the auditing committee as submitted for the quarter just ended shows the circle to be on a sound financial basis.
At a meeting of the democratic town committee held in Westford on last week Friday evening the following officers were duly elected: F. G. Sullivan, chairman; Edward Riney, sec.; J. A. Healy, treas., all of Graniteville. It is expected that this committee will make arrangements for a democratic rally to be held here in the near future.
During the first part of the week many of the local hunters scoured the woods in search of game, but not many of them were successful.
Joe Wall, auctioneer, will continue the sale at the Luce estate [25 Main St.] in Westford Center this Saturday afternoon.
Work of repairing and making alterations at the boarding house of the Abbot Worsted Company on Broadway [66 Broadway St.] is now progressing rapidly. P. Henry Harrington has the contract. The grounds are also to be fixed up, new walks laid out and a border hedge placed in front. This work, when completed, will add greatly to the appearance of this portion of the street.
The fine weather of the past few weeks has been appreciated, but the majority of the people are hoping for a good rain.
Saturday, October 24, 1914
Center. Mr. Mansfield from the Lowell central office is busy about town putting in new batteries for the Westford telephone subscribers numbering about 184. Mr. Mansfield covers his distance with an efficient little Trumbull auto.
L. W. Wheeler attended the association meeting of Congregational churches at Acton Wednesday, taking with him as auto guests the following members of the Westford church: Rev. David Wallace, Mr. Rafter, Miss Sarah W. Loker and Mrs. Emma Day.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth and Mrs. C. A. Blaney are planning attendance at the Pure Food exposition at Mechanics’ hall, Boston, Saturday of this week.
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Atwood and Miss Evelyn Atwood of Daytona, Fla., are guests of the Misses Atwood [4 Graniteville Road].
Miss Mary E. Moran is able to be out again after being shut in for some time with illness.
Mrs. Homer M. Seavey’s condition at the Lowell General hospital continues grave and with fluctuating symptoms which some days have been more favorable. The sympathy of the whole community goes out to Mr. Seavey during this anxious time and sincerest hopes for Mrs. Seavey’s restoration.
The electric light wire about opposite W. R. Carver’s, which has been making trouble on account of coming in contact with tree limbs, has been thoroughly repaired by the linemen. Some radical tree surgery helped the result.
Mrs. L. W. Wheeler has been entertaining her longtime friend Miss Mary P. Farr of Philadelphia, Pa., at the Wheeler homestead for a week. Miss Farr’s specialty is library work, being a graduate of Drexel institute. She has been for over a year at Manchester, cataloging and reorganizing the library there and goes from Westford to attend the fall meeting of the Massachusetts Library club convened at Stockbridge. Miss Farr has worked at organizing libraries in many states where public libraries are not the well-equipped, well-managed institutions of so many of our New England towns. Incidentally our own J. V. Fletcher library was much approved and admired.
The annual barn dance under the auspices of the Westford A.A. took place at the town hall last week Friday evening. Music was furnished by the Crescent orchestra. Refreshments were served at intermission and there were appropriate decorations and many were present from the surrounding villages.
Annual Meeting. The Ladies’ Aid society of the Congregational church held its annual meeting at the vestry Thursday afternoon of last week and much business was transacted, electing officers and appointing committees for the season’s work as follows:
Mrs. David Wallace, pres.; Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, v.p.; Mrs. William C. Roudenbush, sec. and treas.; Mrs. John P. Wright, Mrs. William C. Roudenbush, Mrs. Hugh Ferguson, Miss Florence Wilson, Mrs. Walter Merritt, Mrs. Joseph E. Knight, Mrs. William R. Taylor, Mrs. George Walker, dir.; Mrs. S. L. Taylor, Mrs. Phonsie Isles, Mrs. John McMaster, Mrs. Francis Bannister, Mrs. Joseph E. Knight, Miss Lillian Atwood, general supper com.; Mrs. G. A. Kimball, Mrs. C. H. Wright, Mrs. S. L. Taylor, Mrs. F. C. Bannister, Mrs. E. J. Whitney, Miss S. W. Loker, calling com.; Rev. David Wallace, A. E. Day, J. P. Wright, W. C. Roudenbush, Miss May Atwood, program com.; October social in charge of supper, standing and entertainment com; November banquet committee, Miss Atwood, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Wright, Mrs. McMaster, Mrs. Burnham, Mrs. Bannister, Miss Leighton; December social, Mrs. W. R. Taylor, Mrs. George Walker, Mrs. Bert Walker; January social, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Isles, Mrs. McMaster; February social, Mr. Wallace, John P. Wright, A. E. Day, Mr. Rafter; March social, Mrs. Hartford, Mrs. Greig, Mrs. Amesbury, Mrs. John Wright; April social, Miss Edith Wright, Mrs. Charles Wright, Mrs. Charles Hildreth, Mrs. Ferguson; May social, May basket party in charge of young people, Mrs. Blaney, chairman.
Grange. At the regular meeting of the Grange last week Thursday evening a debate upon equal suffrage was the program for the evening, members of Littleton Grange participating in the discussion. Following is the program:
Instrumental music, Miss Gladys Fletcher; reading, Mrs. Margaret Sarre of Lowell; solo, Charles Roby, accompanied by Miss Beatrice Sutherland; debate on woman’s suffrage, Mr. Cook of Littleton, affirm; Mrs. Charles Kimball read a paper written by V. T. Esten, he being unable to be present; for the negative, James Rafter read an excellent argument written by himself, and S. L. Taylor not being able to be present sent a paper which was read by W. R. Taylor after which the subject was open for discussion, a good number taking part; to close Mr. Cook summed up the arguments for the negative, the affirmative not having the same representation, and upon a vote the sentiment of the meeting opposed the franchise. Mrs. Sarre of Lowell and Mrs. Sherburne of Tyngsboro contributed more readings that were much enjoyed and adjournment was made to the lower hall where refreshments of Cake, coffee and apples were served.
Tadmuck Club. The regular meeting of the Tadmuck club took place Tuesday afternoon at Library hall with an excellent attendance. There were about sixty members present and a number of guests. Records of the last two meetings in the spring, the mid-summer play and the opening meeting this fall were given. Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth gave a most enjoyable report of the annual meeting at Worcester, attended earlier in the season.
The following amendment to article 3, section 4 of the by-laws was presented:
Members may bring house guests to any meeting upon payment of twenty-five cents; and members may bring other friends to meetings designated as “open to guests” upon payment of the same sum.
After discussion the amendment was voted upon favorably.
Upon motion of Mrs. Cyril A. Blaney the sum of fifteen dollars was voted to be appropriated from the treasury for sewing and basketry work in the Wm. E. Frost school. Mrs. Rowena H. Palmer of Lowell was the speaker of the afternoon. Subject, “Equal suffrage.” Mrs. Palmer was a bright speaker and dwelt more upon the development causes leading up to the present demand for the franchise by a large number of women today rather than a promise of results if it were accomplished.
Special attention is called to the next meeting, November 3, when Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher will give his stereopticon lecture on “Panama” at the town hall at eight o’clock in the evening. This meeting is open to all, there being no admission fee whatever, and Mr. Fletcher should have a full house for this timely subject. His pictures are many and beautiful, having been carefully gathered while on his trips to the canal zone.
About Town. Hon. Edward Fisher, having been selected by the farmers of the Stony Brook Valley, appeared before the public service commission to see if they would not restore the Sunday milk train on the Stony Brook road. He was successful and as a result the train will be restored on Sunday, October 25. This will be good news to the farmers in the Stony Brook valley.
The last meeting of the board of registrars before state election will be held in the town hall, Westford Center, on Saturday, October 24, from noon until ten in the evening.
Marshall’s hall at Westford Corner is still the center of social hospitality and dancing. The U and I club held their second annual dance there on last week Friday evening with the Crescent orchestra furnishing the music. Westford and nearby towns were well represented.
The Hildreth Granite Company, of Westford, have been awarded a large contract for paving stone for the City of Lowell. The Hildreth Company does business in Graniteville.
The writer regrets that he was unable on account of illness to perform the feat assigned to him of speaking against votes for women at the joint debate between Littleton and Westford Granges last week Thursday evening. Your correspondent was not much on his feats that night nor for several nights previous, but he is now on his feet again and ready to engage in a few lightweight feats.
At a recent meeting of the W.C.T.U., held at the home of the president, Mrs. Janet Wright, a good attendance was present. The president conducted the devotional exercises and gave an address of much inspiration on “What the W.C.T.U. stands for.” In the line of industry a quilt of bright attraction was started for the home at Bedford Springs. Aside from this new feature the usual amount of business was carried through. Much sympathy was expressed for the treasurer, Mrs. Homer M. Seavey, who is still ill at the Lowell hospital. It was voted to have the programs of all meetings for the year printed. The afternoon with Mrs. Wright was much enjoyed.
Mrs. Vincent Ravi, of West Chelmsford, has bought out her brother’s interest, Dr. Fred Virgin, in the fine homestead in West Chelmsford.
Miss Emily Fletcher, C. O. Prescott and Rev. Mr. Pennington attended the Unitarian conference in Milford, N.H., last week and report good meetings. Mr. Pennington had part in the exercises.
Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Taylor spent Sunday with her father, C. D. Cushing, at Framingham. He is contemplating spending the winter in Florida, leaving early in December.
The up-to-date Greig farm folks have installed a new gasoline engine and built a modern milk house equipped now with an aerator. This is an arrangement for cooling milk at once before it is put into the cans.
Sometimes it looks as though it paid to make milk. Of course it depends upon at whom you look.
Forge Village. George G. Rockwood of Providence, E. W. Ham of Worcester, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur M. Moody and children of Cambridge were recent guests at the Wetmore farm.
A very pretty wedding took place on Monday at St. John’s church, North Chelmsford, when Miss Eva Milot became the bride of Joseph Cantara, both of this village. Miss Milot was gowned in white satin with lace overdress. Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, pastor of St. John’s church, performed the ceremony and also was the celebrant of the nuptial mass. After the ceremony a reception was held at the home of the groom at which a large number of friends attended. Mr. and Mrs. Cantara will make their home on Bradford street.
A large number from here went to Ayer on Tuesday evening to attend the anniversary services held in St. Andrew’s church in commemoration of the first service held in Ayer twenty-five years ago. A reception in the town hall followed the service. It was a source of great disappointment to his former parishioners that Rev. Thomas L. Fisher was unable to attend on account of illness. The sermon was preached by Rev. William G. Thayer, who preached at the meeting twenty-five years ago. All reported a most delightful time.
Over 100 young people, all of St. Catherine’s confirmation class, left on a special car on Monday afternoon for North Chelmsford where they joined other members of the class at St. John’s church to attend the services at which they were to receive the sacrament of confirmation by Rt. Rev. Anderson of Boston. The class in all numbered close to 300 and included an adult class as well. It was a most beautiful and edifying sight to see the white gowned girls file up to the altar rail in contrast to the somber black suits of the boys. This year’s class is the largest in the parish and both pastor and relatives of the children are proud of the record.
Mrs. Hugh Daley, who has been under a physician’s care, is better.
Graniteville. Both masses in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning were celebrated by Rev. Edward C. Mitchell. At the first mass about one hundred of the advanced members of the Sunday school class received holy communion preparatory to receiving the sacrament of confirmation that was administered by Bishop Anderson in St. John’s church, North Chelmsford, on last Monday afternoon. The regular choir was in attendance at the first mass and under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley, sung unusually well. At communion Miss Rachel Wall and Miss Carrie Prinn sang a duet with deep feeling and expression, “O, Lord I am not worthy.” Both singers were in excellent voice, the fine rendition of this hymn making a lasting impression on the large congregation. Miss Rebecca LeDuc also sang a part solo at the offertory.
The usual October devotions were held in St. Catherine’s church Thursday night.
The recent rains have lifted the ban on hunting and many were in the woods last week in search of pheasants. Several were successful in bringing home game, while others had to be content in getting a few feathers.
Alvin Nelson lost his valuable setter dog, Ponto, by sickness this week.
Dr. and Mrs. W. H. Sherman have returned from their trip to the White Mountains and the doctor has resumed his practice once more [after recovering from scarlet fever].
The two children of Mr. and Mrs. John Elison are still under quarantine with scarlet fever at their home.
The little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Defoe has the measles.
The board of registrars met at the firehouse on last Monday night and many new names were added to the voting list.
Chestnut parties have been very much in evidence of late.
Politics are a trifle quiet here at present. It is usually the custom to have a couple of rallies before election, but so far neither of the leading parties have made any move in that direction.
Saturday, October 31, 1914
Center. Quarantine restrictions were removed this week from Senator and Mrs. Edward Fisher’s household, said quarantine being on account of measles which their baby daughter Barbara had contracted.
Sunday will be education day at the Unitarian church. Rev. Julian R. Pennington will preach on education. Prior to his entering the ministry Mr. Pennington was a college professor and has spoken in colleges and universities throughout the country. His subject will be “The sign post on the road of life.”
There was a meeting of the Westford Board of Trade at the town hall on Thursday evening at eight o’clock. A report was made on the restoration of the Sunday trains after which there was a discussion of the three articles to be voted on at the state election.
Miss Ella Gill, who has been spending the summer with her sister, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, returned this week to Boston for the winter, where she has an apartment on Newbury street with her cousin, Miss Nellie Gill.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank A. Wright and children and Miss Smith, a member of their household, of Lowell, spent Saturday and Sunday with Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, president and secretary of the Tadmuck club, attended presidents’ day at the Littleton Woman’s club on Monday and much enjoyed the fine program and gracious hospitality of that club.
Mrs. Sydney B. Wright is able to be out again after being confined to the house for a week with an attack of tonsillitis.
Mrs. J. Henry Colburn has been appointed treasurer pro tem of the W.C.T.U. during Mrs. Homer M. Seavey’s serious illness.
Mr. and Mrs. Bert Walker have moved into the vacant side of Edward Hamlin’s house.
An auction sale of the household goods of William Sutherland was held from the house where he and his daughter, Miss Jeanette Sutherland, have been living for the past year. James B. Emerson was the auctioneer and there was a good crowd of buyers and pretty good prices were realized. Mr. Sutherland removed from town to live with one of his married children. He has lived in the community for a number of years and enjoys the respect and esteem of the townspeople who are sorry to have him go. His daughter, Miss Sutherland, has also made many friends during her shorter stay in town. She goes to Boston to be nearer her work and to prepare for her approaching marriage to W. H. Christie, of Boston.
Another recent auction that attracted a large attendance was that of the contents of the Luce homestead [25 Main St.]. The first sale was on Saturday afternoon, October 11, and was continued the following Saturday afternoon. Joseph Wall of Graniteville was the auctioneer.
A daughter [Emily May Frink] has been recently born [Oct. 23, 1914] to Mr. and Mrs. Alvah Frink at their home in Chelmsford. Mr. and Mrs. Frink formerly lived in this village.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Pickering are to move by the first of the month into the pleasant house vacated by William Sutherland.
The numerous window sashes at the library have all been repainted and other minor repairs made.
Not only the members of the Tadmuck club, but the townspeople generally, are reminded of Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher’s lecture on the Panama canal at the town hall on next Tuesday evening at eight o’clock. Mr. Fletcher gives this lecture to the community without charge and a large and appreciative audience should come out to greet him and enjoy his lecture on so timely a subject and the large number of fine pictures that illustrate it by stereopticon.
There was no school sessions at the academy on Monday, the day being given to the teachers for visiting schools.
A new flag pole has been set on Whitney playground between the two schoolhouses and the flag used there to answer for both schools. The flag pole is thoroughly built, set in piping which is set in a foundation of stone and cement.
The young people of the Congregational church held a very pleasant Hallowe’en party at the vestry on Friday evening of last week. The decorations were most effective in yellow and black crepe paper, with bats, owls, Jack-o’-lanterns, etc. There was a guessing contest, pinning the tail on the black cat, bobbing for apples, and other time-honored rites of Hallowe’en were faithfully tested. Refreshments of sandwiches, doughnuts, cake, coffee and apples were served in charge of Mrs. Taylor, Mrs. Isles and Mrs. Knight. The entertainment was in charge of Mrs. A. W. Hartford, Mrs. W. R. Taylor, Mrs. W. J. Merritt, Mrs. C. A. Blaney and Misses Martha Grant and Edith A. Wright. The affair proved a pleasant forerunner of the monthly socials planned for the winter season.
Last Sunday evening at the Congregational church the services were of much interest. Frank H. Hill, superintendent of schools, was the speaker of the evening and gave a most helpful and practical address of interest to all, but especially applicable to the younger members of the audience. His theme was “The value of the personal record” in the lives of young people mentally, morally, spiritually and physically and the value of the right record made in school days and its effect upon one’s successful start in life. Mr. Hill certainly understands young people and has their interests at heart. The young people’s chorus of which there were fifteen present in charge of Mrs. Charles H. Wright, with Miss Edith Wright at the piano, furnished a fine praise service. Rev. David Wallace played violin accompaniments. There were between eighty and ninety present. On Sunday morning the communion service will be held at the close of the morning service and several will be admitted into church membership.
At this writing Mrs. Homer M. Seavey’s condition at the Lowell General hospital is reported as about the same, although early this week her many friends were much alarmed at the ominous symptoms reported. Mrs. Seavey has made a brave, hard struggle with very serious sickness for the past five weeks, and that she may be restored to her family who need her so much is what is very earnestly hoped for.
About Town. The next meeting of Middlesex-North Pomona Grange will be held on Friday, November 6, at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell.
Westford Grange will hold its annual roll call meeting on Thursday evening, October 5. After roll call “Should farmers adjoining the road be compelled to keep the roadside cleared of brush and rubbish” will be discussed by Frank C. Wright, W. R. Taylor, W. E. Wright, Fred A. Blodgett.
The next meeting of the W.C.T.U. will be held at the Old Oaken Bucket farm, corner of Stony Brook and Lowell roads, on Wednesday, November 4. The president of the Lowell W.C.T.U. will be present; also, a delegation from that city.
Historic House. Miss Ella Wright, who has been spending the summer months at her home known as the Levi Fletcher place on the Lowell road [#120], has returned to her winter home in Cleveland, Ohio. This place bears its age well, having been in the possession of Miss Wright’s relatives for 130 years. It was formerly the home of Samuel Richardson, who married Amy Fletcher, of Dunstable, and had seven daughters and one son. Two of them remained on the old home place, Amy, who married Levi T. Fletcher, and Sarah Richardson, who died in 1912 [Jan. 2, 1913] at the age of ninety-four years. Another daughter, Lydia, married Walter Wright, and it is their daughter, Miss Ella Wright, that the place with all its old-fashioned furniture has come.
During the summer Miss Wright entertained several home parties of relatives, among them her brother and wife, their son and wife and little daughter from Alabama. For awhile all the sleeping rooms in this big house were in use, just as they were in the “good old days” of the past. Miss Wright returns to her nieces and nephews of Cleveland, quite a coterie of them with eleven grandnieces and nephews besides. Among the number of nephews is Dr. John Crill, one of the most noted surgeons in the world. He has received signal honors everywhere for his discovery of local anesthetics, by which process the part of the body to be operated upon can be made immune to pain and yet the patient retains consciousness.
Dr. Crill has addressed international meetings on this subject and has been regarded as the surgeon who has done most in later years to relieve suffering. Last year, at the world’s congress of physicians and surgeons in Europe, he was one of four to receive high praise and a gold medal. This year he was awarded the gold medal for the best help given by any physician or surgeon in the world towards relieving suffering.
We shall be glad to welcome back Miss Wright next summer, who is a good friend of Westford and has an interest in its best welfare.
Death. Percy A. Yarnold died at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Yarnold in Parkerville on the road to “Texas” last week Tuesday [Oct. 20] after an illness of a little over a year. Mr. Yarnold was born in Granby, Canada, March 27 1883, being 31 yrs. 8 mos. old. He was educated in the public schools of Canada. For eight years he was connected with the passenger service of the Boston and Maine railroad, but resigned on account of ill health. For health’s sake he took outdoor medicine, entering the employ of the Grand Union Tea Co., but this also he was compelled to resign about a year ago on account of ill health. He was popular with his companions and everyone in business, social and fraternal life. In fraternal life he was a member of Chelmsford Grange and aided it by his sweet tenor voice. As tenor soloist he was occasionally heard with pleasure in the choir of the Unitarian church. He was a member of the Chelmsford street Baptist church, Lowell, where he was a member of the choir.
The deceased is survived by his father and mother, one sister, Miss Mabelle Yarnold, of Lowell, and a nephew, Arthur Yarnold, of Boston. The funeral took place from the home of his parents last Saturday forenoon. Rev. David Wallace conducted the services after which services were held in the afternoon at the Chelmsford street Baptist church, Lowell. The services were conducted by Rev. A. E. Kenyon, of Dover, N.H., and Rev. E. A. Trites, minister of the church. Appropriate selections were sung by Mrs. Samuel Anglin, “The homeland” and “Rock of ages.” The individual floral offerings were numerous. As a fraternal order Chelmsford Grange and several railroad organizations were liberal contributors. The bearers were John S. Buffum, Arthur Roberts, Arthur Galley and Alexander Higgins. Burial was in the Edson cemetery, Lowell.
Forge Village. The service at St. Andrew’s mission will be held on Sunday at the usual hour.
Cameron school was closed on Friday to allow the teachers to attend the Middlesex county teachers’ meeting held in Tremont Temple, Boston.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle will hold a sale of plain and fancy articles, homemade candies and foodstuffs at Recreation hall on Thursday, November 12. A fine assortment of children’s clothing, ladies’ aprons, etc., will be on sale as will also fancy articles of all kinds.
Graniteville. J. A. Healy has had a gang of woodchoppers busily engaged for the past few weeks felling the trees and cutting off the underbrush in the vicinity of the baseball field. The playing surface will be greatly increased by this change, particularly in the right field section, so that it will be unnecessary to limit the hits to two bases in this direction in the future.
Miss Helen M. Wall, of Waltham, has been a recent visitor here.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church will celebrate the formal opening of their new kitchen in the recently renovated basement of the church by holding a banquet on Monday night. This will be known as the community banquet and will be followed by an excellent entertainment in the church vestry.
John J. Hogan, candidate for councilor in the sixth district, made speeches at the mill gates of the Abbot Worsted Co., both here and in Forge Village during the noon hour on Wednesday. He was well received.
Business shows a decided improvement in the machine shop of C. G. Sargent Sons here. The full working schedule has been resumed and it is understood that there are enough orders on the books at present to keep the entire working force busy all winter. This is certainly good news. Let us all hope for a better outlook.
Alfred [Fred Edward] Langley and Miss Mary [Marion] Commeau [Comeau], two well-known young people of this village, were united in marriage at a nuptial mass celebrated in St. John’s church, North Chelmsford, on last Monday morning [Oct. 26, 1914] at nine o’clock in the presence of a wide circle of friends. The witnesses were Joseph Langley, father of the groom, and Napoleon Dufrane, a relative of the bride. The bride was becomingly attired in a costume of white satin with bridal veil. On the return of the bridal party to this village a wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride. In the evening a reception was held at the home of the bridegroom that was largely attended, many being present from out of town. The young couple were the recipients of many beautiful presents and start in on their new life with the best wishes of a wide circle of friends.
Dr. W. H. Sherman spent a few days in Maine last week, where he went to attend the funeral of a relative.
Many people from this village attended the Board of Trade meeting in the town hall at Westford Center on last Thursday evening.
Tuesday, November 3, is election day. The polls will be open at precinct 2 at 6:30 in the morning and may close at four in the afternoon. It is expected that the full vote will be cast here this year.
Ayer
District Court
Patrick McKee, of Westford, was found guilty of assault and battery on his wife, Martha McKee, and was sentenced to six months in the house of correction this week Friday morning.
T. Arthur Wilson, of Westford, appeared in court on continuance last Saturday morning on a complaint of manslaughter. By agreement of representatives of his defense and the government the case was dismissed. The defendant was haled into court as a result of the death of Fred Healy, a school boy at Westford a short time ago.