The Westford Wardsman, October, 1915
Saturday, October 2, 1915
Center. Rev. and Mrs. Louis H. Buckshorn and little son were guests of Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth during their recent stay in town.
Walter L. Cutter attended the meeting of the Adelbert Ames camp, Spanish War Veterans, of which he is clerk and historian, on Monday evening of this week.
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Elliott, accompanied by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Reed, are enjoying a trip to New York via the Hudson river.
Members of the Tadmuck club are again pleasantly reminded of the opening meeting of the season on next Tuesday afternoon at the Unitarian church parlors at 2:30. There will be the opening address by the president and also music and some interesting vacation notes by several of the members. There will be a social tea and the afternoon is planned as a pleasant reunion of the members after the vacation season. The club calendars will be distributed at this meeting.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Stone, of Salem, Ill., were in town last Sunday, greeting Westford friends. Mrs. Stone, who is known by her contemporaries as Georgianna Patten Stone, and whose girlhood home was in Westford, is visiting her sister, Mrs. A. [Albert] F. Conant [nee Sarah Jane Patten], in Littleton.
Mrs. Julian A Cameron has been entertaining her mother, Mrs. John W. Abbot, and her sister, Mrs. Kate Kebler. The latter’s daughter, Mrs. William Winthrop Sargent, and little son and daughter, who have been visiting the home people, return soon to their California home.
Rev. David Wallace and several members of the C.E. society attended the first fall meeting of the Lowell C.E. union held at the Immanuel Baptist church, Lowell, on Monday evening of this week.
Leonard Burland was the leader of the C.E. service last Sunday evening.
John Wilson, accompanied by his daughters, Mrs. Annie Wilson Kimball and Miss J. Florence Wilson, are in attendance at the G.A.R. encampment at Washington, D.C., and after the close of the meetings extend their trip to Ohio to visit kinspeople.
Perley E. Wright continues his two trucks with trips to Boston every night with shipments of apples.
The heavy cross pieces supporting the flag pole at the center of the common are being replaced. These supports have badly rotted out, although it is only about fifteen years since they were placed. This was at the time the old bandstand was removed and the flag pole was lowered from its height of 100 feet to about 90 feet.
The hard wind storm of last Sunday night did considerable damage to trees, telephone wires, etc. The tree-shaded main streets and lawns of the village were strewn with clutter and orcharding in exposed places suffered badly. The cold winds blighted vegetation like frost, although as usual Westford hill has escaped the first frosts reported in the lowlands.
J. Herbert Fletcher’s [6-9 Lincoln St.] and J. Henry Colburn’s [57 Main St.] ice cream parlors which have done a good business during the warm season, discontinue the sale of this frozen delicacy this week.
Mrs. E. P. Robinson, of South Merrimack, N.H., has been spending the week with her daughter, Mrs. Perley E. Wright.
Both sides of the votes for women question has now been faithfully presented to Westford people. On Tuesday afternoon two speakers, accompanied by a bugler, the latter to draw the crowds, spoke before Wright & Fletcher’s store, coming by automobile. The speakers were Col. John P. Irish, of California, and Ex-Rep. John J. Douglass, of Boston, and these speakers used all their most effective arguments why women should not have the vote. A fair-sized crowd was in attendance.
About Town. Under the Ayer news last week reference was made to the family of Elnathan Brown. The writer knew them well as splendid people of “mind your own business” type, of a well-balanced social, business and religious development. For several years the writer attended both churches with them in Westford Center. Their farm was the first in Groton from Forge Village to the Ridges, and bordered on Forge pond, and was not very close to Sandy pond school, as the article of last week referred to. Mr. Brown sold his farm many years ago and moved to Groton Center, where he died. The buildings have since been burned and others erected in their place.
Among the other contributors from Westford to the Middlesex-North fair in the children’s department not previously mentioned, was Miss Precious, of Forge Village, first premium on knit hand satchel.
Charley Robey has been appointed sexton of the Unitarian church in place of Edmund T. Baker, resigned.
At the next meeting of the Grange, Thursday evening, October 7, some questions left in cold storage for several months will be discussed, “Does the European war indicate that Christianity is a failure?” and “Shall Massachusetts have an exposition in 1920 to celebrate the landing of the Pilgrims?’
The 33⁰of Masonic rites was recently conferred on Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher, the magnanimous magnate of Oak hill.
Mrs. George Howard writes from Bound Brook, N.J., that they are making airships there and that the Howard estate adjoins a large aviator field where these airships are made by Sloane & Daniels, the former being a son-in-law of Thomas A. Edison. These airships are equipped with two motors for safety. They are being made for the English army, the usual rate of speed being about ninety miles an hour.
Miss Lillibridge, parish assistant in the Unitarian churches of the North Middlesex Conference, is in Westford for a limited length of time. It is hoped that by practical suggestions, earnest effort and cooperation much may be accomplished during her stay. Miss Lillibridge will be glad to learn of any children unable to attend Sunday school because of illness and any not attending any Sunday school. She is with Mrs. A. M. Richardson.
Mr. and Mrs. Charles Whitney, on the Lowell road, have been sight-seeing through the Berkshires. Many handsome sights up that way.
The Sunday school of the Unitarian church will hold a business session on Sunday after the morning service.
By the unwritten law of cooperative consent next Sunday has been tagged as “Go-to-church Sunday” to this the old First Parish should add “Go-to-Sunday school Sunday.”
The Pollock farm folks are busy picking strawberries yet at their residential estate on the Cold Spring road.
Winter wheat is being distributed liberally on the soil of the Stony Brook farms for future elevator use.
Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Pickup of Brookside, have another infant off-spring.
Forge Village. On last Saturday evening a very enjoyable surprise party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Kelley. About thirty young people were present and the occasion will be remembered for a long time to come. A beautiful cross of jet, inlaid with sapphires, was presented Miss Kelley by Miss Sarah May. Miss Sarah Graham, of Canton, made the presentation speech. Supper was served at 7:30 o’clock after which games and music were enjoyed. Among those present from out-of-town were Misses Annie and Sarah Graham and John Gee, of Canton. Misses Elizabeth Kelley, Annie Cavanaugh and Maria May were the accompanists of the evening.
The mills of Abbot & Company opened on Monday morning on full time after a vacation of ten days.
The engagement is announced of Miss Bertha Wilson, daughter of Mrs. Margaret Wilson, of Pleasant street, to Nathaniel Whitney, son of Mr. and Mrs. Whitney, of Westford. The wedding will take place in late November.
Mrs. James Kelley, Sr., and Miss Sarah May spent last week as guests of friends in Canton.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held no meeting this week on account of the Groton fair.
Harry Nesmith, tree warden, and men have been kept busy clearing the roads of broken trees during the high winds of the past week. Many trees have become uprooted, among these being a tree on the Cameron school grounds, two on the Beaver Brook road and five on the cemetery road towards Graniteville.
Sunday services will be held at St. Andrews’ mission at nine o’clock in the morning.
Mrs. William Burnett spent Wednesday at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Chester Blodgett, of Groton.
Graniteville. New cement sidewalks have recently been put in by the town of Westford, commencing at a point near the office of the C. G. Sargent’s Sons’ and ending opposite the residence of Mrs. Lucy Blood on Broadway. As this uses up all the money appropriated for this purpose no more work of this kind will be done here this year. J. A. Healy has the contract for the work already done here and also for similar work in Forge Village.
Mrs. James Doherty, of North Chelmsford, and Mrs. Walter H. Teale, of Los Angeles, Cal., have been recent visitors here. Both will be pleasantly remembered as Misses Ada and Belle Hoyt, and resided here before their marriage.
The members of the Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church held a very pleasing entertainment in the church on Thursday evening of last week. The program consisted of vocal solos and character songs and readings by Miss Mildred Sanders, of Ayer, a student of the Boston Conservatory of Music; violin solos by Miss Helen Lovejoy, of Pepperell, and other numbers contributed by local talent.
The baseball season is not entirely finished here as yet, for on last Saturday afternoon the White Sox of this village played the Red Sox of Forge Village in the second game of the series, and the White Sox won in a very interesting game by the score of 7 to 5. Gagnon and Piviratto did the battery work for the White Sox, while Hall and Perkins were on the firing line for the Red Sox. Each club has won one game each, the final or “rubber” game to be played at Forge Village this week Saturday.
F. L. Furbush is on a two-weeks’ vacation that is being spent on a hunting and fishing trip with relatives and friends in Farmington, Me., and other adjacent points.
The anti-suffrage speakers visited here on Tuesday afternoon but owing to the fact that the mills and shops were running they did not have a very large audience. No speeches were made, but pamphlets were distributed to all, while souvenirs were given to the school children.
The local football club are getting in some good practice work and a game has already been arranged with a club from North Chelmsford.
Ayer
District Court. Lewellyn F. Gates, of Westford, was arraigned Monday morning on a complaint which charged him with violating the milk law in that town. Gates pleaded not guilty.
The witnesses for the government were Fred Marion, an inspector connected with the State Board of Health, and Charles H. Hickey, a chemist in the service of that organization. Judge Atwood presided.
Attorney Allen, for the defence [sic], asked the court for a continuance of the trial that he might have more time to prepare for the case. The court refused at that time to grant the request, because in its opinion a case of the character before it was simple and could be tried without delay; and furthermore, the court wished to avoid the payment of any extra expense to the court entailed by a continuance. The court, however, told the attorney that if after the evidence had been presented, it might grant a continuance before passing sentence, if the attorney so desired.
Mr. Marion testified to visiting the Gates farm on September 6, and of taking several samples of milk which he turned over to the State Board of Health for analysis. The milk from which the samples were taken was consigned to a Lowell milk dealer. Inspector Marion said that he also visited the place on September 21 and took more samples. The close and at times sharp cross-examination by the attorney for the defence failed to shake the testimony of the witness.
Mr. Hickey told of analyzing the samples taken on September 6, and as a result found that there was added water in the milk. He described in a scientific way the manner in which he reached this conclusion. In good milk he said that is often 89 ½ to 90 percent of water, the standard being 87 percent water and 13 percent solids. Asked how he could tell whether the water found in the samples analyzed was natural or added to the milk, Mr. Hickey said his conclusions were reached by a scientific test which is recognized by all chemists as being accurate.
Gates took the stand in his own defence. He said that his wife owned the farm and everything connected with it. He was simply working in the capacity of a hired man. He denied any knowledge concerning watering the milk in question. This evidence was emphasized by the defendant’s counsel who asked the court for the discharge of his client on the ground that he was not the owner of the farm and therefore could not be legally responsible for the condition of the milk.
A discussion of the points of law involved under such conditions took place, after which the court continued the case until this Saturday morning when the law points connected with it will be further considered.
Saturday, October 9, 1915
Center. Frank M. Johnson is at home from Petersburg, Va., for a week’s stay with his home people.
Alfred W. Hartford enjoyed a few days’ vacation from his duties at Wright & Fletcher’s store last week.
Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth and baby son Richard are visiting Mrs. Hildreth’s home people in Campello [Brockton].
It was a real pleasure to have Rev. and Mrs. Benjamin H. Bailey present at the Tadmuck club on Tuesday afternoon, greeting their Westford friends. Mr. and Mrs. Bailey were the guests while in town of the Donald M. Camerons.
Mrs. John P. Wright is having a tedious siege with neuritis in her left arm and shoulder.
Mrs. Grace Lumbert Kenney has been in town, visiting her mother several days this week.
Mrs. Walter Frost, of Colorado Springs, Colo., is visiting at the home of her brother, C. Willis Hildreth; also, with her nephew, Charles L. Hildreth, and with other eastern relatives. Mrs. Frost was a guest at the Tadmuck club on Tuesday afternoon and a charming woman to meet, but the suffrage adherents would be disappointed to hear her say that while living in a suffrage state she most emphatically does not believe in votes for women.
Mrs. H. Bert Walker has been appointed treasurer of the Tadmuck club in place of Miss Hazel B. Hartford, resigned, on account of absence from town.
The meeting of the Ladies’ Aid society will meet at the Congregational vestry on next week Thursday afternoon. This is the annual meeting and a full attendance is desired.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company held their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday evening at their headquarters on Boston road. The first monthly supper was held and a fine roast duck supper, with all the fixings, was served by Mrs. J. E. Knight.
A socialist lecture will be given at the town hall on Saturday evening. Daniel A. White, of Brockton, will lecture and after the lecture any questions will be answered.
A delegation of members from our local C.E. society went over to Dunstable last Sunday evening and assisted with the evening service there. Leonard Burland conducted the meeting and Charles Robey sang. Mrs. Wallace assisted with the service and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Day also assisted by conveying the party in their auto.
The fall conference of churches which meets this fall with the church in Ashby has been postponed one week from the usual date on account of conflicting with the sessions of the National Conference.
With the increase of auto traffic, even in a hill-top town, which is not a through route, the selectmen have been following the line of progress by having warning signs placed at different points. Signs have been placed at the right distance of approach to the Frost school and the academy, also the somewhat blind approach to the junction of streets at the Congregational church and at other places. We understand this work is done by the selectmen in conjunction with the state highway commission.
Perley E. Wright conveyed a truck load of thirty-three persons to the Rockingham fair on Thursday of last week.
Mrs. O. V. Wells entertained the Bridge Whist club very pleasantly at her home [29 Main St.] on Friday afternoon of last week, there being seven tables for the game. Unique favors for matching partners for the game were some attractive snapshots of the two small sons of the household. Delicious refreshments were served.
Miss Hannah Morrill of Amesbury, has been a recent guest at her sister’s, Mrs. O. V. Wells, for several days.
Tadmuck Club. The tenth season of the Tadmuck club opened most auspiciously Tuesday afternoon of this week. The meeting took place in the parlors of the Unitarian vestry [which] had been beautifully trimmed with autumn flowers for the occasion.
Mrs. Herbert V. Hildreth, who so successfully guided the club’s activities as president last season, and who sustains the same duties this year, presided and bade all a gracious welcome, spoke of many conditions to be thankful for, especially for a nation seeking peace. Mrs. Hildreth bespoke the hearty cooperation and loyalty of every member and outlined the growing scope of work of the club, especially the preparation of the new club cook book, the coming educational conference and the Christmas sale later. The new club calendars were distributed at the close of the president’s address. Fifteen dollars was voted for the Frost school pupils for classes in sewing and basketry. Notes of appreciation were read from members for flowers and sympathetic greetings during illness or bereavement.
The program for the afternoon consisted of two brilliant piano duets by Mrs. S. B. Watson and Miss Julia Fletcher. Vacation notes were scheduled on the program and Miss Sarah W. Loker gave an entertaining sketch of vacation days in various places of the hill and lake country in Vermont. Miss Mattie Crocker told of quiet vacation days simply spent at home after the year’s teaching. Mrs. William C. Roudenbush, enjoying the privileges of a summer trip to the California exposition, passed on the pleasures of part of this trip in a manner that was a pleasure to all, confining her talk to the six days’ trip through the wonderful Yellowstone park. At the close of the program club tea was served in charge of the reception committee. Mrs. V. C. B. Wetmore and Miss Ella F Hildreth presided at the tea urns at the handsomely decorated table.
The club numbers ninety-eight members, with seven [six?] additional members, namely, Miss Frances C. Bannister, Mrs. Henry A. Fletcher, Mrs. Lizzie A. Hamlin, Miss Mabel Osborn, Mrs. George Ryan and Miss Marguerite Young.
The club mourns the death of three valued members during the year, Mrs. Homer M. Seavey [nee Adelaide Pearl Mitchell], Mrs. James L. Kimball [nee Elizabeth Stevens] and Mrs. Calvin L. Howard [nee Mary Jane Hale].
The officers and committees for the ensuing year are:
Miss Sarah W. Loker, honorary president; Mrs. Herbert V. Hildreth, pres.; Miss Clara A. Smith, v.p.; Mrs. Leonard W. Wheeler, rec. sec.; Mrs. William R. Taylor, cor. sec.; Mrs. H. Bert Walker, treas.; Miss Alice M. Howard, Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth, Mrs. Hammett D. Wright, ex. com.; Mrs. Oscar R. Spalding, Mrs. V. C. Bruce Wetmore, Miss Ella F. Hildreth, Mrs. Julian A. Cameron, Mrs. William R. Carver, reception com.; Mrs. Leonard W. Wheeler, press com.; Miss Eva E. Fletcher, flower com.; Miss Edith A. Wright, Mrs. William E. Wright, Mrs. Frederic A. Snow, Mrs. H. Bert Walker, Mrs. John Feeney, Jr., Mrs. Anthony B. Anderson, ushers; departments – Miss Mary G. Balch, art; Mrs. George A. Walker, Miss Mattie Crocker, civics; Miss J. Florence Wilson, Miss A. Mabel Drew, civil service reform; Mrs. Hammett D. Wright, conservation; Mrs. Edwin E. Amesbury, education; Mrs. David L. Greig, Mrs. Samuel L. Taylor, household economics; Mrs. Alfred W. Hartford, Mrs. John P. Wright, industrial and social conditions; Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth, Mrs. William C. Roudenbush, literature and library extension; Miss Gertrude D. Fletcher, Mrs. S. B. Watson, Miss Eva E. Fletcher, music; Mrs. O. V. Wells, Mrs. Edward Fisher, public health.
Historical Interest. One branch of work that the Tadmuck club is doing, that of a chosen committee collecting and preserving pictures of old houses or other historic objects with a written account attached, was made interesting at this week’s meeting of the club by exhibiting a fine picture of the historic old Capt. Jacob Smith house [once located at about 132 Concord Road] with the following sketch:
This house, now one of the oldest in Westford, was built by Nathan Proctor, the great-great-grandfather of George T. Day. At the same time he planted the elm tree in the front yard. The time of building is uncertain, but [on] one of the boards in the kitchen (before it was obliterated by paint) could be seen the date of 1700. Chelmsford laid out the road past the house in 1663. In 1730 Nathan Proctor was put in Westford’s first voting list and at that time was living in the house. His son Nathan sold to James Wright, September 15, 1803; James Wright sold to Ezra Fletcher, November 24, 1831; Ezra Fletcher sold to Othiel Fletcher, April 24, 1833; Othiel Fletcher sold to Capt. Jacob Smith, Sr., who gave it to his daughter, Caroline Smith Hewett; she lived there until November 29, 1839, when it was bought back by Capt. Smith and deeded to his son, Jacob Smith, Jr., in whose name it stood until April 15, 1914.
The rafters are put together with wooden pegs. In the kitchen is a solid granite hearth 10×4 feet. This farm is now owned by C. L. Wetmore.
Ayer
District Court. The continued case of Llewellyn F. Gates, of Westford, for violation of the milk law was heard last Saturday morning. After the government, represented by Fred Marion, state inspector, had introduced additional evidence and the points of law had been considered, Judge Atwood ordered the defendant to pay a fine of $100, this being the second offence alleged against him. Gates appealed and was ordered to recognize in the sum of $300 for his appearance at the session of the superior court, which meets the first Monday in November.
Saturday, October 16, 1915
Center. A little daughter [Helen Fisher] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Edward Fisher on Thursday [Friday, Oct. 8] of last week and also on the same day a daughter [Evelyn Margaret Millis] was born to Mr. and Mrs. Willard T. Millis.
Samuel H. Balch, R.F.D. carrier on route 2, is having the customary fifteen-days’ vacation allowed by the government and William E. Green is substituting for him.
Warren E. Carkin is building a house on the Carlisle road for Hamilton Whitney.
John P. Wright has been having the week’s vacation at home from his Boston office duties, enjoying the time mostly at home and with a few short trips.
Mrs. Gertrude C. Skidmore closes her summer home in Westford this week and returns to her home in Somerville.
Dr. and Mrs. Edward Atwood have been spending vacation days at the Misses Atwood’s [4 Graniteville Rd.], and all together taking some pleasant day trips in the doctor’s auto.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Hildreth, of Winchester, were holiday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Hildreth.
Mrs. Kate Allen, of Malden, has been a guest of Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth this past week.
Mrs. Roudenbush, of Greenfield, is a visitor at the home of her son, Principal William C. Roudenbush.
Mrs. David Wallace, Miss Sarah W. Loker, Miss Lillian Atwood, Mrs. J. W. Day and Mrs. Q. W. Day were the delegation from Westford in attendance at the annual meeting of the North Middlesex Branch Woman’s Board of Missions held with the Littleton Congregational church on last week Friday. The program was reported as one of much excellence and the pleasant hospitality of the entertaining church was much enjoyed. Mrs. Wallace had a part in the program and Miss S. W. Loker was one of a committee of two to prepare and present resolutions on the resignation of Mrs. Abby F. Rolfe, of Concord, who is so well known as a strong and effective worker in church missionary and temperance activities. Mrs. Rolfe was the founder of the North Middlesex Branch Woman’s Board of Missions and has been its president for forty-six years.
The holiday was a quiet one in town with no special observance except the closing of schools and library and some of the regular commuters at home for the day; also, a number of households entertaining guests. It proved a most enjoyable autumn day to spend out-of-doors.
Two enjoyable social events scheduled for the near future are the annual barn dance under the auspices of the Westford A.A, which takes place October 22, and always attracts a large crowd; also, a Hallow-e’en party given by the senior class of Westford academy on October 29.
C. L. Hildreth, town clerk, reports a large number of hunters’ licenses issued for the open season and game is reported as plenty. Much property has been posted against trespassers, largely to prohibit the large number of hunters who come from a distance in automobiles and roam through fields and woods and spoiling the hunting for owners and those living nearby.
Orchardists have been making the most of the fine fall days to gather the apple harvest. Westford has its reputation as an apple town and some of our progressive orchardists are gathering some fine lots of apples.
Rally day was observed at the Congregational church last Sunday, the children of the Sunday school having part in the morning service, and addresses were given by Mr. Wallace and Mr. Osgood, superintendent of the Sunday school. There was a large attendance present.
At a meeting of the Westford Board of Trade on Wednesday evening the proposed amendment to the constitution of this state, which if adopted will permit taxation of incomes at a different rate from other taxes, was discussed. Edward Fisher gave a thorough exposition of the subject. After an informal discussion the board put itself on record as favoring the adoption of this amendment.
Sectional Conference. The special event of interest to many next week will be the sectional conference of the educational department of the Massachusetts State Federation of Woman’s clubs to be held with the Tadmuck club on next Tuesday afternoon at two o’clock at the Unitarian church.
The program will consist of an address on “Vocational education for girls in rural schools,” by Mrs. Mary Schenck Woolman, of Boston, to be followed by five-minute papers on “Value of vocational education in the home,” by Miss Elva Judd, Miss Beatrice Hosmer and Miss Carolyn Precious of the Westford high school. Mrs. C. Neal Barney, of Lynn, will address the club on “Parents-teachers’ associations,” and “Story telling to children” will be presented by Mrs. W. S. Ripley, Jr., of the Kosmos club Wakefield. There will be vocal solos by Mrs. Nettie S. Roberts, of Lowell, and tea will be served by the hostess club during the social hour with Mrs. Edwin E. Amesbury in charge. Superintendent of Schools Frank H. Hill and Mrs. Hill will be special guests of the afternoon as well as all the teachers in town.
This promises to be an afternoon of much profit and pleasure and a very cordial invitation is extended to all members and their guests to be present.
About Town. Miss Amy M. Schellinger, who has been stopping at the Old Oaken Bucket farm with her sister, Mrs. S. L. Taylor, has gone to Excelsior Springs, Mo.
Rev. Louis H. Buckshorn and family are soon to make Westford their home, having hired the cottage of Mrs. Skidmore for the winter. Mr. Buckshorn has sold his apple farm in Chichester, N.H., but still retains his hold, not only on his apple orchards and other fruits in Westford, but upon Westford hilltop rural scenery and his pleasant memories of his former pastorate [1896-1899] of the Unitarian church and the sturdy rural people on the hilltop or in the valleys of the meandering brooks.
At a meeting of the republican town committee on Wednesday evening Alfred W. Hartford was chairman in the absence of Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher. Edward M. Abbot resigned as a member of the town committee and Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher was elected to fill the vacancy. Charles S. Edwards also resigned and Harold Fletcher was elected to fill the vacancy. The committee took action for a solid representation at the county convention in Cambridge this week Saturday afternoon to nominate a county commissioner.
The Old Oaken Bucket are picking Baldwin apples that are eleven inches in circumference and pumpkin sweets that are twelve inches in circumference.
Under the published list of premiums awarded at the Groton fair the Old Oaken Bucket farm was credited with first premium on Porters. Very kind but they did not do that act. They left at home as handsome a plate of Porters as ever threatened to take first premium.
Quincy W. Day, in the role of a day off or more, has gone to California and the land-sliding canal zone.
William R. Carver has bought of Albert D. Taylor the land facing on Depot street, between the residence of John Feeney [10 Depot] and the True A. Bean place [14 Depot].
Another new son has arrived at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Nesmith on the Concord road in Parkerville village [Norman Kenneth Nesmith, born September 24, 1915].
It is planned to have a joint debate between Westford and Littleton Granges the first Thursday evening in November, speakers and subject to be announced.
At the last meeting of the Grange the subject for discussion was “Is the European war an evidence that christianity [sic] is a failure?” The following persons harnessed in to tug at the question: Rev. David Wallace, J. W. Rafter, Mrs. Minnie Robey, Mrs. A. H. Sutherland and S. L. Taylor. As far as a badly echoing hall would allow opinions to be heard, it appeared to be unanimous that it was not an evidence. Then followed the question, “Shall Massachusetts have an exposition in 1920, to celebrate the landing of the Pilgrims?” The same orators jumped into the ring as on the previous question and after delivering several harmless right and left swings at each other with uppercut tendencies they shook hands over it and decided that it would be desirable, provided it was not all bunched up in Boston. The next meeting of the Grange will be held on Thursday evening, October 21. It will be observed as roll call night and every member is expected to appear in song, recitation or oration.
The Old Oaken Bucket farm folks have strawberries in blossom and strawberries boosting towards ripening.
Daniel H. Sheehan is building a large garage on Chelmsford street, Lowell. Besides his farm and cotton mill in Westford he owns a large plantation in Virginia, where he has 700 acres of wheat growing and is contemplating buying a cotton plantation in Georgia
The annual meeting and election of officers of Middlesex North Agricultural society was held at Odd Fellows’ hall in Lowell on Tuesday forenoon. It was voted to hold a poultry show in Lowell in January. At this meeting the trustees from Westford invited the society to hold the first farmers’ institute in Westford town hall, and [it] will be held here the first week in December. The Middlesex Training School band will furnish the music. There will be two speakers, one for the forenoon and one for the afternoon.
F. E. Jewett & Co., Lowell, will load cider apples at Westford depot on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 19 and 20.
The Christian Science society of Ayer will hold their meetings in Dickinson’s block, Ayer, every Sunday morning at 10:30; also, the first Wednesday evening of every month
Forge Village. The mills of Abbot & Company reopened Wednesday morning after a short vacation.
James Sullivan, Fred A. Sweatt, John Carmichael, Elmer E. Nutting and Edward T. Hanley were entertained by Julian Cameron, of Westford, at his summer home on Chebacco Island, Essex, over the weekend.
Harry White, formerly of this village, but now of Boston, has been renewing acquaintances here. Before returning to Boston he will visit in Derby, Me.
Services will be held at St. Andrew’s mission at 4:30 o’clock on Sunday afternoon. Sunday school will be held as usual at 3:30.
Miss Edith M. Foster, principal of Cameron school, had charge of the Young People’s Social club on Thursday evening.
The annual meeting of St. Andrew’s parish will be held at the home of Mrs. Endicott Peabody, of Groton, on October 21. A cordial invitation is extended to all interested in the welfare of St. Andrew’s mission. Barges will meet the seven o’clock electric in Ayer.
Mrs. M. A. Lowther has had as her guests Mr. and Mrs. James Harkins of Glassport Pa. Mr. and Mrs. Harkins were on their honeymoon and left for home recently. Mrs. Harkins is a native of this village, being formerly Miss Christina Lowther Mann, and is a granddaughter of Mrs. Lowther.
Mr. and Mrs. Fennimore Morton held a very delightful party at their home on last Saturday evening in honor of their second daughter, Miss Mary R. Morton. The gathering was in the nature of a surprise party, it being the thirteenth birthday anniversary of Miss Mary. Miss Josephine Socha, in behalf of the forty young people present, presented Miss Mary with a gold locket and chain and a gold bracelet. Dainty refreshments were served and the remainder of the evening was spent in music and games. Among those present from out of town were Harry White of Boston, Frank Taylor Norwood, Rose and Leo Savan of Ayer and a large number from Westford. The gathering broke up at a late hour.
Many from here attended the community supper held at the Graniteville M.E. church on Wednesday evening.
Graniteville. Frank L. Furbush has recently returned from a two-weeks’ vacation in Maine, during which he met many old friends and enjoyed some fine hunting.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church held the annual community supper on Wednesday evening and the affair proved to be a big success. An excellent supper was served by the ladies in their own efficient manner at 6:45, and after all had partaken of the good things the large number present listened to some excellent speaking by Rev. Dr. Dean, Rev. Mr. Hurd and others. This is the first affair of this nature that the Ladies Aid has held in some time and they surely were well pleased with the large number present. The supper was a great success, the speaking was thoroughly enjoyed, all had a very pleasant time and best of all a neat sum was added to the treasury of the Ladies’ Aid as the result of their activities.
The local hunters have reported a scarcity of game this season. Can it be that the posted land has anything to do with it?
The selectmen have recently placed at advantageous points several signs to the advantage of the motorist and the community at large. The small boys and also some large ones have been throwing stones at these signs and the selectmen have instructed the constables to arrest the first person injuring or defacing these signs, so it is up to the small boy to be good for the time being at least.
Wedding. Miss Mary C. Healy, of this village, and Edward Spinner, of Forge Village, were united in marriage on Wednesday, October 12, at the parochial residence of St. John’s church, North Chelmsford. The pastor, Rev. Edmund T. Schofield, was the officiating clergyman. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Annie Healy, and John Spinner, Jr., brother of the groom, was best man. The bride was becomingly attired in a costume of white crepe de meteor, trimmed with fur, and wore a bridal veil. Her traveling costume was of purple, trimmed with brown fur, and she wore a large purple picture hat of the same prevailing shade. The bridesmaid’s costume was of nile green silk, with an overdress of green velvet. Immediately after the ceremony the bridal party returned to Graniteville where a wedding dinner was served at the home of the bride’s parents on Broadway, that was attended by the members of the immediate family and a few intimate friends.
The happy couple were the recipients of many beautiful presents from a wide circle of relatives and friends.
Mr. and Mrs. Spinner left by auto in the early evening for Lowell, many of the wedding party accompanying them on the trip. There a train was taken for New York for a brief honeymoon trip, and on their return the newly-wedded couple will reside in this village.
Both young people are well and favorably known here and start in on their new life with the best wishes of a wide circle of friends.
Saturday, October 23, 1915
Center. The Donald M. Camerons, who have been spending the summer at the Cameron homestead, returned to their Lowell home this week.
Mrs. Carnzu Abbot Clark and baby daughter are spending autumn weeks at Tadmuck hill while Dr. Clark is on a hunting trip in the Maine woods.
It was a pleasure to have Mrs. Joseph R. Draper among those present at the education conference of Woman’s clubs at the Unitarian church on Tuesday afternoon, greeting her many friends. Mrs. Draper motored up from Auburndale with friends for the conference.
Mrs. O. V. Wells has recently been added to the list of lady auto drivers and is getting about town with the doctor’s Reo automobile.
Miss Mary G. Balch represented Westford in the suffrage parade in Boston last Saturday afternoon. Among interested Westford women who viewed the parade were Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, Mrs. W. J. Merritt, Mrs. A. W. Hartford and Mrs. Gertrude C. Skidmore. We understand Mrs. Alice M. Lambert, of North Westford marched with the Lowell delegation.
Mrs. L. W. Wheeler entertained the Bridge Whist club at her home on Friday evening of last week, there being six tables for the game.
Emory J. Whitney has been among the sick ones and under the doctor’s care, but is now almost fully recovered.
Rev. William E. Anderson of Virginia, who recently purchased the N. B. Blood farm on Flagg road, is remodeling the house with new windows, hardwood floors and other needed improvements and repairs, the work being done by J. H. Colburn.
Mrs. B. H. Streeter has returned to her rooms in North Cambridge for the winter, but will make occasional visits to Westford.
Walter L. Cutter was in Boston on October 10 and 12, attending the sixteenth annual reunion of the army of the Philippines. Gen. Jacob H. Smith, retiring commander-in-chief of the organization, was colonel of the 17th U.S. Infantry in which Mr. Cutter served during the Philippine insurrection, and after this promotion to brigadier general Mr. Cutter served in his brigade while at Luzon. General Smith has been retired after years of faithful service and the reunion furnished the men who served under him with an opportunity to see once more the officer whom they had learned to love and respect.
At the Congregational church last Sunday morning Mr. Wallace preached an excellent sermon on “Good citizenship.” Mrs. Norah Colburn sang an offertory solo with much sweetness of expression and Miss Florence Wilson of the girls’ vested choir, sustained the solo part in the anthem, which gave much promise of one more good singer for the musical part of the church work. At the evening service J. W. Rafter gave an address on the humanitarian and Christian side of the war as exemplified among the sick and wounded.
Joseph E. Knight [age 20] broke an axle of his auto last week, but repairs have been made and he is progressing well toward the class of experienced drivers.
Peter Clement is going about with a bandaged left hand, caused by an accidental gunshot would while cleaning a gun. Two fingers were mutilated and for a time the wound was serious and painful, but is now improving.
The annual meeting of the Ladies’ Aid society of the Congregational church took place at the vestry on Thursday afternoon of last week. The president, Mrs. Wallace, presided, and officers and committees chosen for the year. The first of the monthly socials and suppers for the season will be the annual church banquet, which will take place on Tuesday evening, November 2. The supper and entertainment committee for the same are working diligently to make it the usual success.
Remember that all the mysteries and fun of Halloween will be exploited by the senior class of the high school at their Halloween party on next week Friday evening at the town hall. Dancing will follow the entertainment.
Educational Conference. The sectional conference of the education department of the Massachusetts State Federation of Woman’s clubs was held in Westford under the auspices of the Tadmuck club Tuesday afternoon. All details of arrangement were carried out to make it profitable and inspiring and reflecting credit upon the hostess club, the members of whom in turn feel grateful for the fine program brought to them by the members of the education department. The meeting took place at the Unitarian church at two o’clock and was called to order by Mrs. Herbert V. Hildreth of the home club, who extended gracious welcome to all, after which Mrs. Mary Schenck Woolman, of Boston, presided, and gave an address on “Vocational education for girls in rural schools,” given from wide experience and observation in this work. This was followed by three five-minute papers on “The value of vocational education in the home,” by Miss Elva Jude, Miss Beatrice Hosmer and Miss Carolyn Precious. These papers were varied in treatment, showing much individuality and girlish ambition and were much enjoyed.
The second address was by Mrs. C. Neal Barney, of Lynn, whose subject was the Parent-Teachers’ association, presented with fine intelligence and vivid personality. Mrs. Barney made clear the need of a mutual understanding and friendship between parents and teachers.
Mrs. W. S. Ripley, Jr., of Wakefield, gave the closing address of the afternoon, outlining the work accomplished in the Cosmos club of Wakefield in “Story telling to children.” Supt. Frank H. Hill supplemented the addresses with some remarks on local school conditions.
Mrs. Nettie E. Roberts, of Lowell, interspersed the program with some delightful solos, her rendering of “A little old-fashioned house” being particularly enjoyable, and her closing number was by special request, “O perfect day.”
After the program adjournment was made to the church parlors and a social hour and club tea enjoyed. Mrs. Edwin E. Amesbury was the hostess of the afternoon and she, with her capable assistants, made this feature of the day most enjoyable. Mrs. Oscar R. Spalding and Mrs. William R. Carver presided at the handsomely appointed tea table. Guests were present from Groton, Clinton, Ayer, Auburndale, Billerica and North Adams.
About Town. The Sidney B. Wright farm folks have in their cellar Baldwin apples raised in 1914—a clear case of knowing how.
The Old Oaken Bucket farm folks take a back seat. Some Baldwin apples raised in Tarbell’s orchards on the Boston road measure fourteen inches.
At the Walker homestead on Main street, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Wallace, of Wellesley, have been visiting Mrs. Wallace’s uncle and aunt, Charles E. Walker and Miss Belle Walker.
There will be a food sale for the benefit of the Village church at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred A. Snow, West Chelmsford, Friday afternoon, October 29.
The next meeting of Chelmsford Grange will be held on next Thursday evening. The third and fourth degrees will be conferred on a class of over thirty. Tyngsboro Grange will assist in the initiation.
The hunters are still hunting for game regardless of “no trespassing,” and some farmers are hunting for the hunters of game.
Between the sharpness of the face to face attack on the Antis by V. T. E. of Littleton in last week’s paper, and the flank attack by the Massachusetts Woman Suffrage association on Col. John P. Irish of California it would seem that the Antis would be panting for breath or badly pinched between the “upper and nether stones.”
At the last meeting of the Alliance Mrs. William E. Frost edified her group of friends with her thoughts on “An experiment in social service.” The next meeting will be held on November 11. Subject, “Liberal religious thought in India.” This subject will be in charge of Mrs. H. V. Hildreth.
James Donnelly has had a telephone installed at his store at Brookside.
Come to the back seat you Tarbell orchardist at Westford Center along with the Old Oaken Bucket farm folks who several weeks ago was promoted there in measuring apples. James E. Taylor, of Carlisle, now comes forward with an apple that measure fifteen inches around and four inches across, weighing 1 pound 6 ounces.
Out of the sixteen members of the republican town committee fifteen attended the county convention in Cambridge last Saturday afternoon. This comes close to carrying off the banner for best attendance, as only about 500 delegates were present out of a possible of over 900.
Of old it was said “The little foxes destroy the vines.” In modern life they destroy the poultry at the Old Oaken Bucket farm.
Forge Village. Services at St. Andrew’s mission will be held at 4:30 Sunday afternoons until further notice.
William Burnett of this village and Hugh Ferguson of Westford attended the meeting of the vestrymen of St. Andrew’s parish held in Ayer on Tuesday evening.
Little Malcolm Weaver [age 5], who has been quite ill at the home of his parents, is now able to attend school.
Little Miss Catherine Farrell is out again after her illness at the home of her grandmother, Mrs. Margaret A. Wilson.
The Ladies’ Sewing Circle held their regular meeting in Recreation hall on last week Thursday afternoon. Arrangements were made for the making of the new vestments to be worn by the members of the choir of St. Andrew’s mission.
There was no session of school on Tuesday afternoon in order that the teachers might attend the meeting of the Tadmuck club in Westford as invited guests.
There will be no meeting of the Young People’s Social club on account of the annual parish meeting of St. Andrew’s church.
John Bastow, of Hudson, was the guest of Mrs. Ellen Oldham, Pond Street, Saturday and Sunday.
The teachers of Cameron school attended the convention held in Ayer this week Friday, the school being closed in consequence.
The annual parish meeting of St. Andrew’s was held on Thursday evening at the home of Mrs. Endicott Peabody, of Groton. Devotional services in Groton School chapel preceded the meeting. A special car left Ayer at ten o’clock for all who attended from this village.
The Y.P.S.C.E. held their meeting last week under the direction of Miss Edith M. Foster. Lessons were given in basket weaving which proved to be of much interest. The younger members enjoyed folk dancing.
Mrs. William Burnett picked a dish of green peas from her garden last week. There are quite a number of blossoms on the vines. They certainly are a rarity at this season.
A letter has been received by the Serbian Helpers Sewing club from the Serbian Agricultural Relief Committee of New York city thanking the members of the club for all articles of clothing sent by them recently to New York. The clothing was for the use of the stricken people of Serbia.
Mr. and Mrs. James Sullivan spent Sunday in Fitchburg.
Mrs. Jane Dare, of Pleasant street, is entertaining her cousin and two children from New York city. Miss Margaret O’Hara, of Concord, N.H., was a guest of her sister, Mrs. Dare, during this week.
Saturday, October 30, 1915
Center. John M. Fletcher and James Spinner have been drawn to serve for jury duty for the fall term. During Mr. Fletcher’s absence James B. Hartford will assist at the store.
J. Herbert Fletcher has been enjoying two or three days’ outing this week in Pepperell with the New England Fox Hunters’ association.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Prescott Wright and Mrs. M. Elizabeth Whitney have returned to their Brookline home for the winter after having spent the summer at the Whitney homestead.
Mrs. H. V. Hildreth and Mrs. O. R. Spalding visited the Talbot school in North Billerica on Tuesday to observe methods in teaching sewing where a paid teacher is employed. This visit was preparatory to commencing the season’s lessons in sewing at the Frost school.
The first meeting in November for the Grange is the election of officers and a good attendance is desired.
Members of the Tadmuck club are reminded that all recipes for the new club cook book should be sent in this week to Mrs. Alma M. Richardson, who is compiling them for the printer. All who have not sent theirs in should do so at once if they wish to be represented in the book.
Mr. and Mrs. E. J. Whitney were in attendance at the public installation of officers, entertainment and banquet of Masons in Ayer on Tuesday evening. Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler accompanied them as their guests for the evening. J. Willard Fletcher was reinstalled in office at this meeting.
Mrs. William C. Roudenbush invited a group of guests Tuesday afternoon to meet Madam Roudenbush, of Greenfield, who is a guest in the home. Tea was served and a delightful social hour enjoyed.
Dr. and Mrs. O. V. Wells have been in attendance this week at the session of the North America Congress of Surgeons being held at the Copley Plaza hotel in Boston, with attendant clinics at the various hospitals. Dr. Wells is a member of this society.
Frank A. Wright and Sydney W. Wright, with their families, were weekend visitors at Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright’s.
Dr. and Mrs. N. L. Griffin and two daughters, of New London, N.H., have been guests of Dr. and Mrs. O. V. Wells the latter part of this week. Dr. Griffin has been in attendance at the Clinical Congress of Surgeons during the week and goes with his family to Florida where he holds a winter practice.
Fred W. Burke, candidate for senator from this district, made an address in front of the postoffice Monday evening. He was accompanied by the Shoe City quartet and others. Senator Charles A. Kimball, of Littleton, candidate for re-election, has also been in town recently addressing the voters.
At the meeting of the Tadmuck club on next Tuesday afternoon at Library hall Mrs. George O. Jenkins will lecture on the vital subject, “The moving picture problem.”
The seventh annual barn dance under the auspices of the Westford A.A. was held in the town hall last week Friday evening. There were about 125 present, many guests attending from the surrounding towns. The rustic decorations of corn, pumpkins and assorted leaves were most effectively arranged. Eddy’s orchestra, new to Westford dancers, furnished excellent music for the dancing from eight until twelve o’clock. The association treasury cleared a good amount and the members are planning another dance to be given in a few weeks.
The Congregational church banquet will take place on Tuesday evening. Rev. J. C. Alvord, of Littleton, will speak on “Traveling in Europe in war time.” William C. Roudenbush will present “Seeing America first” and Rev. William A. Anderson will speak on “Pastoral experiences in Virginia.” John P. Wright will act as toastmaster and the speaking will be interspersed with music.
Harry B. Prescott enjoyed last week at home as a vacation from his Boston office.
About Town. Roll call was well played by the not crowding presence of members at the meeting of the Grange last week. After roll call the following question was flashed from the lecturer, “If anything is morally wrong can it be made legally right?” The suddenness of the question necessitated some sudden thinking. A warm time was neatly kindled into a blaze by the statement “that we have no agreement as to moral standards except as it relates to crime.” The next meeting, November 4, will be the election of officers. The second meeting in November will be a discussion between Westford and Littleton, a list of subjects having been sent to Littleton Grange to select from, or any other subject not on the list. The debaters on the part of Westford have not all been selected, but it is expected and hoped that Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher will open fire for Westford.
The next meeting of Middlesex North Pomona Grange will be held on Friday, November 5, at Odd Fellows’ hall, Lowell. Election of officers will occur in the forenoon and the afternoon session will be open to the public. The evening session will be devoted to conferring the fifth degree.
Perley E. Wright, by the aid of his two-year-old son [Harold Ellsworth Wright], recently discovered raspberries enough for dinner.
West Chelmsford Grange held an enthusiastic meeting at Marshall’s hall, Westford Corner, Wednesday evening. Westford, Lowell, Tyngsboro, Chelmsford and Billerica were represented and over thirty candidates were initiated in the third and fourth degrees. The ladies’ degree team of Tyngsboro worked the third degree in a well disciplined manner. Mrs. Harry Saxon entertained with song and the Grange with refreshments.
The old Oaken Bucket farm folks are shipping apples to North Dakota for climatic cold storage.
At the McCall-Coolidge-Rogers-Kimball rally in Ayer on Monday Westford was in the lonesome with only the Old Oaken Bucket.
Littleton Grange having been challenged by Westford Grange to a joint debate, and having the choice of weapons, they have selected the following: Resolved, “That whoever voted against striking out the word ‘male’ from the constitution of Massachusetts at the recent state election voted against the fundamental principles of American liberty.” That seems to go down to the roots of the trouble and Littleton Grange will defend the negative side, that such voting was not against the principles of American liberty.
Hits Both Ways. Mrs. Henry Preston White, as anti-suffrage speaker at Pepperell, was the fairest and most logical the writer has ever pondered over and yet from the suffragette simple demand of “equal rights” the speaker was clear gone illogical and every charge made against woman why she should not have the ballot applies with equal force to men. Two examples—“In England the suffragettes have been throwing bombs, smashing windows, setting fire to churches and filling mail boxes with acid.” This certainly is not very lady-like, but hold, let us see what some men folks have done. So riotous, so destructive of life and property that both the state and national militia have been called out. If the former is a reason why women should not vote, the latter is more than an equal reason why men should not vote. One is as sane as the other is sensible. Again in substance, “There are greater influences than the ballot that woman has neglected.” That is true sister, but this is equally true of men and from the platform of the suffragettes “equal rights” for the same neglect of duty, equal treatment.
Forge Village. On Sunday, All Saints’ day, the members of St. Andrew’s mission choir will go to Leominster, where they will join with St. Mark’s Episcopal church choir in the morning service held at St. Mark’s church. While in Leominster the choir members will be the guests of Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, pastor of St. Mark’s church, formerly vicar of St. Andrew’s parish.
There were no sessions at Cameron school on last week Friday as the teachers attended the convention held in Ayer.
Miss Eva F. Pyne, of the teaching staff of Cameron school, had as her guest on Thursday evening of last week Miss Abbie M. Blaisdell, of Wamesit [Lowell]; also, one of the teachers at this school.
Among the invited guests who are indebted to the Tadmuck club of Westford for a very interesting afternoon at the Unitarian church on Tuesday were the teachers of Cameron school. A most pleasing program was given.
Annual Parish Meeting. The annual parish meeting of St. Andrew’s church and the missions connected with the same was held on last week Thursday evening at the home or Rev. and Mrs. Endicott Peabody, of Groton. A short devotional service in Groton chapel preceded the meeting, at which Dr. Peabody and Rev. W. M. Ford, the vicar, officiated. The meeting opened with the reading of the minutes by C. S. Griswold, after which many interesting reports were read. Those of special interest to the village people were read by Mrs. R. D. Prescott, representing the Ladies Sewing circle, and by Miss Theresa Lowther, who represented the Sunday school of the mission here. An account [was given] of the work accomplished here during the past year for the allies and war-stricken Serbia. It may be of interest to know that Abbot & Company, of this village, gave 300 pounds of wool valued at 60 cents per pound to their employees who made it up into scarfs, helmets, stockings and numerous other articles; $75 in cash was collected in the village to be used for purchasing handkerchiefs for the allies. The Serbian Helpers Sewing club during the past summer has made other useful garments for the needy Serbians. When all this work was packed for shipment it was valued at $1000.
The several reports as given by Mr. Ford won for him much commendation. An informal luncheon was served followed by a musical program given by members of Groton School.
Graniteville. Frank Charlton is gaining quite a reputation as a real hunter. He has made several trips to the woods this fall and always returns home with some sort of game. He shot a fine black duck recently and he holds the record in this view for shooting on the wing, which method is the only way a true sportsman should shoot.
The members of the Young People’s Social club tendered a shower to Miss Bertha Wilson of the M.E. church last Saturday evening. The affair was largely attended and thoroughly enjoyed by all. Miss Wilson received many beautiful gifts. A fine entertainment was given and during the evening refreshments were served. Miss Wilson’s coming marriage to Mr. Whitney of Westford has already been announced.
The political situation appears to be rather quiet here at present and aside from the suffrage speakers there has not been a local rally of any kind here this season. Some of the candidates will doubtless call before election day.
Next Tuesday will be election day. The voting booths for Precinct 2 will be in the firehouse of the A. R. Choate hose company on Fifth street, the same as last year. The polls will be open at 6:30 in the morning and may close at four in the afternoon. The board of registrars have closed their meetings for the time being and have added many new names to the voting list this year.
Miss Anna Jones, of Bangor, Me., is visiting friends in this village for a few days.
The cellar is already dug and the foundation laid for a new double tenement house to be erected by Adelord Brule on Maple street. P. Henry Harrington has the contract.
Evelyn, the little daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Defoe, who has been quite ill for the past several days, is now feeling much better.
Supt. A. H. Sutherland of the Westford Water Company, has had a gang of men at work this week on Third street installing new water pipes and improving the system at this particular point so that there will be no further difficulty experienced in the winter by frozen water pipes.
Mr. and Mrs. C. E. Dudevoir and family recently moved into the Chas. T. Brooks house on the Westford road.