Turner's Public Spirit, April 30, 1921
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. Mr. and Mrs. Harold Davis and three children of Chelmsford are occupying the log
cabin on Prospect hill for the summer.
“Miss Elinor Cameron, who has been spending the winter abroad, arrived home this week.
“Mrs. Adeline M. Buckshorn arrived home from Baltimore, Md., last week, where she has
been spending the winter with her daughter, Miss Elizabeth Kittredge. While the Gray family
were still occupying her house Mrs. Buckshorn has been spending a few days with Miss Emily F.
Fletcher.
“Charles L. Hildreth is staying at his parents’ home during the quarantine of his son, Roger,
with scarlet fever. The latter has been suffering with ear complications requiring a specialist from
Lowell the first of the week.
“The Baldwin apple buds in this section were quite seriously damaged during the cold spell of
two weeks ago or more. This means much loss to the many orchardists in this vicinity, who have
Baldwin orchards.
“The ancient cherry tree which has stood for so many years at the front of Perley E. Wright’s
grounds [56 Main St.] has recently been removed.
“Interested housewives from this town have recently attended the exhibit of ‘The house
beautiful’ at Mechanics’ hall, Boston, and report a most interesting display.
“Westford Post, A.L. [American Legion], held an open house Monday evening to its friends
and a most enjoyable evening was the result at its headquarters on [20] Boston road. A fine
program was enjoyed with Mrs. Nettie E. Roberts of Lowell as soloist and Miss Verna Wright of
Somerville, reader…. At the conclusion of the program refreshments were served and a social
hour enjoyed.
“About Town. To the older residents of Westford it will be interesting to note that Arthur G.
Fletcher, who is headmaster of Proctor academy, Andover, N.H., is the grandson of the late
Franklin and Sophronia (Chamberlin) Fletcher, both longtime residents of Westford, living in
Parkerville….
“Preparations are being made for the usual summer company at the boys’ camp of the
Y.M.C.A. of Lowell at Nabnassett lake.
“The peach orchard of F. W. Banister on the eastern slope of Westford hill is now in full
bloom, and it is a handsome sight in contrast with the green foliage of forest trees by which this
peach orchard is surrounded.
“While the prospect is encouraging for a large peach crop, it is equally discouraging for winter
apples. At present it doesn’t look as though there would be a fifteen percent crop…. Whatever
the cause there is to be about a fifteen percent crop of winter apples as far as our observation
goes, which is about an eighth of a mile square.
“Fortieth Anniversary. Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright celebrated the fortieth anniversary of
their marriage last Saturday afternoon and evening. A large gathering of invited guests and
relatives were present. Guests were present from Middleton, Groton, Lowell, Chelmsford and
Westford. About seventy were present in all. Among the presents was $40 in gold and other
money, cut glass, pinks and jonquils and other useful ornamental remembrances, including linen,
blankets, silverware, etc…. The occasion was well livened up by a know how to play orchestra
and members of the Abbot Worsted Co. band, Gordon Seavey, cornet, and Eric and Carl
Anderson, who played the trombone and five different instruments in the same piece. Miss
Eleanor Colburn presided at the piano in a most efficient manner. This orchestra is to be
congratulated upon its efficiency.
“One of the peculiar features of the evening was the presence of three other couples who were
married on the same date—Mr. and Mrs. Frank W. Banister [m. 23 Apr 1879], Mr. and Mrs. John
Fenney [m. 23 Apr 1890] and Rev. and Mrs. William Anderson [m. 23 Apr 1907].
“Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright were married in Littleton by Rev. J. L. Sewell on April 23 [24
per vital records], 1889 [1881]….
“Baseball. Workmen are setting the Abbot baseball park [in Graniteville] into shape and the
playing field will be greatly improved for the opening game to be played here on May 14, when
the Abbot Worsted Co. team will have for opponents the fast Boston & Maine Y.M.C.A. club,
composed of former college and New England league players. ‘Ernie’ Williams, the pitcher with
the puzzling curve, will be on the slab for the Abbot team in the opening game. Liston, ‘Johnny’
Murphy, McVey, Belleville and other fast ones will be in the lineup. Another addition to the
team will be Ernest Downing, that well-known twirler who pitched so successfully for the Ayer
A.A., Camp Devens and other fast teams last season….”
Aurilla Mary (Decatur) Wright celebrated her 40 th anniversary with Frank C. Wright in 1921.
Courtesy Photo / Westford Historical Society.