The Westford Wardsman, April 5, 1919
Center. It was pleasant to have Mrs. Goldsmith H. Conant back in town, and in attendance at the Tadmuck club, Tuesday. Mr. and Mrs. Conant and son have been spending the winter in Boston.
The academy was closed last week Friday and the teachers had a day for visiting other schools. Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth and Miss Libby J. Cohen visited the Lowell Normal school and Principal Roudenbush went to Boston, Friday and Saturday, to the State High Schoolmasters club, going Friday to the gathering at Harvard college, and the meeting Saturday at the state house in Boston.
Mrs. M. J. Gillette, of Collinsville, Conn., has been spending a week at Emory J. Whitney’s. Mrs. Gillette was a cousin of the late Mrs. Whitney.
Mrs. Charles H. Pickering, who has been so seriously sick, is reported as gaining. A nurse, Miss Bremner, is in attendance.
Mrs. Lena Clement Donaldson and little son Clement, of Lowell, were visitors at the parental home this week.
William Mills, who enlisted before the draft went into effect, and who has seen much overseas duty, has been home to see his home people. He recently returned to Camp Merritt and went after his visit home to Camp Devens, where he expects to get his discharge from service.
Mrs. C. A. Blaney is completing her convalescence from her recent sickness with a visit with relatives out of town.
The closing lecture on the Pilgrims, with stereopticon, proved interesting and was well attended last Sunday evening at the Congregational church. Mrs. Brownsey assisted the meetings with readings from Longfellow’s “Courtship of Miles Standish.” and “The daffodils.”
At the business session after the program the question that has been under consideration for some time of increasing the annual dues was presented and was well and intelligently discussed. By written ballots it was voted to increase the annual dues from $1.00 to $1.50.
The president appointed a nominating committee for a list of officers for another year, to report at the annual meeting. Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth, Miss May G. Balch and Mrs. Harry B. Prescott made up this committee.
The next meeting will be reciprocity day and will be held at the Congregational church, Mrs. Perry E. Shupe, hostess.
Social. Although the weather was most unfavorable, the evening being cold and snowy, the monthly social for March at the Congregational church last week Friday evening was successful and well attended. An appetizing supper, in charge of Mrs. F. A. Meyer and Mrs. S. L. Taylor, was served at 6:30, every place at the long tables being taken and some re-setting. The menu consisted of cold meat, escalloped dishes, rolls, coffee, relishes and pies.
The entertainment was in charge of Mrs. W. R. Taylor. A reading, “Priscilla Prue’s garden,” was given by Mrs. Taylor and written by her. The three Berne brothers and Mr. Peterson from West Chelmsford gave the musical program with Miss Colburn at the piano. A one-act play, “Everybody’s family,” which might have been typical happenings in anybody’s family getting ready for church on Sunday morning, was much enjoyed. Those who took the parts were Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Meyer, Misses Sargent and Colburn.
A good social evening plus $27 for the treasury was the result of this capable committee’s efforts.
About Town. George H. Hartford has been appointed foreman of the jury by Judge Dubuque in the trial of Joseph Cordia and Francisco Feel for the murder of Louis Fred Soalis at Billerica last October.
The cold which has been tracking windward towards zero for nearly a week, got within 12 degrees of it on Wednesday morning at the Old Oaken Bucket farm. This sudden drop sent all the March butterflies and their warm weather relatives to cover.
The debate at West Chelmsford Grange on last week Thursday evening by a quartet from Westford Grange brought out about all reserves. The question, Resolved, “That we are influenced more by the company that we keep than by the literature that we read,” was taken in the affirmative by Fred A. Hanscom, Samuel L. Taylor; negative, Rev. William Anderson, Fred Meyers. This question had a prior debate at Westford Grange and each side sprung a new line of argument to trap the other in a surprise attack. The negative launched what seemed like an unanswerable argument for literature, and in the language of the ring they had the affirmative against the ropes and slightly groggy. The vote on the merits of the question was 25 to 1 for the affirmative; merits of the debate, 16 for the affirmative and 14 for the negative.
Charles A. Blodgett has been appointed cattle inspector at a salary of $175 [per year], and Emory J. Whitney as meat inspector.
There will be an unusually heavy peach blossoming this spring; at least that is what the trees testify to on examination. How the buds have withstood the recent cold weather is another question. Authority says peach buds, well advanced, will stand eight above. We have had many years’ experience in raising a peck of peaches, or rather it took many years to raise a peck, and we feel that this experience entitles us to enter a minority opinion on eight above.
A son was born on last week Friday to Mr. and Mrs. John Bell at Westford Corner. Mrs. Bell will be remembered as Miss Jessie Walkden.
There will be an informal meeting of the Unitarian parish this Saturday evening to consider business of importance to the parish.
The Ladies’ sewing circle and Westford Branch Alliance will hold the next meeting on Thursday afternoon, April 12, at 2:30 o’clock. Mrs. L. H. Buckshorn will speak on “Why I am a Unitarian.”
Now that the sun is an hour behind correct time in the name of daylight saving, we give the testimony of one balance sheet as one of many: “I have a large stock of cows. Under the new push timetable I have to begin milking at three o’clock in the morning. My hired man is a nine-hour regulator, so as he begins work at three in the morning and several hours before sunlight is awake, he finishes his day’s work at one o’clock in the afternoon. He remains idle several hours of the best sunlight.” What an economical daylight saving that is work several hours in the dark and remain idle several hours of the best sunlight.
Our old neighbor, Charles Whitney, is making his home with Charles Graves on the Graniteville road.
Fred A. Snow, of West Chelmsford, who was drawn on the jury on the Billerica murder trial, was excused; also, John Edwards, of Forge Village.
Dr. John E. Toye, well known to Westford and West Chelmsford people, who served eighteen months in the army, is located for the practice of medicine and surgery at Arlington, N.J., at the office of the late Dr. and Mrs. A. Strosser. His family, who have been stopping during his army service with his father, John A. Toye, in West Chelmsford, will accompany him to New Jersey.
Miss Evelyn Miner, of Shirley, has been visiting at F. W. Banister’s.
An owl of unusual size was recently seen on an old apple tree at the F. W. Banister farm.
Graniteville. Both masses in St. Catherine’s church on last Sunday morning were celebrated by Rev. J. Emilie Dupont and in spite of the inclement weather there was a large number in attendance. On Tuesday evening the usual Lenten devotion was held at 7:30 and consisted of a sermon in French by Rev. J. E. Dupont, followed by the recital of the rosary and benediction.
Miss Mabel Rhodes of Lowell has been a recent guest of Miss Nellie Healy in this village.
A son, Joseph Emile, was born to Mr. and Mrs. Jelas (Gelas) Landry on March 28.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church held a baked bean and salad supper in the church vestry on last week Thursday night that was well attended. The entertainment consisted of readings by Mrs. Belle Harrington Hall of Lowell, also xylophone solos by an out of town performer, assisted by local talent. The supper was up to the usual high standard of the Ladies’ Aid and was thoroughly enjoyed.
Mrs. Mary Stuart has received word from her son, Private Fred M. Stuart, of the regular army, stating that he recently arrived from overseas service and is now at Newport News, Va. Private Stuart has been wounded and his mother had not heard from him since last October, despite every effort to get into communication with him. It is welcome news to his mother, as it will be to his host of friends, to know that he is safe and well in America once more in spite of the fact that he received a severe injury to one of his legs. Private Stuart is an enlisted man, joining the regular U.S. army in the early stages of the world war. He was a wagoner and has seen some active service over there. His many friends here are anxiously waiting the time when he can return home.
The members of Court Graniteville, F. of A., held a well attended and interesting meeting in their rooms on Thursday night when arrangements were made to entertain grand chief ranger, D. J. Murphy, of Lowell, the grand financial secretary Mitchell and grand treasurer Connolly at a meeting to be held here on April 17. Hon. D. J. Murphy is an eloquent speaker and it is expected that a large number of the members will be present to greet them on this occasion.
Word has been recently received here from Private Alfred Heroux, a Graniteville boy, now with the A.E.F., and he is now stationed in the same town in Germany with Private William F. Buckingham.
Many people from this village will attend the meeting in Abbot’s hall next Sunday for the purpose of forming a brass band, composed of young men both here and in Forge Village. There is considerable musical talent here and it is hoped that the band will be a success.
Forge Village. Rev. Mr. Eaton, of Boston, occupied the pulpit of St. Andrew’s mission last Sunday afternoon.
The members of the local football club are making arrangements to hold a minstrel show after Easter for the benefit of the club.
A daughter was born recently to Mr. and Mrs. Avery Smith.
Will the party who used the cymbals in the peace parade held here last November return them at once to John Edwards.
Benefit Concert. A very enjoyable benefit concert was held in Abbot hall on last week Thursday evening under the auspices of Cameron circle, C. of F. of A. The program, in charge of Miss Marion Lord, was much enjoyed. Those taking part were Misses Mildred and Carolyne Precious, Marjorie Baker, Doris Whigham, Irene Comey, Priscilla Bennett, Alice Mountain, Annie Orr, Pamelya Precious, Ruth Kavanaugh, Frank Charlton, Misses Agnes Charlton, Winnie Thompson, Ethel Collins, Rachel Wall, [and] John Kelly.
At the conclusion of the program motion pictures were shown by Edmund de la Haye. All the numbers were well rendered and thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. Especially pleasing were the vocal solos by Miss Rachel Wall, Frank Charlton and John Kelly. Miss Wall possesses an unusually sweet voice and Mr. Charlton is always a favorite here. The program was announced by Thomas J. Kelly.
Death. Mrs. Hannah (Finch) Weaver, wife of William Weaver, died at her home here last week Friday morning after a few days’ illness. She suffered a shock earlier in the week which was followed quickly by two more. All of her family were with her when the end came with the exception of three grandsons, who are at present in France with the A.E.F. Mrs. Weaver leaves besides her husband, five daughters and a son—Mrs. William Baker, Mrs. John Edwards and William Weaver, of this village; Mrs. Carl Gerard, of Ayer; Mrs. Henry Tyler, of Worcester, and Mrs. Arthur Blodgett, of Medford; also, twelve grandchildren and two brothers, John Finch of Australia, and Thomas Finch, of North Chelmsford.
Mrs. Weaver was born in Kidderminster, England, in February, 1845. She was married to William Weaver on July 19, 1863. The early years of their married life were spent there, and eight children were born to them, but two died in infancy. They came to this country in January, 1887, and have resided here ever since. Their golden wedding was celebrated in July, 1913.
Mrs. Weaver was held in high esteem by everyone, her long residence here making her familiar with everyone. She was of a very cheerful disposition, and although she suffered intensely at times she kept up her courage and enjoyed life. Her presence will be sadly missed and the sympathy of the village people is extended to the bereaved family.
The funeral was held at her late home on Sunday afternoon at two o’clock. There was a large gathering of neighbors and friends of many years’ standing. Rev. Mr. Eaton, of Boston, read the simple, beautiful service of the Episcopal church. The Misses Marion Lord, Bertha Collins, Theresa Lowther and George Wilson sang “Lead, kindly light” and “Shall we meet beyond the river?” The burial took place in Fairview cemetery, where Dr. Eaton read the committal prayers. The bearers the five sons-in-law of the deceased, Henry Tyler, Arthur Blodgett, Carl Girard, William Baker, John Edwards and Fred Davis. The floral offerings were very beautiful.
Those who attended the services from out of town were Walker Curtiss, Frank Cavelery and Mrs. William Jordan, of Worcester; Harry Gifford and Howard Woodbury, of Medford; Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Constantineau, of Lowell; Mr. and Mrs. Perley Constantineau, of North Chelmsford.
Ayer
News Items. Considerable interest is being shown by the camp doctors and doctors in Boston in the appearance of an obscure and rare disease at Camp Devens, known as the Hodgkins’ disease. There is one case and the patient is Clayton Carlisle, of Ludlow, Vt., a private in the fourth engineers. The sickness takes the form of swollen glands, usually about the neck and arms. Owing to limited knowledge concerning the disease great care is being taken to keep the patient isolated.
Mr. and Mrs. Mark Riley and their daughter, Mrs. Maud Sullivan, were very pleasantly surprised last week when Corp. Mark Riley, Jr., walked in on them at their home on West Main street. Corp. Riley had been reported dead since June 23, 1918, and all trace of the young man had been lost since then. He went to France June 8, 1917, with the first body of U.S. Marines sent overseas. Since then, he had been corresponding regularly until he was reported wounded on Chateau Thierry hill and later dead.
Plans for the reception of the 26th [Yankee] Division at Camp Devens are nearly completed. The announcement that those who desire immediate discharge will receive it makes it seem that only about forty percent of those residing outside of New England will remain for the reception and parade in Boston.
W.C.T.U. About thirty members of the executive committee of the Massachusetts Woman’s Christian Temperance Union were in attendance last week at the White Ribbon Home at a three days’ session. This meeting is always held about this time of year, when matters pertaining to the interests of the state work are attended to. A matter of especial interest to the town of Ayer was considered and a vote was unanimously passed of appreciation of the whole hearted way in which the town officials and citizens generally have cooperated in making the work of the White Ribbon Home a success during the year and a half in which it has been open. The Ayer home committee expressed themselves as often having to ask favors and aid and always receiving the most courteous and kindly treatment.
It may be of interest to the townspeople to know that after the need of the home is passed for work among the soldiers and their lady friends the place will be turned into home for aged members of the W.C.T.U. of the state.
Thousands of soldiers and their mothers, wives, sisters and friends have received a hearty welcome there and the registers show that nearly every state in the union has been represented. It has been run on an economical basis that has paid all bills when due and the house is entirely free from dept. This permits the organization to make plans for future service for humanity.
A membership campaign is soon to be conducted throughout the state and it is hoped the Ayer union will thus receive many additions of women who are interested in the various activities now being conducted by the state and national bodies.
There are already over 12,000 members in Massachusetts, over 500,000 in the United States and societies in fifty-two countries of the world.
During the war there has been no world’s convention, but the call has just been received from the Countess of Carlisle, the president of the World’s W.C.T.U., for a convention in London during April, 1920.
The Massachusetts W.C.T.U., which owns the White Ribbon Home, has large plans for future usefulness, but feels that its motor ambulance at the front and its field kitchen behind the trenches, its seventy-five French orphans which it has adopted, and the $55,000,000 which it raised for war welfare work, all during the past year, shows its patriotic spirit.
W.C.C.S. Notes. The dramatic department of the New England Conservatory of Music will present “Amanda” at the Soldiers’ club, Ayer, Friday evening, April 4, at 7:30
Another group from the New England Conservatory will give a concert at the club at 7:30 Sunday evening.
A very fine Victrola and thirty-one records has been loaned to the Coffee House for use of the wounded soldiers who are brought down there from the base hospital through the kindness of the trustees of the Sawtell fund of the Chicopee row school, Groton.
A shoe shine stand has been added to the many conveniences offered at the Soldiers’ club on West street.
Two excellent plays comprised the entertainment at the Soldiers’ club on Tuesday night, “Mrs. Oakley’s telephone” and “Fancy free,” the parts in which were taken by Boston people.
Unitarian Church. The preacher at the evening service is the chaplain of the 36th Infantry, Camp Devens. Chaplain Purdy is a regular army chaplain and was in the service before the war….
Federation House Notes. Motion picture feature Saturday afternoon and evening. “Breakers ahead,” a beautiful picture of the sea and the life of the coast. Another motion picture on Wednesday evening: a five-reel feature and a Burton Holmes travel film.
Friday evening, entertainment was furnished by the ladies of the Baptist church of Ayer.
Tuesday evening will be devoted to games and there will be a social evening with entertainment and refreshments on Friday.