The Westford Wardsman, December 30, 1916
Center. The engagement is announced of Miss Evelyn Hamlin and Ernest Reed of Providence, R.I.
Miss Pauline Dole was a Christmas guest at Mrs. Alma M. Richardson’s.
Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Watson and Mrs. Edmund Day entertained a pleasant group of kinspeople numbering twelve for the holiday. Those present were Mr. and Mrs. Henry W. Whiting, Mr. and Mrs. M. B. Coburn and daughter Clarissa, Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Coburn, all of Groton, and Mr. and Mrs. George T. Day, of Westford.
Mrs. Albert Streeter, of Cambridge, has been a recent visitor with her daughter, Mrs. J. Henry Colburn.
William A. Robinson, who recently bought the W. J. Merritt place, has moved his goods from Newtonville this week and is now living with his mother in his new home.
Mr. and Mrs. Perley E. Wright and son Harold, and Mr. and Mrs. Perry Shupe spent Christmas day with another sister, Mrs. F. J. Anderson, in West Somerville.
Mr. and Mrs. Wesley O. Hawkes, of Graniteville, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hawkes, Wesley Hawkes, Jr., and Miss Dora Hawkes, of Melrose, were Christmas guests with Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hartford, enjoying a family dinner party and Christmas tree.
The first meeting of the new year for the Tadmuck club will take place on Tuesday afternoon at Library hall, and will be in charge of the literature and library extension committee, Mrs. William C. Roudenbush, chairman. There will be current events by Hon. Herbert E. Fletcher; Mrs. Louis H. Buckshorn will give a book review, “The Channings,” a beautiful old English story by Mrs. Henry Wood, and last, but by no means least, Mrs. Fred L. Roberts, of Lowell, will be the soloist of the afternoon.
A Christmas dinner party of fourteen were entertained on the holiday by Mr. and Mrs. John S. Greig, followed by a Christmas tree.
Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Hildreth went to visit the Malden relatives Christmas day. Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth entertained the latter’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence, of Brockton, over the holiday.
The hospitable home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright was the scene of a pleasant reunion for Christmas. Their children, grandchildren and Mrs. Wright’s brother, Bert Decatur, from Springfield, were their visitors, which made up a group of sixteen.
On last Saturday evening at the Congregational church a Christmas gathering for the children was held. There was a supper, games and speaking, followed by a tree with distribution of gifts. At the Sunday morning service there was special music and sermon. The choir of fifteen voices, under the leadership of Mrs. Charles H. Wright, with Miss Hazel B. Hartford, organist, gave a splendid musical service. Mrs. Charles D. Colburn and Miss Lillian Sutherland sustained the solo part of the program. Rev. Howard A. Lincoln preached an able sermon on “The message of Christmas.” At the evening service Mr. Lincoln gave a reading of the Christmas legend of “The other wise man,” by Henry Van Dyke.
The annual appraisal at the town farm, followed by a dinner to the town officers, takes place this week Saturday.
The Edward M. Abbot hose company give their ninth annual concert and ball on Friday evening, January 5, at the town hall. The concert will be from eight to nine o’clock, and dancing will be enjoyed from nine to one. Poole’s orchestra of Boston, one of the best in the state, and which has been so much appreciated in the past at these occasions, will furnish the music.
Homer M. Seavey is confined to his home and under the doctor’s care with the grippe. Postmaster J. Herbert Fletcher is also sick and under the doctor’s care with the same trouble.
The Harry B. Prescott household are convalescent from a siege with hard colds.
Death. The many friends of John P. Wright extend their sympathy to him in his recent bereavement. The Christmastide was saddened for him by the sudden death of his brother, Fred Atwell Wright, of Washington, D.C. Mr. Wright died in Washington on Saturday, December 23, after an illness of two days. Death was the result of apoplexy. He was born in Lowell on February 22, 1862, and received his earlier education in the schools of that city, graduating from the high school and later from Amherst college. The deceased had been employed by the government for the last twenty-five years and the more recent of these years had been in the secret service division.
Mr. Wright came to Westford this last autumn and had enjoyed a reunion with his brother and family, and also his brother, Walter G. Wright, and family, of Chelmsford. He is survived by his wife and these two brothers. Harwood L. Wright, of this village, was his cousin, as was also Henry M. Wright, of Westford and Quincy.
The funeral was held on Tuesday from the Talbot Memorial chapel at the Lowell cemetery, Rev. A. R. Hussey, of the First Unitarian church, being the officiating clergyman. The bearers were John P. Wright of Westford, Walter G. Wright of Chelmsford, brothers of the deceased, Harwood L. Wright and Henry M. Wright of Quincy, his cousins, and Samuel T. Wright of Chelmsford, and Percy B. Willis, New York nephews.
About Town. The committee to select a list of directors for the new Farm Bureau organization meet this week Saturday afternoon at one o’clock in the town hall, Concord. They would be glad to receive suggestions or meet individuals who are friendly to this new movement to get together by centralized instruction and demonstration.
At the Unitarian church last Saturday afternoon the Sunday school children had a delightful uplift of their own aspirations aided by a little adult supervision, such as Miss May Balch in the role of an original Christmas story. The children rendered songs, recitations, etc., and enjoyed various games. The impersonation of Santa Claus was cleverly and entertainingly done by Harold Hildreth.
At the last meeting of the Grange, after the business meeting, there was general regret that the expected address on game laws could not be on the lecturer’s program. This disappointment was in part offset by a social time. The next meeting will be held on next week Thursday evening, when the annual installation of officers will take place. State Master Chapman, assisted by Mrs. Barrow of Littleton, will be the installing officer.
The next meeting of Middlesex North Pomona Grange will be held at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell, Friday, January 5. The morning session, at 10:45, will transact the closing of the year business, and then switch to the transaction of listening to interesting beauty spots in the United States, as seen by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Haynes, of Tewksbury, in a recent tour. Next will be Charles A. Wright, of Billerica, as delegate of the Pomona to the State Grange. The afternoon will open with an open meeting to witness the opening of the annual installation of officers.
All milk-raising farmers, and all who think they would be money happy in raising milk, are invited to a meeting to promote raising milk and happiness, and who live in Middlesex county, will gather at the Board of Trade rooms, Central street, Lowell, this Saturday morning at ten o’clock. An address on “Milk production” will be given by H. W. Tinkham, of Rhode Island.
Mrs. Joseph W. Blodgett, on Millstone hill road, had a large gathering and large in-gathering of turkey on Christmas.
The Old Oaken Bucket farm folks were Christmas tree treated and table treated with the F. A. Snows, West Chelmsford, a mile east of Westford town line.
A general hurrah prevailed at the Banister home farm on Christmas day when the faucet was turned, letting on the new water supply piped from the reservoir fed by the spring from Tadmuck hill, a never-failing supply, and demand. The youthful graduate of Amherst is to be congratulated on his perseverance in smiting the earth for water as one of old did the rock for water. Those who now have reservoir water in the Stony Brook valley and named in priority of construction are Amos Polley, S. L. Taylor, F. W. Banister.
Brookside mill got geared up with Christmas spirit last Saturday morning with [a] Christmas tree. Among the specialties was a $5 gold piece to Jean St. Onge, foreman of the spooling-room; a brass smoking set to Harry Abrahamson, foreman of the spinning-room, and a fountain pen to Percy Whiteoak, foreman of the drawing-room.
West Chelmsford Grange exemplified the Christmas spirit with a community Christmas tree on the lawn of Historic hall. Every child was remembered, and David Olsson remembered to be Santa Claus. The tree was lighted with green and white electric lights. A pleasing entertainment was enjoyed.
Mrs. Oscar Naylor, of Detroit, is visiting Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Naylor in West Chelmsford.
Blodgett Bros., the live farmers of the up-to-date type, living on Millstone hill, picked ripe tomatoes on Christmas from last fall’s vines. To offset this forwardness, there are two folks in the Stony Brook valley who have not finished haying.
Graniteville. The glorious festival of Christmas was fittingly observed in St. Catherine’s church Monday morning when three masses were celebrated by Rev. Henry L. Scott. All masses were largely attended. The first mass was celebrated at 8:45, followed immediately by the second low mass. A high mass was celebrated at 10:30. The regular choir, under the direction of Miss Mary F. Hanley, rendered appropriate musical programs at both masses, the arrangement at the high mass being particularly pleasing and of high order. The church has an excellent choir and it is doubtful if it is surpassed by any other in the suburban towns.
The holiday season was passed very pleasantly by the village people. Christmas trees were in many of the homes and it is doubtful who enjoyed them the most, the children or the older people. Excellent weather prevailed on Christmas day. Skating on the mill pond and fine sleighing over the country roads were some of the diversions that helped to round out a happy holiday.
Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Hawkes, with Mr. and Mrs. Frank P Hawkes and family, of Melrose, spent Christmas day with Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hartford in Westford.
Edward Riney is spending the holiday season with his brother, T. A. Riney, in Camden, N.J.
Joe Wall, deputy fish and game warden, has received some grain for the purpose of distributing it for the birds that are unable to find food during cold weather.
Mr. and Mrs. Alforth and son Herman, of Lawrence, were holiday guests of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Palmer.
Joseph Carpentier, Jr., of Manchester, N.H., spent the holiday at the home of his parents here.
Leo Provost, who is attending St. Anselm’s college in Manchester, N.H., is spending the Christmas vacation at his home.
J. Omer LeDuc, a school teacher in North Truro, is spending the holiday season at his home.
The members of Cameron circle, C.F. of A., held a well attended meeting in their rooms on Tuesday evening. During the session the following officers were elected: Mrs. Elizabeth Harrington, c.c.; Mrs. Alma Benson, s.c.; Miss Rachel Wall, rec. sec.; Miss Martha Doucette, r.g.; Miss Laura McCarthy, l.g.; Mrs. Annie Sanberg, o.g., Miss Descheneau, i.g.; Mrs. Isabelle York, 1st trustee; Miss Marion Lord, past chief companion.
On last Saturday night the Methodist church held its Christmas entertainment and Santa distributed the gifts. The program, without doubt, was the best held in the church in a long time. Every boy and girl of the Sunday school who took part contributed splendidly to a successful hour’s enjoyment. After the distribution of the gifts to all children under fourteen, and to many over fourteen, the people adjourned to their homes. Mrs. Albert Carr had charge. The pastor preached Sunday morning on the subject, “How Christmas got started,” and in the evening on “The world’s command.” Two new members were added to the Junior league at the afternoon meeting, and it was announced that next Sunday completes the attendance contests. Clarence Dane very ably presented the subject, “The first Christmas circle and ours,” at the 6:30 meeting. Arrangements are being made for a watch-night service on Sunday. Luncheon will be served.
Forge Village. Christmas was fittingly observed in this village, the usual family gatherings taking place in several homes, Christmas carols being sung at the midnight hour. Miss May Cherry and Mr. and Mrs. Hargraves spent the holiday at Mrs. Lowther’s. Mr. and Mrs. N. Weaver had their usual gathering of children at their home. Mrs. William Ward entertained the William Leahy family of Ayer, also Mr. and Mrs. Doyle of Lawrence. Mrs. Frank A. Rose with her children Misses Lillian, Mayone, Carmel and Ellsworth of Belmont were as usual with Mrs. Elizabeth Splain, who also entertained Mrs. Joseph Antaya and daughter Madeline of Leominster and Dr. Mansfield of Arlington. Mrs. Daniel Hanley had as usual a family gathering at her home.
Mrs. Augustine Carkin has recovered from her recent sickness.
Others noticed in town for the holidays were Joseph Thompson of New Jersey, B. Reed of Worcester, Albert Collins of Salem, N.H., Mr. and Mrs. Albert Jones of Worcester, Mr. and Mrs. Chester Blodgett, Mr. and Mrs. John Burnett of Clinton, all at the Burnett home. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Daley and daughter journey to the family home at Leominster.
Skating season has opened here and merry parties can be seen every day wending their way to the lake. Later the hockey players will be seen and some very good games are expected to take place.
Master George Goucher is suffering with pneumonia.
Miss Margaret O’Hara, R.N., of Concord, N.H., was a recent visitor at the home of her sister, Mrs. Dare.
Ayer
District Court. Kostas Cavalaris, of Lowell, was arraigned Thursday morning on a complaint for assault and robbery in Graniteville on Tuesday night. The victim of the alleged crimes and the complainant in the case is Karl Kanton, of Graniteville.
The complainant told the court that he had been to Lowell Tuesday night and upon his return he was followed as far as the town farm crossing in Graniteville by Cavalaris, at which place both men got off the electric car. After Canton had gone a short distance he said that Cavalaris assaulted him and grabbed his pocketbook containing twenty-four dollars in money. The alleged thief then ran away. Later Cavalaris was arrested in North Chelmsford near the transfer station on the electric car line by Constable Gookin. The officer took his charge to Lowell, where he was examined by police. Canton later appeared at the police station in Lowell and identified the prisoner as his assailant.
Just before the case was to be called in the Lowell court on Wednesday morning it was discovered that the alleged crimes were committed outside the jurisdiction of the court in that city, and in the jurisdiction of the Ayer court. Accordingly, the prisoner was taken for trial to Ayer on Wednesday.
Cavalaris stated in his own defense that he was not at the scene of the crimes on the night in question and consequently could not have committed them. He claimed he went to Nashua, N.H., Tuesday, with another man and rode part way back to North Chelmsford and walked the remainder of the distance. He admitted being in Tyngsboro and Chelmsford, but said he did not reach there by riding on the car from Lowell, as testified to by the complainant. He said that he had $22.50 in his pocket when searched at the Lowell police station, instead of twenty-four dollars, as stated by the police of Lowell.
John C. Daffy, conductor on the Lowell and Fitchburg Street Railway, testified to seeing a man on his car who resembled the defendant, the plaintiff being on the same car. The man wore a hat which was pulled over his eyes so that the upper part of his head could not be seen. The prisoner, at the suggestion of the court, put on his hat, and then asked the witness if he could identify him as the man on the car on Tuesday night to which a negative reply was given.
The witness said, however, that fresh footprints were discovered between Forest road crossing and the end of the line at North Chelmsford, which gave rise to the belief that whoever committed the crimes rode from where they were committed to the crossing, and then walked the remainder of the distance to North Chelmsford, where the arrest occurred.
Constable Gookin of North Chelmsford told of arresting the prisoner in that place. He took him to Lowell thinking the assault and robbery was committed in Chelmsford, which town comes under the jurisdiction of the police court of that city. After learning his mistake he brought the man to Ayer for trial. It was learned from the constable that the prisoner is out on parole from the state prison in Charlestown, where he was serving a sentence of from four to six years for similar crimes as those he is charged with committing Tuesday night.
Judge Atwood stated at the close of the evidence that he was not entirely satisfied of the prisoner’s guilt in the case at bar. However, he felt it his duty to hold the man for further judicial investigation. As the offenses charged are felonies and therefore beyond final jurisdiction in this court, the court ordered the prisoner held for the January term of the superior court to be held in Cambridge. Bail was fixed at $1000 in default of which the prisoner was taken to the East Cambridge jail to await trial. The witnesses in the case personally recognized in fifty dollars each for their appearance at the higher court.