Turner's Public Spirit, December 31, 1921
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. The carol singers were out Christmas night singing their beautiful Christmas
message especially to the shut-ins and elderly people. Our most vigorous New England does not
perhaps adapt itself to this pretty custom as in old England, where it originated. But in this
instance of a snowy, cold and white Christmas was managed nicely. William E. Pollock, with a
big sled and two horses, took the singers from place to place. Mrs. C. A. Blaney and Mrs.
William R. Taylor were in charge and there were about twenty-five in the group.
“A Christmas party was enjoyed by the young people at the town hall on Monday evening.
Dancing was from eight until twelve o’clock and refreshments were served at intermission. The
music was by our own local talent which promised well as an orchestra. The members were as
follows: Gordon Seavey, cornet; Carl Anderson, drums; Eric Anderson, trombone; Morton
Seavey, violin; Mrs. Frieda Stiles Prescott, piano; Forrest S. White, saxophone.
“This interesting little story of what we might call a return dividend of good will comes to us.
Before Christmas Capt. Harry E. Dixon of the Nashua Salvation Army approached the chairman
of our selectmen for permission to canvass the village for their Christmas work. This was done
and the response proved very generous. A little later a letter was received expressing gratitude
for the good response and asking if there was any case where help would be appreciated. A
worthy case was told him and a check for five dollars was sent back to the chairman of our
selectmen and was taken to the right place Christmas morning to help provide Christmas cheer.
“Mr. and Mrs. Robert Prescott lighted all the windows in their house on Christmas eve with
candles. Facing out toward the common, and where all in the post office could see it, it was a
pretty sight.
“School Exercises. The Christmas exercises of the William E. Frost school, held at the town
hall on Friday afternoon of last week, were especially good and merited the attention of parents
and friends present. Two large Christmas trees were filled with presents. John C. Abbot and
Julian A. Cameron gave the money for the Westford pupils and the Abbot Worsted Company for
the Brookside pupils….
“Church Notes. Christmas festivities at both churches Christmas eve were well carried out.
At the Unitarian church there were games, supper and tree and an entertainment in the evening in
charge of Miss Mabel Drew, the feature of which was ‘The story of the nativity’ in tableaux. At
the Congregational church there were games, supper and Christmas tree with Santa Claus and an
entertainment of recitations and music….
“About Town. A stubborn chimney fire started at the Whitten farm last week Wednesday
windy evening. But for the fact that the telephone is still on a vacation the fire department would
probably have been summoned. As it was ladders and fire extinguishers fought it to a quieting
finish by the Whitten family and neighbors.
“The Sunday school of the Methodist church in West Chelmsford received a liberal gift from
the Abbot Worsted Company for presents for their annual Christmas tree, the exercises being held
in Historical hall last Saturday evening.
“Complaint has been made about one-man [trolley] cars. We do not know of anyone who
likes them, not even the railroad manager, but in the interest of economy it resolves itself down to
one-man cars. For one, … we prefer two-man cars, but prefer a one-man car if a two-man car
cannot be operated to advantage.
“We have always heard of fairy godmothers who did fine things, but here in Westford we have
a fairy corporation which makes the children happy at Christmas time. The Abbot Worsted
Company certainly did their part for the churches and schools in generous contributions for
Christmas festivities….
“S. L. Taylor was able to be dressed on Christmas day. He has greatly appreciated all the
kindly attention from friends in his recent illness.
“Graniteville. The Abbot Worsted Soccer club and the Fairlawn Rovers of Pawtucket, R.I.,
battled for ninety minutes on an icy field at Forge Village last Saturday afternoon without either
side getting the decision, the score being tied with one goal each. As it was too dark for overtime
this game will have to be replayed later.”
John C. Abbot lived at “The Mansion” built by his father at 45 Main St., now the site of a
bank. Photo from Westford Historical Society’s Charles Hildreth glass negative collection (1906)