The Westford Wardsman, December 8, 1917
Center. The residents are reminded that the out-going morning mail leaves the postoffice promptly at 6:50.
Miss Lillian Sutherland, who teaches in Dracut, and who has been boarding at home, going back and forth each day, goes to Dracut to board next week. Her classes have been interrupted with several cases of diphtheria this fall.
The committee for the December social at the Congregational church are planning an entertainment of merit for next Thursday evening. Miss Maybelle A. Burgess, monologist, of Boston, will give an interpretation of “Pollyanna grows up.” This will be in three parts and will be interspersed with music by home talent.
A fine new service flag has been purchased by the selectmen and was placed on the flag pole on Westford common, Thanksgiving day. The flag has forty-nine stars, representing that number of men in the United States service, and two have enlisted since, which makes a total of fifty-one men. There is space on the flag for the addition of other stars. Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher put the flag in place. At the J. V. Fletcher library there is also a framed list of the men in service from this town, with space for additional names.
To Edward Clement goes the credit of securing the first deer for the open season, beginning the first of the week. Mr. Clement shot the animal, a fine doe, weighing 200 pounds, near Pepperell.
Miss Elinor Colburn will play the pipe organ at the Congregational church this winter. Miss Colburn is young [16 years old] to undertake this work, but is a thorough musician and has been receiving instructions for playing the pipe organ for some time. She commenced her work Sunday. H. G. Osgood will act as chorister.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Wright were in town this week for the funeral of Mrs. Iza M. Pierce.
The reading circle of the literature and literary extension committee of the Tadmuck club met with Mrs. Harold W. Hildreth, Monday afternoon. Pursuing the study of modern contemporary drama the class read Suderman’s three-act drama, “The vale of content,” with much pleasure and profit. The members of this class not wishing to do for themselves only will send ten dollars for Christmas to the Pine mountain school in Kentucky. was presented in Abbot hall on Monday evening by members of the Groton School. All the parts were very well taken and afforded the large audience much enjoyment. The remainder of the program consisted of numbers by the Groton School orchestra. The orchestra is always welcomed here by the people and this concert was one of unusual merit. C. S. Griswold, the musical director, said that since the orchestra was organized about twenty-three years ago an annual concert has been given in Forge Village except the last year, when for various reasons it was decided not to give a concert. A number of people connected with the Groton School were present. The affair was for the benefit of St. Andrew’s mission, and was also a treat for the Sunday school children, who were admitted free. A large sum was realized.
An interesting meeting, to which everyone is cordially requested to be present, is to be held at St. Andrew’s mission on Thursday evening at 7:30 for the purpose of organizing a Forge Village Service Unit. Mrs. S. Warren Sturgis, of Groton, an enthusiastic worker for war relief, is to be present. Miss Nelson, national leader of the Girl Scouts of America, will also be present and the girls are all invited to be present and assist in forming a troop of Girl Scouts.
The children of Cameron school are progressing rapidly in their rehearsal for a cantata to be given shortly before Christmas. The affair will be for the benefit of the local branch of the Red Cross.
The first skating of the season has been enjoyed on Lake Mattawanakee, better known as Forge pond. The ice is said to be four inches thick.
Miss Lottie Parrott, who spent the Thanksgiving holidays with her mother, Mrs. Ida Parrott, has returned to North Adams.
Frank Collins, for many years employed as a draftsman at C. G. Sargent’s machine shop in Graniteville, has accepted a similar position with a firm in Boston and has begun his duties there. Mrs. Collins will follow him shortly, when their home here is closed.
Miss Stella B. Carkin is suffering from a severe cold, and as she has been exposed to diphtheria, has been quarantined to her home as a necessary precaution. It is expected that she will be out of quarantine in a few days, however, as there are no symptoms of the disease.
The Forge Village Athletic club held its annual concert and dance in Abbot hall on Thanksgiving eve, and it proved to be a good success as usual. Miss Rebecca Leduc, Miss Supple, Robert McCarty, John Kelly, Thomas Gallagher, Alexander Scott, William Kelly and Charles Douglass contributed to the concert. The accompanist was Miss Mary F. Hanley. After the concert dancing was enjoyed until midnight to the music of O’Neil’s orchestra of Lowell.
Miss Mamie Hannon entertained her nephew and niece over Thanksgiving.
A number of soldiers from Camp Devens were entertained Thanksgiving day by different families here.
The infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wiley Johnson, of Knopps’ pond, died last week Wednesday at the Massachusetts General hospital, Boston, aged ten days. The body was taken to Lowell for burial.
A large number from here and the members of the choir of St. Andrew’s mission attended the services at St. Andrew’s church, Ayer, last Sunday, where Bishop Lawrence was the officiating clergyman.
The Misses Mary and Nellie Morton and Minnie White spent Thanksgiving day at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Albert L. Day, Medford.
The Misses Gertrude E. Comey and Lillian Walker, of Boston, spent the holiday and last of the week at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Comey.
Miss Marion L. Blodgett, of Medford, spent the weekend at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards.
Mr. and Mrs. Harold Riley, of Dorchester, who are on their wedding tour, were the guests this week of Mrs. John Shaddick, Tadmuck farm.
Alec Helko had his hand badly injured while at work in the mills of the Abbot Worsted Co., Wednesday, just before the noon hour. Drs. O. V. Wells and W. H. Sherman attended to his injuries.
All those who have sewing for the Red Cross society are kindly requested to return them as soon as finished. Preparations are being made at the Red Cross headquarters for every emergency, thus the demand for articles for the hospitals.
Harvard
Still River. The people living in the houses between Still River and Shirley, whose places have been taken by the government, have received notice to vacate before January 1, as these place all come within the range of fire in the artillery practice. It is expected that a lot of the artillery will be place near Still River station, but just where is not known.
About sixty soldiers from Camp Devens are to be given supper and entertainment at the Baptist church on Sunday afternoon and evening.
Shirley
News Items. August Buckhelm received notice on Wednesday from Miss Caroline P. Cordner, owner of the Holiday House, that the government desires the place vacated by January as the property comes in direct line of the artillery range at Camp Devens. Mr. Buckhelm has been caretaker of this place for many years, and with his family, has lived on the place. His present plans are to remain in Shirley if a suitable house can be obtained.
Ayer
District Court. Daniel H. Murphy, a Camp Devens workman, was found guilty of drunkenness Thursday and paid a fine of five dollars. A charge of larceny against him was also heard, upon which he was discharged. Leon T. Sheltry, a private attached to the supply train at the camp, who was the complainant in the larceny case, accused Murphy of separating him from $17.00 on the previous night when the two were coming home on the evening train from Lowell in a convivial mood. At the trial Sheltry acknowledged that he did not know who was responsible for the disappearance of his cash and wished to have the case against the defendant dropped. The discharge of the defendant followed. Murphy was taken into custody late Wednesday night by Officer James I. Mills following a complaint made by a soldier.
News Items. These officers of George S. Boutwell post, G.A.R., were chosen at their meeting Thursday afternoon: Augustus Lovejoy, com.; Charles H. Stone, s.v.c.; Everett Wood, j.v.c.; Henry C. Sherwin, qm.; O B. Robinson, surg.; Charles E. Craig, o.d.; John S. Preston, o.g.; J. Everett Wood, trustee 3 yrs.; Wesley O. Hawkes, John S. Preston, representatives to department encampment; Charles H. Stone, E. D. Martell, alternates. Plans for the installation of the above officers are to be made by the three first officers-elect.
Fine Program Rendered. The greatest event of its kind ever held in this vicinity occurred at the Federated church on Thursday evening, when an inspiring program of timely addresses and music was given under the direction of Rev. R. S. Tuttle, the head of the Christian Federation of Ayer.
The program was arranged chiefly for the benefit of the Methodist soldiers at Camp Devens, who were present to the number of 350. Others were in attendance which brought the total number present to over 400, filling the church to its capacity.
The program opened with a brief address by Rev. J. S. Strong, pastor of the church, which was followed by prayer by Rev. Julian S. Wadsworth, of Fitchburg. Addresses were made by Dr. Charles E. Spaulding, of Worcester, superintendent of the Methodist district, which includes Ayer and the cities and towns in this section of the state, Dr. C. O. Keppler of the base hospital at Camp Devens and Dean L. E. Birney of the Boston university theological school, who made the principal addresses of the evening. Other clergymen present were Rev. Arthur D. Stroud, of Hudson, a former pastor of the Methodist church; Rev. W. H. Beers, of Pepperell; Rev. L. P. Causey, of Clinton; Rev. Julian S. Wadsworth of Fitchburg; Rev. F. W. Brett, of Lowell, and Rev. W. M. Crawford, of Leominster.
There are over 2000 soldiers of the Methodist denomination at Camp Devens. Those of that number who were privileged to be present at this meeting greatly appreciated the courtesy extended to them.
There were musical selections by an orchestra composed of soldiers led by Jerome Stewartson, of Concord, N.H., a private in the 303rd Field Artillery regiment; songs, Sergt. Percy Churchill of the same command, and a vocal duet by Rev. R. S. Tuttle and Miss Helen Hardy. A fine old-fashioned supper was served by the ladies of the church, who were assisted by ladies of the other churches in town, who each brought a contribution of food. The whole affair was thoroughly enjoyable and instructive.
Camp Notes. Walter Worden, a member of Company G of the 301st Infantry, was arrested in Portland, Me., Wednesday, on a charge of desertion and was brought back to camp, where he will face a trial by court martial.
Charles B. Harrington, of Gloucester, has been promoted to the position of sergeant. He is attached to Company C of the 302nd Machine Gun Battalion. The promotion was made on Wednesday.
Charles F. Eaton, of the Headquarters Company, 301st Field Artillery, was ordered transferred on Wednesday to the Aviation section of the Signal Corps at Mt. Clemens, Mich. Eaton figured in a sensational case when he was drafted, it being claimed that he applied for exemption as he was employed in the Burgess aviation plant in Marblehead, doing work for the government. The claim for exemption is said to be untrue. He is a son of the late proprietor of a well-known restaurant of Boston.
Eighteen thousand loaves of bread are baked daily at Field Bakery 307 for the use of the soldiers. Commencing Thursday sugar will be eliminated in the making of bread in order to save the sweet substance for other purposes. The amount thus saved will reach 500 pounds daily.
The workmen’s shacks were all burned last week Friday afternoon, together with all the debris remaining after the camp construction.
A bucket brigade put out a chimney fire in the heating plant of the officers’ headquarters without damage on Wednesday.
Two hundred horses arrived on Wednesday for the use of the 303rd Artillery, composed of Maine and New Hampshire men.
The first instruction in machine gun target practice was given on Wednesday afternoon to the members of the 302nd Machine Gun Battalion. Some fine shots were made.
A peculiar accident resulted in the death of Private Alfiero Olivelli, of Boston, Tuesday morning at the base hospital from fracture of the skull. The accident was caused by a fall while drilling on the icy drill field, striking on his head. The strange thing about the accident is that he was apparently only slightly injured and walked to the regimental infirmary, a distance of nearly two miles. A slight scratch and a bruise were the only external marks on his head found by the physician. Late in the evening the soldier was seized with illness and became unconscious. He was removed to the hospital, where he died a short time afterward. After the death an examination showed the cause of the fatality to be a fracture of the skull.
Gov. Milliken, of Maine, has notified Col. A. S. Conklin, commander of the Maine and New Hampshire men in the 303rd Artillery, that an appropriation of $1000 has been made for the use of the regiment at the present month’s session of the legislature.
The English officers at Camp were treated to a real English afternoon tea and lunch on Tuesday which was greatly appreciated. The officers of the 301st Field Artillery regiment served the tea.
A determined attempt is being made to stop the waste of food at the camp. Maj. J. R. Musgrave, the new camp quartermaster, is working hard with this object in view.
That disobedience to a command of an officer is a serious offense was emphasized on Tuesday, when Private George E. Hubbard, of Providence, R.I., began a six months’ sentence at hard labor for a breach of this phase of military discipline. In addition to this sentence Hubbard loses one-fifth of his pay for each month that he is incarcerated.
The Massachusetts Bureau of Immigration has had notices posted about the camp warning all soldiers to beware of shyster lawyers who may try to get money from the unwary for having them exempted from service.
Mr. and Mrs. Walter Augustus Lauler, of Brookline, announced the marriage of their daughter, Ruth Hardie, to Charles A. Wilbur, Jr., son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Wilbur, of West Newton. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Palfrey Perinks, minister of the Unitarian church in Weston, and there were no guests present and no bridal attendants. The bride has been known for her ability as a dancer and singer, and she frequently has appeared in public for the benefit of various charities. Mr. Wilbur, the bridegroom, is a sergeant of the 302nd Infantry, Camp Devens.
Mrs. Raymond C. Burbank, the young bride of a soldier at Camp Devens, was in a critical condition at a hospital in Portland, Me., the first of the week as a result of two bullet wounds received last week Friday when she was riding in an automobile with her husband and parents near her home in Parsonfield, Me. According to York county officers a party of hunters, including one from Lynn, and three from Kennebunk, Me., fired the shots, supposing they were aiming at a deer. One bullet penetrated Mrs. Burbank’s right ankle and another entered one hip. Mr. Burbank was hit in one ankle, receiving a slight flesh wound, and a fourth bullet struck the machine. Burbank returned to Camp Devens last Sunday.
One of the most peculiar cases which a draft exemption board has yet been called to pass upon, and the first of its kind in New England, is that in which Representative Charles H. Slowey, of Lowell, is chiefly concerned. Mr. Slowey was reelected to the house of representatives from the fourteenth Middlesex district at the recent state election. He was drafted for military service some time ago and refused to claim exemption within the period allowed for such claims. District board No. 1 gave him additional time in order that he might decline to serve if he wished, under the draft provision, which does not require men who hold elective positions to do military service. On last week Friday Rep. Slowey called attention to the fact that he is a member of the Massachusetts legislature and is therefore exempt without the necessity of claiming that privilege. The local board, however, has no jurisdiction now, as Mr. Slowey has been certified for service by the general district board. He may claim exemption on the above grounds by the Camp Devens officials, however.
The men who were obliged to remain at camp for the necessary guard duty over Thanksgiving day speak in the highest terms of the fine treatment accorded them by the camp officials. One of the features of the holiday which perhaps was the most appreciated, was a first-class turkey dinner with the usual accessories which was served under the direction of the quartermaster corps. The treatment of the officials did much to mitigate the disappointment of those who expected to visit the home folks on New England’s great feast day.
The new steam heating plant consumes 700 tons of coal daily in keeping the living quarters of the men warm. There are now about 25,000 tons of the black diamonds on hand.
All theatrical performances will be held in the new theatre built for the use of the camp. Heretofore plays were given in the Y.M.C.A. auditorium.
Major Canfield, who had charge of the construction work in connection with the camp, has neatly finished his task and is ready to turn over the cantonment to the division commander.
Major [General Leonard] Wood is quoted as saying that “The present conflict is a lieutenant’s war and he is required to train his little band of followers, when in camp, to care for their bodily comforts in the field and to personally lead them to battle.” These officers, realizing this, are working with their men to meet these ends so far as possible at the camp. From this it will be seen that the lieutenants will be in fully as much danger in battle as the privates.
Trench work is receiving much attention, although the usual drills and other maneuvers are in no wise lessened.
The Lewis gun, an automatic contrivance, is loaded with forty-seven shots, which can be fired by one man in a few seconds. This gun has a fire effect equal to thirty-two rifles.
While none of the companies here have reached the strength of 250 men, which would give the platoons a nominal strength of fifty men or more, there is an expectation that this would be the ultimate number in the line when the men go into battle. The actual sub-division of trained men at the front is four platoons of thirty-two men each with the officers and a reserved of twenty men. The training at the camp, up to now, has clearly shown the general duties of the platoon, but the men, armed as yet with rifles only, have not yet discovered into what special divisions they are to be assigned.
Several thousand Ross rifles have been received from the Canadian army for use at the camp. Up to the arrival of this type of firearms the men have handled the United States army Krags and the English army Lee-Enfield rifles.
Lieut. Thomas Storrow has returned from Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he has been attending the special arms and musketry school, and will introduce new innovations here in connection with shooting and target practice.
Considerable trouble was experienced in the cantonment during the recent cold spell by the bursting of frozen water pipes.
A railroad trainman on the Fitchburg division tells of a story which came in a letter from the front of a well-known railroad engineer who enlisted with the engineers’ regiment for war service last summer. In the letter the writer stated that when he enlisted he expected to be given work in keeping with his engineering knowledge, but instead had been assigned to a job tamping ties, which position he still holds.
Bishop William Lawrence, of the Episcopal church, addressed 8000 soldiers in the great Y.M.C.A. auditorium last Sunday evening. The boys’ choir from Groton School and the Worcester Symphony orchestra furnished music for the meeting.
Brig. Gen. William S. McNair, commander of the 151st Artillery Brigade, arrived in camp on Sunday to take up his duties, which will include work in advanced training. He has just returned from France, where he has been observing the work of artillery in the war.
The newest form of punishment for violation of military rules was put in force last Sunday, when the inmates of the guardhouses were put to work shoveling coal under armed guards.
Charles F. Guerin, of Lynn, a member of Company C, 301st Infantry, is confined to the guard house on a charge of desertion. The alleged desertion lies in the fact that he overstayed his leave of absence. He was arrested in his home city and brought to the camp under guard.
Under the latest ruling of the war department men have until December 15 to enlist in the service. This ruling will give all who are certified for service a chance to select any branch of the service for the war, a privilege which is denied to drafted men.
An appropriation of $30,000 from Washington is wanted to provide new wells which will take care of the extra water demand from the heating plant and remount depot. As high as 600,000 gallons of water in one day has been used to make steam, according to the commanding general, and 200,000 gallons of water for the remount depot. Neither of these uses figured in the original plans which provide an adequate supply with 2,000,000 gallons daily coming from the wells.
Edward M. Baker, the quartermaster captain in charge of all public utilities, has turned the big Ley field office on Boulder hill into the “city hall” of Camp Devens, occupying it with all of the various maintenance departments. Once it was thought the hill might be levelled, but it had turned out to be a ledge. Enough space is offered in the remaining parade field to mass the division when occasion demands.
The cool weather and the removal of many hundreds of soldiers from the camp are responsible for the greatly diminished number of visitors at the camp, especially on Sundays.
The war department has issued strict orders against discrimination of Jews in camp work. The orders came as a result of an advertisement for carpenters in the newspapers, the purpose of which is to deny employment of the Jewish race. All contracting officers are required to enforce these orders in spirit as well as in the letter, and to report at once for action any refusal to comply with its terms. The orders further say that it is the policy of the war department not to permit the slightest discrimination against any person by reason of their race. The policy has been adopted not only as an act of justice to all the races that go toward making up the American people, but also to safeguard the very institutions which the country is now engaged in defeating and which any racial discrimination must injure.
There is being used at the camp 2,000,000 gallons of water daily.
The scheduled review of the 76th Division, comprising 27,000 men, failed to materialize Monday. The reasons given for cancelling this feature were the lack of time on the part of visiting officials and the slippery condition of the ice-coated roads following the cold spell of the preceding day which made marching practically impossible. The camp was honored by the presence of Benedict Crowell, assistant secretary of war, who was accompanied by Major General John L. Chamberlain, inspector general of the army, Major General John A. Johnstone, commander of the Northeastern department, and his chief of staff, Col. Howze. Instead of reviewing the division the party drove rapidly through the double line of troops which extended two miles. Those who came to witness the review were fortunately fair in number so that but few were disappointed. As the official party entered the camp the members were greeted by the playing of the regimental bands, with all troops drawn up at “present arms.” The visitors went first to division headquarters, where a short call was made upon Gen. Weigel, who was in charge of the division in the temporary absence of Major General Hodges. The inspection of the camp followed. The trip continued through the lines of the 101st, 102nd, 103rd and 104th Infantry, all of whom presented a fine appearance. The places visited were the headquarters of the Depot Brigade, which numbers nine battalions, after which a reception took place at the auditorium. The next place visited was the base hospital, in which the assistant secretary was much interested. After dining at division headquarters, the party left the cantonment.
John W. Gates, a seventy-two-year-old cowboy, with his two sons, also cowboys, visited the camp on Monday. The trio came here from Billings, Mont., in charge of a train load of mules for the remount station. The elder Gates was a former government scout and Indian fighter. All were dressed in the picturesque garb of the cowboys and attracted much attention.
The health rate at the camp is nearly perfect. But 1.24 percent of the men are unable to do service because of illness. The usual figure for army camps is three percent.
The French and English officers, fresh from the firing line who are engaged in giving the men practical instruction in war maneuvers, are conspicuous figures about town. They are easily distinguished from the army officials by their distinctive uniforms and general appearance.
There is a rumor about camp this week of another big troop movement soon, probably to one of the southern training camps.
Another story is that the camp will require an additional water supply from the town of Ayer. As such statements have been denied by the camp authorities some time ago, the rumor appears to be incorrect.
Francis Ouimet, at one time open golf champion, now at Camp Devens, is engaged to Miss Stella Sullivan, of Brighton, daughter of John H. Sullivan, a Boston contractor. Miss Sullivan is twenty-three years old and was graduated from Mount St. Joseph’s and Notre Dame academies. She is the sister of John Sullivan, Mr. Ouimet’s business partner. Mr. Ouimet hopes to be transferred soon to the Aviation Corps. The wedding will not take place until after the war.
The highest ranking men in the mentality examinations recently held by the psychological examiners at the camp, wherein general mental fitness and accuracy in rapid calculations were the chief considerations, is announced to have been Enos Baldwin, Battery A, of the 302nd Field Artillery. Young Baldwin is an Everett boy, and scored 398 points out of a possible 400. It is entirely probable that his fine showing in this examination will quickly take him from the ranks to an official position.
Four army secretaries of the Y.M.C.A. are terminating their duties in camp for immediate service in France. Ralph Haydon, of New York, had been at 22 hut, W. G. Henderson, of Holyoke at 24 hut, John Provencher, of Holyoke at 24 hut as social secretary, and A. W. Ware, of Springfield, at 28 hut as educational secretary.
Construction of additions measuring 60×30 feet has begun at the 301st Artillery Y hut, and the 303rd Artillery Y hut. These are intended for the use of officers and will have separate entrances. A fireplace and library will be the main features. Heretofore the officers have been limited to their quarters and such clubs as they could improvise, excepting the divisional officers’ club which is waiting for steam for a formal opening.
Judge George Sanderson presided at a meeting of representatives of the twenty-eight soldier welfare bodies on Friday afternoon of last week in the town hall, and as a result it was voted to hold a general conference every month. The first will be at the Hostess House on the afternoon of Friday, December 14, at 2:30 o’clock. Dr. Walter Fernald, of Boston; Dr. Endicott Peabody, Groton; Mrs. Nathaniel Thayer, Mrs. R. W. Lovett, Mrs. Elizabeth F. Moloney, state representatives; Miss Alma Cotter, of the Social Service league, of Lowell; Ray Hubbard and Col. G. H. Estes, commander of military police, were the speakers. Mr. Hubbard, who represents the war camp recreation council, wished it understood that he did not favor a general conference of the recreation and law enforcement bodies. Both will meet at the first conference, according to their vote, when the working plan of the general conference will be established.
Littleton
News Items. In the absence of Capt. Vernon Stiles, who was on a concert tour for which he had arranged previous to accepting his office as music director at Camp Devens, Private William Gustafson of the Depot Brigade, the magnificent baritone soloist, of fine physique, dramatic ability and charming personality, directed the chorus, his comrades, Private Cyril Ronlinski and Sergt. Clark, assisting the chorus. Messrs. Gustafson and Ronlinski delighted their audience with solos and had the Littleton people known what was in store the number present would have been nearly doubled. Unfortunately, a report, having no foundation had been circulated to the effect that Capt. Stiles was to discontinue the leadership of the chorus, and some stayed away. However, there were 135 present and all were keyed up with enthusiasm to the finish. Words fail to express the enjoyment yielded by that evening at the community chorus.
Y.W.C.A Campaign. At the meeting called last Sunday afternoon in the interest of the Y.W.C.A. campaign, a good number met at the residence of F. B. Priest. Miss Fannie A. Sanderson presided and spoke briefly of the development of the Y.W.C.A. movement in general, introducing Miss Upham, emergency secretary at the Hostess House in Ayer, and expressing the wish of the captains in this drive to complete the local work before the national drive begins. Miss Upham gave a comprehensive survey of the Y.W.C.A. mission and the different departments of its work to be finished from the forthcoming funds. In detail she outlined the splendid work already begun at the Hostess House which was opened at Camp Devens last week. Here, under proper chaperonage, the soldiers may receive their wives, mothers, or other friends, and to this home the nurses from the base hospital may come for recreation during leisure hours.
Relatives and friends of the soldiers make an information bureau of this house, and members of the soldiers’ families are instructed and helped in various legitimate ways. In one instance husband and wife were reunited after a separation bordering on a divorce. Many interesting illustrations of good already accomplished through the Y.W.C.A. avenues at Ayer were presented as arguments for the raising of $4,000,000 to carry on the beneficent work of the organization. No one who realizes its moral strength and the demands made upon it would refuse to contribute to this exceedingly worthy cause. A few in the audience added words of encouragement and confidence in the Littleton people to assist in meeting the quota for this town—$200.
Misses Ruth Robinson, Olive Flagg, Florence Whitcomb and Margaret Thacher were chosen collectors of funds. They are ready to receive all contributions for the Y.W.C.A. funds from Littleton people, and it is hoped that the full amount will be received without house-to-house appeals.