Turner's Public Spirit, January 15, 1921
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. ‘Susie,’ Gordon Seavey’s trained prized pig, has been an interesting sight in our
village street this week with her rope harness and drawing her young master on a sled.
“Wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Edward Day announce the marriage of their daughter, Edna
Mae, to Frederick Smith. The ceremony took place at the home of the bride last Saturday
afternoon at half-past-two. Owing to Mr. Day’s illness it was a very quiet wedding, the ceremony
taking place in the presence of the immediate families of the bride and groom….
“Miss Julia H. Fletcher, as accompanist for Mrs. Nettie Roberts of Lowell, assisted in an
entertainment for the prisoners at the state prison at Charlestown last Sunday afternoon. These
entertainments are given weekly and the artists give their services for the entertainment.
“It is only fair to have it plainly understood that the recent local canvass for funds for Mr.
Hoover’s relief fund started in the Grange. Mr. Hanscom brought the matter before the members
and a committee of three from the Grange, consisting of Mr. Hanscom, chairman, William R.
Taylor and Fred R. Blodgett, did much faithful work that brought about a fine result….
“Annual Church Meeting. The annual business meeting, preceded by the church members’
dinner and roll call, took place Monday at the Congregational church….
“Officers elected were: F. A. Hanscom, deacon for two years; A. E. Day, reelected as deacon;
Miss L. B. Atwood, treas.; Mr. Roudenbush, asst.; H. G. Osgood, col.; Fred A. Meyer, asst.; J. W.
Rafter, aud.; H. G. Osgood, A. E. Day, W. C. Roudenbush, L. W. Wheeler and F. E. Meyer, trus.;
Miss L. B. Atwood, Miss S. E. Loker, William C. Roudenbush and H. G. Osgood, supply com.;
H. G. Osgood, supt. of S.S., and Mrs. O. L. Brownsey, asst.; Miss Anna Symmes, sec. and treas.
of S.S.
“Tadmuck Club. The Tadmuck club held a most valuable as well as enjoyable meeting
Tuesday afternoon at the vestry of the Congregational church…. The club voted unanimously to
continue the support of the French orphan that it has supplied the sum of $35 yearly for the past
two years.
“The speaker of the afternoon was Miss Bertha M. Wood of Boston, a trained dietitian, who
gave a very practical and helpful talk on proper food for children and also correct eating habits
for adults. Miss Wood’s talk proved one of the most valuable that the members have enjoyed this
year and the public health committee should feel gratified at the success of their afternoon….
“About Town. A special town meeting has been called for next Tuesday evening at 8
o’clock, non-labor saving time, when the following articles will be considered: To see if the town
will appropriate a sufficient sum of money to meet the deficiencies in the running expenses of the
town; to see what action the town will take to employ a competent person to supervise finances of
the several departments of the town and act as purchasing agent therefore or act in relation to the
same.
“At the last meeting of the Grange the lecturer was obliged to hastily substitute a program in
place of installation of officers…. The Grange orchestra, Gordon Seavey, cornet; Carl Anderson,
trombone; George Anderson, drums and Elinor Colburn, piano, led off in regular quickstep time
to the delight of all, and others also led off for the old-fashioned and stirring singing of ye old
familiar songs….
“Ducks are still reported flying north and summering in open waters of Lake Winnipesaukee.
This looks too warm to believe, but a black snake 4 ½ feet long was reported killed last week on
the Nashua and Acton railroad, near the Acton-Littleton line, the snake putting up a most
vigorous summer fight, which makes the weather seem warmer than ducks flying north in
January.
“The H. E. Fletcher Co. on Oak Hill, while having closed down most of the quarry for the
winter are still running the stone crusher at full capacity. A large quantity is daily sent to Lowell
on auto trucks over the Groton road, while quantities are shipped over the Stony Brook railroad.
“Representative Alfred W. Hartford has been appointed on the committee on insurance and
has been chosen clerk of the committee.
“Last week Guy R. Decater had an aggravating attack of the hiccoughs. All home
prescriptions failed to relieve its racking persistence. Dr. Coburn was telephoned for and made
an attack on the hiccoughs and they were counted out on the first round.
“Graniteville. The Ayer bowling team visited here last week and defeated the Graniteville
five in a special match. The local team was not quite satisfied with the result and the Ayer boys
returned here again this week….”
Gordon Seavey and “Susie” go sledding, c. 1918. Courtesy photo / Westford Historical Society.