Turner's Public Spirit, July 2, 1921
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. The prayer meeting on Wednesday evening had to be postponed on account of the
heavy rainfall which came about 7:30. However, the rain was so much needed that no one was
sorry to see it come, as the prospect of a good crop of berries has been rather dubious….
“The sympathy of the townsfolk is extended to J. Willard Fletcher and family in the loss of the
wife and mother [Etta H. (Whidden) Fletcher, died June 27]. Besides her duties at home and in
the depot, which filled much of her time, Mrs. Fletcher was interested in the activities of the town
belonging to the grange, the Tadmuck club and the W.C.T.U. She wished to live till the
graduation of her twin daughters, Mildred and Marion, from Westford academy, but she was
unable to attend the exercises.
“Miss May E. Day is planning to take the course in library work with children at Simmons
college during July. Miss Alice M. Howard will have charge of the library during her absence.
“During July and August the library will close at eight p.m. and will not be open on Sundays,
according to the usual custom.
“Mr. and Mrs. O. L. Brownsey are spending the week at Mrs. Brownsey’s home in Dunbarton,
N.H.
“Quite a persistent fire broke out in Parkerville last week Friday and kept the firemen busy for
two days. The fire covered several miles of land between Mr. Nesmith’s home and the railroad
but little damage was done.
“At the missionary meeting held at the Atwood home on Friday a good report was made of the
money raised by the society towards the church apportionment. It was decided to gather and pack
a barrel of clothing in the fall. Mrs. G. F. White had charge of the program and was assisted by
Mrs. Bartlett. Refreshments were served by the hostesses.
“Miss Clara Endicott Sears, who spends her summers in Harvard, was in town one day last
week looking up information for a new book on the Millerites. Miss Sears has written several
books, of which three are in the library, ‘The bell ringers’ a village tale, ‘Gleanings from old
Shaker journals’ and ‘Bronson Alcott’s fruitlands.’
“The band concert given by the Abbot Worsted Company band on the Common Sunday
afternoon was well attended. It is hoped that more will be given during the summer.
“About Town. The cornerstone of the new village church at West Chelmsford, just over the
Westford town line, will be laid with appropriate ceremony on Sunday evening….
“The county commissioners have awarded the town $500 to improve the Lowell road from
Brookside to Westford depot, a distance of about two miles. This is the result of the survey made
by the commissioners last spring. We suppose that this survey has mapped out a plan by which
the road is to be improved. Mud in its season seems to be the chief attraction in its season, as that
is four feet deep and a mile and a half long, and has been graveled, re-graveled and then graveled.
Some other prescription would seem to be advisable. We supposed that the town will be
expected to contribute several dollars to aid the cause of lowering the mud standard.
“The road department has oiled the Brookside road from the town line at Westford Corner to
Brookside corner at its junction with the Lowell and Chamberlin roads. The auto, on its way to
Westford Center, oiled the dust to a finish in front of all houses on the Lowell road.
“Pleasant greetings have been received from Mr. and Mrs. L. W. Wheeler, who were in
Chicago, ready to start back on the last lap of their auto trip homeward.
“Charles S. Edwards is seriously ill with pneumonia and bronchitis at his home on the
Brookside road at Westford Corner. He will be remembered as a former station agent at
Brookside on the Stony Brook railroad.
“Graniteville. Walter N. Fletcher, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry N. Fletcher, was one of a large
class recently graduated from the Lowell high school.
“Death. Henry W. Provost, a well-known and highly respected resident died at his home here
early Sunday morning after a brief illness, aged fifty-three years…. Mr. Provost was a man of
sterling character, kindly and courteous, charitable and ever cheerful with a pleasant smile and a
hearty greeting to all. He was employed as overseer with the Abbot Worsted Company and has
been connected with this firm as boy and man for a period of over forty years, where he held the
esteem of all under his charge, and the full confidence of his firm….”
Boston author, preservationist and philanthropist Clara Endicott Sears (1863-1960) summered
in Harvard where she founded the Fruitlands Museum. Courtesy Photo /