The Westford Wardsman, July 6, 1918
Center. Warren E. Carkin is detained at home, recovering from a fall and bad shaking up that happened while at his work in Graniteville. He is suffering with three broken ribs.
Miss Elizabeth Kittredge is to attend a special summer course at Harvard college, specializing in a few studies, principally biology. In the fall she plans to enter Johns Hopkins university for the study of medicine, having successfully passed her examinations. Miss Kittredge is a graduate of Vassar college and has been a successful teacher in Cleveland, Ohio.
Mrs. Henry L. McClusky and son Donald spent last week in Westford, the guests of Mrs. Arthur E. Day and Mrs. Houghton G. Osgood. Dr. McClusky drove to Westford Sunday and returned with his family to Worcester.
The reading circle of the Tadmuck club will meet with Mrs. Louis H. Buckshorn Monday afternoon at 2:30.
Miss Marjorie Seavey has been in attendance at Cattle Park [sic], Mich., at a national convention of Sigma Kappa, she being the delegate from her chapter at Boston university. There were present nearly fifty girls from various colleges in the United States, from Virginia to Texas, California, etc., and Miss Seavey expects much of interest.
The older pupils of Miss Ella Leona Gale gave their annual recital Thursday evening of last week at Kittredge hall, Lowell. Miss Eleanor Colburn and Forrest White, of Westford, were among the pupils having part in the program. Miss Colburn was one of four playing the grand march,
Mrs. William R. Carver entertained a group of friends at a very pleasant party for auction bridge on Friday afternoon of last week, for which there were five tables. Miss Elizabeth Kittredge, who will not have the usual vacation at home this summer, was the guest of honor. In these days of strenuous activity in war relief work this gathering proved very pleasant. Delicious refreshments were served at the close of the game.
Robert Russell, who has been with the saw mill unit in Scotland, returned to Westford last week and was welcomed by his wife and infant baby and many other friends in Chelmsford and Westford. He has much of interest to tell and is sure among other things that in comparison with conditions where he has been we at home have still much to learn in economy and sacrifice.
Most of the farmers are under way with their haying. The recent rain helped the crop somewhat, but in general there is a light cut of grass.
The daylight saving plan helps the evening meeting of the Red Cross at Library hall very acceptably.
The girls’ vested choir of the Congregational church made the musical part of the service most attractive last Sunday. Mrs. Charles D. Colburn contributed a beautiful offertory solo. On Sunday morning at this church the communion service will be observed, and a week from Sunday will be the children’s day exercises. These exercises were postponed earlier on account of the measles epidemic.
John Feeney, Jr., has recently purchased a Dodge five-passenger automobile, which he uses daily in his business. Mr. Feeney drove his auto home from the factory, a distance of about 800 miles [806 miles from Detroit to Westford, per maps.google.com].
Misses Ruth Tuttle and Jennie Ferguson are at home from their teaching for the long vacation, as is also Archie Hartford.
Mrs. Louis H. Buckshorn has been appointed representative of the Home Service league of the Westford branch of the Northern Middlesex chapter of the Red Cross. All appeals for aid for soldiers’ families and dependents must be made to her. Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher has charge of the information service.
Sugar cards will be signed by the local food administrator, James W. Rafter, after this week, and each person will be allowed three pounds of sugar per month. The cards will be presented to the grocers when sugar is desired, and when the allotted amount is received no more sugar will be allowed during the month. All grocers will have these cards and no sugar will be allowed unless the customer has a sugar card. Twenty-five pounds can be used for canning use only.
The weekly drill of Company L, M.S.G., took place in Forge Village on Tuesday evening. Major Tuttle, of Concord, has ordered the battalion drill which was to have been held on July 4, cancelled, and to take place in Forge Village on Sunday, July 14, at nine o’clock. The Westford members are to report at Forge Village at 8:45.
About Town. At the garden farm of Emery J. Whitney, Main street, Westford Center, Golden Bantam sweet corn has advanced to the tasseling-out stage, the tassel being several feet long. This corn was in April before the last snowstorm, when as usual the holdbacks were all shouting “It will rot.” The next earliest that the writer has seen is at the Old Oaken Bucket farm [the writer’s farm], where the tassel begins to show above the foliage. This was planted about May 1 and did not get hit with the frost, and has been industriously pushing since the word “Go” was signaled it. Sweet corn on the Prairie farm adjoining, which would have been earlier than this, was sent two weeks to the rear by the recent frost.
Julian A. Buckley, of Billerica Center, died recently in Boston at the eye and ear infirmary, aged forty-seven years. His father, John A. Buckley, is well remembered as one-time resident of West Chelmsford, a veteran of the civil war, and a member of the Spalding Light Cavalry; a genial man that everybody liked. The funeral of his son was from the undertaking rooms of Young & Blake, Lowell. Rev. William L. Walsh of the Unitarian church, Billerica, conducted the service. Burial was in the family lot in West Chelmsford, where the committal service was conducted by Mr. Walsh. He leaves a daughter, Miss Ethel L. Buckley, of Hopkinton.
The government reports a loss of food by rodents in eight western states at $60,000,000. Did you ever hear of any one shooting a food destroying rodent? Well, no we don’t know as we ever did. Shoot the birds—they conserve food; shoot the owls and hawk—they catch rodents. The frost damage is not ours, but our action on rodents and birds is our own sample of wisdom.
Nomination papers are in town for Speaker Channing H. Cox for lieutenant-governor.
Edwin Burne, of West Chelmsford, has completed a course in radio at the University of Vermont. Although only eighteen years of age, he enlisted in the army and chose this line of work. He proved himself to be a splendid student and at the completion of the course had 96 ½% and graduated fourth in the company. He was next to the youngest in Uncle Sam’s service there. He was sent to Camp Vail,, N.J. to take a further course of six months. He is now in the officers’ signal corps.
Dr. John E. Toye, who was once a student at Westford academy, is now assigned to the base hospital at Camp Devens. He was such a valuable doctor that the government sent him to Bellevue hospital in New York city for further work. He has now returned to Camp Devens. His wife and three children have come to reside with his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. John E. Toye, at West Chelmsford. The daughter Ruth will enter Northfield seminary this fall.
Dr. Fred Virgin, distinguished in New York medical circles, is visiting his sister, Mrs. Vincent Ravi Booth, at the Virgin [sic, Booth?] homestead in West Chelmsford. Dr. and Mrs. Virgin made the trip from New York in their limousine and will remain until the first of next week.
Miss Ella Tallant, of Pelham, N.H., formerly of Westford, has been visiting her sister, Mrs. William Parfitt, and Mrs. Henry Fletcher. Three of her brothers are now in the service—Albert, who graduated from the academy, is in France; Hugh is at Camp Devens, and Samuel is at Camp Beauregard in Louisiana. He is so proficient that he has been retained there as instructor.
We have heard that Blanche Waller was recently married [May 6, 1918, Walpole, N.H.] to Mr. Wallbridge [Maurice E. Walbridge], who sails soon for Y.M.C.A. work. The bride formerly lived here and graduated from Bates college. For several years she has been private secretary to the president of Montpelier university in Vermont.
Alberton W. Vinal, son of Mr. and Mrs. John W. Vinal, Groton road, North Chelmsford, is reported as killed in action on June 19 in France. He was one of the first boys to enlist in Chelmsford after America went into the war. He was much liked by all and is the first Chelmsford boy to give the supreme sacrifice. In going to Lowell on the trolley one notices that the service flag and the American flag which proudly were hung on the porch of the Vinal home, are now at half mast. Private Vinal was a nephew of Ralph Bridgeford.
Prof. John A. Taylor, of the University of North Dakota, arrived home Tuesday. He leaves shortly for New York city, to report at the overseas office for France as a Y.M.C.A. secretary. Mr. Taylor is the first Westford boy to enter that line of service, and has been granted a year’s leave of absence from the university. Before leaving North Dakota, the president of the university and the faculty had a community supper in his honor and gave expression to their appreciation of his work.
Mrs. H. E. Fletcher, who so efficiently managed the war savings stamp campaign for the town, was in Cambridge on Tuesday, attending a meeting of women who had the campaign in charge. It was under the direction of Mrs. William Dunbar and was held at the Cambridge Boat clubhouse. Talks on the work were given by various speakers.
Westford did well in the war savings stamp campaign. In this last campaign the quota was 750 names, and although the work went slowly at times, 900 names were listed. The quota for the year is $56,000 on the pledges and it is hoped that Westford will surpass that mark. Seven joined the “Limit club” and will buy $1000 worth. Mrs. H. E. Fletcher, who had charge of the campaign, appreciates the work of her committee and the people for their loyal support. The committee in charge included Mrs. Alfred Hartford, Mrs. John P. Wright, Miss Julia H. Fletcher, Mrs. Walter Whidden, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, Mrs. J. W. Fletcher, Mrs. George Howard, Mrs. Henry A. Fletcher, Mrs. C. Precious, Mrs. W. H. Sherman, Mrs. Goldsmith Conant.
Letter from Overseas. Seth Banister, who has been assigned to the aviation department of our army, is in England now. He has written home a very interesting letter under date of May 22. His aunt, a sister of Mrs. Frank Banister, is in London with her husband, who is a captain. “Seth” had a short furlough and visited them. The following gives an American boy’s account of his first visit to London.
Since my last letter I have visited Aunt Hilda and had a grand time. I left camp on Wednesday night and arrived in London very early the next morning. Uncle Fred met me at the station with a car and took me through the city to Catford, which is on the other side. It seemed very good to see them both. Uncle Fred is a captain now, but not on overseas service, as he is now with the Canadian Forestry Corps. They are living with some of his relatives, who are very nice people and made everything pleasant for me.
After I had breakfast and got rested Aunt Hilda and I went to London. The first thing that I wanted to see was Westminster Abbey, so we went there first. This is where all the old kings are buried and many notables, including statesmen and poets, or if not buried there, there are tablets commemorating them, and in the case of kings there are their statues. It is impossible to see everything in one trip, but I was all through the Abbey and saw about everything that could be seen. We also stayed to the intercession service at noon, after which we went to a clubhouse to which Aunt Hilda belongs, for dinner. On the way to the Abbey we stopped to see the changing of the Horse Guards at Hyde Park, which occurs at 10:30 every day and is an historic custom. The guards are dressed in bright red coats, white breeches and high black boots, white gloves, shining bronze breast-plates and head piece with high tasseled hat. They are mounted on black horses and present quite a formidable appearance in the sun with their armor and drawn swords as they go through the ceremony.
After dinner we rode through the streets on the train and to say that I had done so, we walked from Piccadilly Circus to Leicester square. We then took a train and rode up the Strand to St. Paul’s cathedral. This is an immense building and a beautiful piece of architecture. Inside it almost bewilders one to see how massive it is and undivided except for smaller chancels to one or the other side. Looking up you can see the stained glass of the roof and the beautiful ornate fresco work. There is a ledge near the top among all this, protected by a brass railing, which one many walk if ambitious enough to climb up there to it. By paying a small fee we were admitted to the crypt where are the tombs of Nelson and Wellington and many others of lesser fame. The walls of the crypt are something like twenty-two feet thick and so well protected, but of course the cathedral is exposed, and if bombed it would be a great outrage, as it would destroy something that could never be replaced.
We met Uncle Fred in the Waldorf hotel in the evening and dined there, and it was a “grand feed.” After being in the army so long I hardly knew what do with so many plates and tableware, but managed to get along. Anyway my appetite was not troubled with any formidable array of silverware and china. After that it was quite time to go home and there the bed seemed inviting. Eating at a white table and getting into a real bed at night was almost too much for one day.
The next morning I did not get up until late. I took a bath and felt fine and after breakfast I went down for a shave and then we were ready to start out again.
This time we went to the Tower of London, where so much of English history has been made. I got some leaflets and postcards, which Aunt Hilda will send along, and which will describe it better than I can begin to. However, I can say that I have seen the cell in which Sir Walter Raleigh was imprisoned and the one where the two princesses [sic] were smothered. There are rooms containing specimens of armor worn from early days until it became obsolete. We could not go into the tower of jewels as it was closed, but we were taken into the chapel of the tower where are buried many of the notables who were beheaded after being imprisoned there. The most important that I can remember are Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey and Sir Thomas Watt. It brings history so close at hand that it almost bewilders one to try and see everything at once.
From the tower we went to Dickens’ old curiosity shop. This is a quaint little place and has been allowed to remain as in the time of Dickens, although the modern buildings all around it make it seem quite out of place. Here I bought some souvenirs which I sent home and I trust you will get the one I sent all right.
We met Uncle Fred at one of the very nice restaurants and there had dinner. It was very nice and I have got a menu card which Aunt Hilda will send along with the other things. I was quite ready to get back to the house for a good rest. After I took a bath I felt quite rested and with a good bed it was all I wanted.
The next day, Saturday, we rested and did some shopping near at hand and in the evening went into London to the show, which I enjoyed very much. Sunday I spent around the house, as it was very warm, and felt as if I had seen about enough for one trip.
The people where they are staying have two little children—a little boy, a year or more older than Donald, and a little girl, about nine. They are very nice children and I enjoyed having them around and they took to me as I played cricket with them in the garden and gave them each an insignia pin. I had to leave at 9:45 Sunday night to catch the train, and Uncle Fred had the car to take me. This was a car belonging to the service and not many people are privileged to ride in automobiles in England now, so I was quite honored. I had to be back for reveille Monday morning and arrived there quite in time, somewhat tired, but otherwise fine. I had such a grand time and saw so much of interest that I consider it well worth a whole lot of hardships which I have experienced, and something that I will always remember.
It seems almost like a dream now, but I was there all right and saw everything—so much that I can’t begin to tell all the interesting things,
—Seth Banister
Shortly after “Seth” left London, that very night, there was the worst bombing raid by airships [zeppelins] that the city has had.
Forge Village. The baby weighing campaign that was held in Abbot hall the first three days of this week brought out a large gathering of mothers and children. On Monday forty-eight babies were weighed and measured. Miss Eva E. Crockett, state health nurse, was assisted by Miss Elizabeth Elliss, state health nurse for Littleton and Harvard, and Miss Eva F. Pyne, assisted by Mrs. Joseph Leclerc, who interpreted for the French-speaking people, and Mrs. Mike Sudac, acting for the Russians and Poles. Miss Helen Lord and her classmate, Miss Ethel Howard, of Andover, also rendered valuable assistance. Miss Lord, following the example of her sister, Miss E. Mae Lord, who is now on the way to France, has offered her services as trained nurse to the Red Cross and is now awaiting orders.
The Abbot Worsted Company is building a large bathhouse on the shore of Forge pond for the young men. This will be greatly appreciated by the youngsters, who also take a daily plunge in the pond.
The local baseball club defeated the Graniteville A. C. last Saturday afternoon on the new ball grounds by the score of 15 to 3. The fine pitching of Kavanagh and the quick work of the catcher, Spinner, together with the fine support of the team, decided the game in their favor. The battery for Graniteville A. C. was Keenan, Fagan and Reeves.
Mrs. Clarence Hill and son Robert, of Leominster, are visiting at the home of her sister, Mrs. Hugh Daly.
Death. Samuel Luther Blodgett, a well-known and highly esteemed resident of the Ridges, Groton, for the past thirty-three years, died early Monday morning after a few days illness. He complained of not feeling well on last week Friday morning, but later in the day insisted on going to work against the advice of his physician. Saturday he grew worse and the end came early Monday morning. Mr. Blodgett was superintendent of streets for the town of Groton the past ten years. He was born in New Ipswich, N.H., on July 31, 1839. He married Miss Margaret Welch and they resided in Graniteville for some time before moving to his present location. He is survived by his wife; five sons, Charles, Chester and William, of the Ridges, Walter and Elmer, of Ayer, and four daughters, Mrs. Thomas McGovern of Ayer, Mrs. Aaron Tuttle of Lowell, Mrs. Forest Andrews of Nashua, N.H., and Miss Emma Blodgett; thirteen grandchildren, and two brothers, George, of Townsend, and William, of Lowell.
Mr. Blodgett’s death came as a shock to his many relatives and friends. He only recently purchased a new touring car and was anticipating much pleasure with the members of his family.
The funeral services were held at the home on Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock, with interment in Fairview cemetery, Westford.
Graniteville. The Graniteville A.C. visited Forge Village last Saturday afternoon and met with defeat at the hands of the Forge Village A.C. by the score of 15 to 3. Batteries—Graniteville, Keenan, Fagan and Reeves; Forge Village, Kavanagh and Spinner. The umpire was H. Hartford. Graniteville will play the Giants of Lowell on the home ground here on this Saturday.
The baby weighting campaign that will be held in Healy’s hall, commencing Monday, will be conducted by Miss Eva Crockett, government nurse, and will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday, both afternoon and evening. Mothers having babies up to five years of age are urgently requested to bring their children and have them weighed. Women of all nationalities are invited to come, as competent interpreters will be present to help smooth the way for them. The baby weighing campaign is held under the direction of the Westford board of selectmen, the town board of health and also the government officials. The object is to safeguard the health of the child.
Edward Riney, of this village, and Miss Catherine E. Dunn, of West Chelmsford, were married at the parochial residence of St. John’s church, North Chelmsford, last Sunday afternoon at six o’clock. The pastor, Rev. C. P. Heaney, was the officiating clergyman. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Mary A. Dunn, as bridesmaid, and Joseph Riney, brother of the bridegroom, was best man. The bride was attired in a costume of blue silk chiffon and wore a picture hat of white straw and carried a bouquet of bridal roses. The bridesmaid’s costume was of blue silk taffeta, with a hat of white milan and she carried a bouquet of pink roses. Immediately after the ceremony the wedding party left by automobile for Boston, where Mr. and Mrs. Riney took the federal express for New York and later they went to Camden, N.J., where Mr. Riney is now employed.
Elmer Stiles, of Waltham, a former resident, made a brief visit here recently, during which he called on many of his old friends. He was a dinner guest of A. H. Choate and Mrs. Clara Gray on Saturday.
F. Russell Furbush, who has been in Erie, Pa., for the past few weeks, has been a recent visitor here.
Harvard
Still River. The soldiers who have been encamped near the combat range broke camp and went to Camp Devens, Tuesday. It was a great surprise to the Depot Brigade men, who expected to remain here until fall.
As the men who have been training on the combat range expect to start for “over there” soon, and the newly drafted men will not be ready for this advanced training for some time, it looks as if this village would return to its former quietness for awhile. The boys who have been encamped here were a fine set of fellows, and made many friends here, who are sorry to see them go.
Littleton
The Celebration. The Fourth of July celebration turned out very well in spite of many disappointments. The soldiers who were to have taken part in some of the entertainments and the regimental band were crossing the sea and home talent came to the rescue. All the features with the exception of those above named were carried into effect and a full and pleasing program was enjoyed by a large crowd of people.
The parade was delayed an hour in starting, but made good time and had no accidents. The large truck with Uncle Sam and the Boy Scouts led in the procession. Other truck leads followed with Camp Fire Girls and Girl Scouts. All the automobiles were well decorated with flags and red, white and blue streamers. About forty-five automobiles in all went to Camp Devens and through the streets there, seeing all places and buildings of note.
Ayer
News Items. The Boston and Maine railroad have done away with the large circular radiators in the big waiting room at the railroad station and has put in up-to-date radiators which are installed about the walls of the room.
A large train load of soldiers from Minnesota passed through here on Tuesday en route to Portland, Me.
Sergt. C. W. Knotts of Naco Arizona, formerly with Gen. Pershing’s expedition in Mexico, and who was stationed at the Remount [Depot], has been transferred to Co. G, 301st ammunition train and expects to go soon for overseas service. He helped to organize the first pack train at Camp Devens Remount Depot and has shown ability as a soldier.
Forty-five more men were brought here from Boston on Monday night, charged with neglecting to return their questionnaires as required by law. Surrounded by armed guards the captives were marched to Camp Devens.
Two hundred fifty slackers rounded up by federal and Boston police officers in Greater Boston were brought to the camp on Sunday and were inducted into military service and were temporarily assigned to the Depot Brigade. Later, they were assigned to companies by the division officers.
One of the most stringent rules issued since the establishment of Camp Devens went into force this week, when notice was given that officers no longer would be allowed to ride in the automobiles of the privates. Hereafter officers will be required to hire cars or ride in government motorcycles with side cars.
The local exemption board went to Camp Devens on Tuesday where they inducted into military service 123 men from Division 15, who are classed among those who failed to comply with the military regulations concerning the draft. The complaints consist of failure to register or neglecting to return their questionnaires and for not reporting for duty at the office of the board after they filled the first two mentioned requirements.
The building formerly used as a clubhouse for soldiers on West Main street has been sold by Herbert J. Webb to the Qua-Ko Bottling Company. The headquarters of the company are in Philadelphia with a branch office in Boston. Mr. Webb has purchased the Brady house in the rear of this building.
Rev. J. D. Burrell, of Camp Devens, will speak at the Federation House on Sunday evening at 7:45. Mrs. Daisy Beckford will sing. Mrs. Claude Gilson is a member of the staff which is making a special tour of churches and state conferences in New England. Miss Susan Wheeler, of Norwood, is living at the house and acting as volunteer hostess. Plans for alterations to the building are being considered.
Barbecue. Arrangements are completed for the great barbecue which will take place on the vacant lot near the Soldiers’ club on West street this Saturday afternoon, for the benefit of a large number of sailors who are coming from Boston. The number in the party will probably reach 1500. Mayor Andrew Peters, of Boston, will accompany the party and will deliver a speech at the clubhouse to the gathering. Former Gov. Walsh is also expected to speak.
The sailors will come in automobiles from Boston, which are furnished by prominent residents of that city. Spring lamb and vegetables, which will be the food for the feast, will be cooked in the open air in the lot near the clubhouse.
The visiting sailors and guests will go direct to Camp Devens, where they will witness athletic contests and enjoy other features arranged for their benefit, after which they will come back to Ayer for the barbecue. A number of men have volunteered their services as waiters. More are required, however, and anyone desiring to serve may apply at the Soldiers’ club to Mr. Torge.
The committee having charge of the barbecue ask all the people of Ayer to decorate their houses and stores during the day in honor of the great event. Moving pictures of the event will be taken by operators of the Hearst Pathé Company and the Universal Weekly. These pictures will be shown in theatres all over the country, so there is a good chance for the people of Ayer to let the country know just what they can do in their reception to the guests. There will be other photographs taken. Band concerts will be held during the afternoon at the Soldiers’ club, three bands from the camp furnishing music. Much interest is shown in the event as this will be the first barbecue ever seen in this vicinity.
The committee having the event in charge is composed of H. E. Robbins, chairman; Mr. Locke, assistant; Mr. Bigelow, correspondence of decorations, George H. Brown, assistant; Charles H. Hardy, construction, and Mr. Torge, manager of the Soldiers’ club.
Non-Productive Workers Posted. The following persons, within the draft age, have been classed as having non-productive occupations by the Division 15 exemption board, which is acting in compliance with the requirements recently made by the federal government, and must procure work of a productive kind: …
Westford—Walter M. Steele, Rudolph Richard, Henry F. Charlton.
Assaulted. Night Officer James I Mills was the victim of one of the most vicious assaults that has been committed here for years when at 12:30 o’clock Monday morning he was attacked in the police station by Abraham Berlin, an insane prisoner from Boston. The officer’s face was severely bruised and he suffered from injuries to his head and chest. Berlin was taken from Camp Devens to the police station Saturday, where he remained confined till Monday morning. At the time of the assault Officer Mills was alone in the cell room with the prisoner. The officer upon opening the cell door was attacked by the insane person. In trying to avoid the attack the officer tripped and fell striking his head making a severe wound, which bled profusely. While the officer was lying in a prostrate position the insane man kicked him several times about the head and face and then made a dash for liberty through the outer door of the police station.
After a time Officer Mills had recovered sufficient strength to walk over to the railroad yards, near the Main street entrance to the subway, where he gave the alarm. Chief Beatty, who was doing duty on Main street near Depot square, was notified and lost no time in going to the officer’s assistance. When he arrived at the police station Officer Mills was sitting on a chair, his head covered with blood. Chief Beatty, after hurriedly calling Dr. Sullivan, who treated the officer, then notified all the police in the surrounding towns to be on the watch for the fugitive. The chief then in company with Officers Wall, Burrill, Pirone and McDonald started after the insane man. The trail was continued to Lancaster, where Berlin was found in the barn of Richard M. Farnsworth and placed under arrest by Mr. Farnsworth and a neighbor and held for the police. The Lancaster police were called and Berlin was taken to the Clinton police station for safe keeping.
When Berlin was caught in the barn he had evidently stolen some eggs on the premises as he had several in his pocket. He was taken back to Ayer and from here was committed to the Worcester Insane Asylum.
Berlin removed all the switch lights along the track between Ayer and Lancaster, he having evidently travelled over the railroad. A street sign taken from Ayer was found at Still River depot.
Mr. Mills was taken to his home where his injuries were found to be very painful, but not serious. He will be confined to his home for some time however.
District Court. Jennie Ricchico, of New Haven, Conn., was charged with assault and battery on Dominick DeFelice, also of New Haven, the assault occurring on Tuesday night. Each was charged with a minor offense which were not pressed. DeFelice, who is a soldier at Camp Devens, was turned over to the military authorities, and the woman’s case was continued until this Saturday morning for further investigation. She was held in sureties of $500 in default of which she was committed to the woman’s detention room at the police station.
Soldier Stabbed. Dominick DeFelice, of New Haven, Conn., who is attached to Battery F, 302nd Field Artillery at Camp Devens, was stabbed about the left jaw with some sharp instrument Tuesday night. The soldier was taken into the Ayer Confectionery store on Merchants’ row, where Dr. Sullivan attended him. The wounds, though large, were not serious and the victim was able to go back to camp. Later in the evening a woman named Mrs. Jennie Ricchico, of New Haven, was arrested and charged with the crime. She was taken to the women’s detention room in the town hall building, where she and DeFelice were closely questioned by the local and military police. They both refused to say anything about themselves for some time, but later the facts were brought out.
The soldier stated that he first met the woman ten days previous to the assault in Ayer. She claimed to have a husband and three children, the husband, according to her statement, being at Camp Devens. She asked the soldier to assist her in finding her husband. She returned to New Haven and came back to Ayer Tuesday, the assault occurring on the evening of that day. The assault is supposed to have been committed somewhere in the hill section. Nothing definite as to the place could be obtained as both principals were strangers to the town and could not tell just where the crime was committed. The kind of weapon used in the assault could not be learned. No weapon of any kind was found on the person of the assailant.