Turner's Public Spirit, June 12, 1920
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. An interesting picture is at the library illustrating Westford as it was more than fifty
years ago. This picture was made in 1866 and was found among the late Mrs. William E. Frost’s
effects and was given to the library and is an interesting study to any resident whether Westford is
their native or adopted town.
“The assessors have finished making up the new five dollar poll list and committed it to the
collector for payment.
“Miss May E. Day, Miss Alice M. Howard and Miss Emily F. Fletcher recently attended a
meeting of the library association at Haverhill. The American Library association is especially at
work on an enlarged program for extending the work carried on during the war for providing
reading privileges to all.
“Dr. Coburn is driving a new Reo car. An attractive type of professional man’s car.
“George F. White and Myron C. Taylor have been in attendance this week at the Ayrshire
Breeders’ association sale at Springfield. Mr. White is a member of this association. Mrs. White
also went to Springfield, taking the opportunity to visit friends.
“Emory J. Whitney is having his house [59 Main St.] painted, changing the color from gray to
white.
“The latest census shows the population of Westford to be 3,170. The last enumeration in
1910 gave a population of 2,851, which gives an increase of 319.
“Mr. and Mrs. George F. White gave a very pleasant party for their son Forrest, and his
graduating class, Friday evening of last week. The graduating class of thirteen and added guests
made the number sixteen. Four tables of whist were enjoyed and with music, refreshments and
the merry sociability of youth, the evening was a very pleasant one. The young gentleman, for
whom the party was given, was a very genial host, doing everything for his guests’ pleasure,
especially going after and carrying home by automobile all who lived at a distance.
“The big town sprayer has been at work on the village trees this week. It is an interesting
sight to watch some of the very tall trees about the common getting their annual protection from
moth pests.
“The graduating exercises of Westford academy take place next Wednesday, at ten a.m., at the
town hall. This is a large class of thirteen to be graduated, seven girls and six boys. Miss
Mildred Precious is the valedictorian and the Salutatorian is Miss Julia Donnelly. The other girl
graduates are: Misses Dorothy Shugrue, Yvonne Anctil, Edna Sargent, Marion Woodbury, and
Pamelia Precious. The young men are Raymond Wall, Conrad Coté, Webster Flagg, Fred
Griffin, Forrest White and Morton Seavey, the latter having taken a post graduate course.
Following the exercises from ten to twelve there will be a reception to the graduating class and a
luncheon will be served by the Page Catering Co. In the evening there will be the usual
graduation ball.
“The graduating class enjoyed a class outing Wednesday, going to Marblehead and other
points of interest by automobile. Mrs. Harold H. Hildreth chaperoned the party.
“About Town. We were glad to greet our former old-time neighbor on Memorial day, Mrs.
Jennie Fifield, who makes her home in Nashua, N.H. While in town she has been stopping at the
Walkden’s at Chamberlin’s corner. Her son, William Fifield, is now and has been for several
years with the Barnum and Bailey circus and is holding a responsible position. Mrs. Fifield still
holds her youthful, cheerful ways, as when a neighbor in the Stony Brook valley. There is little
physical evidence that she will have marked eighty-three years in August.
“Forge Village. The annual picnic of St. Andrew’s Sunday school will be held Saturday
afternoon at the park adjoining Lake Mattawanakee [i.e., Forge Pond]. The children from St.
Andrew’s church in Ayer are expected to be present and join in the sports and games.
“A number of automobiles were in town Monday evening from Ayer to advertise the
Chautauqua, to be held in Ayer, June 22 to 26.
“Graniteville. William F. Buckingham, now of Southbridge, spent the weekend at his home
here. ‘Bucky’ is making good on the ball team in the above-named town.
“Silver Wedding. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Provost, two well-known people of this village,
observed their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary by a high mass of thanksgiving celebrated in St.
Catherine’s church last week Friday morning at eight o’clock. The pastor, Rev. C. P. Heaney,
was the celebrant….
“Mr. and Mrs. Provost were married in St. Catherine's church June 4, 1895, by Rev. John J.
Shaw, a former pastor….”
Advertisement for the upcoming Chautauqua from Turner’s Public Spirit, Ayer, June 5, 1920.