The Westford Wardsman, June 22, 1918
Center. Mrs. Howard A. Lincoln has returned from a pleasant vacation spent with relatives in North Falmouth.
The best of the native strawberry crop has gone by. Our local growers have had some fine berries and excellent prices have been secured.
The annual field day, with box luncheon, of the Ladies’ Missionary society will be held at the home of Mrs. A. E. Loveless on Tuesday. A speaker from Boston has been secured and the day promises to be a repetition of last year’s pleasant gathering at this hospitable home. The hostess will furnish hot coffee at noon.
A quiet wedding took place in Gloucester, the home of the bride, last Saturday, when Miss Martha L. Grant was united in marriage to Sergt. Harry E. Whiting, a soldier at Camp Devens. The bride has taught school in Westford for the past eleven years, having taught at the Frost school since that building was erected, and for several years past has been principal of the building, and her efficiency and faithfulness and sincere, pleasant personality have won her a wide circle of friends in Westford, who extend their very best wishes to her. Sergt. Whiting is in the 76th Division at Ayer and may be called to overseas duty at any time.
W. J. Rafter, the food administrator for this town, has given the following instructions to the grocers of the town: “Under no circumstances, until further instructions, issue or permit to be issued to any person more than one sugar card for twenty-five pounds of sugar for canning and preserving purposes; also, beginning June 15, two pounds is the maximum amount of sugar which can be sold to any one person at one time, and the total quantity thus sold to any householder in one month shall not exceed three pounds for each person in the household. Dealers will be held responsible for seeing that this ruling is carried out. These are orders from the United Food administration and are absolute, and must be observed by dealers and consumers alike.” We expect this new ruling is to equalize the sugar consumption during the canning season and avoid the shortage later in the year that happened last season.
The funeral and burial of the late Mrs. Helen Keith Frost took place in Chicago, where Mr. and Mrs. Francis E. Frost have their home.
A pleasant all-day Red Cross knitting party was held on Thursday at the camp of Mrs. O. R. Spalding at Forge pond. The various groups were transferred in automobiles and the pleasant June weather, the beautiful surroundings and pleasant sociability made the day one of the pleasantest. Box luncheon at noon was amply supplemented by the hospitable hostess.
The woman’s committee in the town for the thrift stamp campaign is doing faithful work, with Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher as the efficient chairman. Those assisting her at the Center are Mrs. Alfred W. Hartford, Miss Julia H. Fletcher, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher and Miss Marjorie Seavey. Westford’s quota is 750 to purchase war stamps or one out of every four people. Thus far the campaign is not coming up to expectations and Westford people surely want to make good in this worthy call to aid the government. It is surely a sound business proposition to lend to Uncle Sam at a good rate of interest. Everyone is earnestly asked to think about it, learn about it and be ready to meet the members of the committee and do their share before the campaign closes on June 28.
Mr. and Mrs. Edwin E. Amesbury, of Wakefield, were guests of Mrs. A. E. Loveless over the academy graduation, when their only son, Frederick, was graduated and gave the class prophecy.
Miss Elizabeth Kittredge, of Cleveland, Ohio, is at her Westford home for the long vacation.
Col. L, M.S.G., Westford’s section of the stay-at-home army, participated in the flag day parade in Lowell last week Friday, being given the right of the line as invited guest. The Lowell company, being one short of a full battalion, feel somewhat that the Westford company so nearby should be with them rather than as it is. About the usual number were at drill on Tuesday evening, when battalion movements were rehearsed in anticipation of battalion drill on Sunday, from nine o’clock in the morning until twelve noon at the Forge Village ballfield, by order of Major Tuttle, of Concord. The Concord, Groton and Westford companies form this battalion, like Lowell, being one short of a full number.
Graduating Exercises. The event of the week was the graduation of Westford academy on Wednesday, followed by the reception and dance in the evening. It was a most successful event with its good weather and its fine class of graduates—nine girls and five boys—and in these serious times it was a pleasure to be present at all the exercises and get the atmosphere of unfeigned optimism that always prevails with groups of young people at their best. The hall was filled with parents and friends.
The hall was beautifully decorated, the stage banked and outlined with green, with the national colors for a background, and overhead the class motto. “Ever onward,” in the class colors of garnet and gold. The roll of honor of the academy students and the Red Cross of 100% membership occupied a prominent place. It is to be noted in passing that this class has given the sum of forty-five dollars for the Red Cross.
The program opened with a march and overture by the Titania orchestra; invocation, Rev. L. H. Buckshorn; salutatory, Rachael Elsie Kimball; class history, Bertram William Sutherland, a fine resume of the four years study and recreations; school chorus, Miss Raynes, conductor; class will Miss Frances Elizabeth Wright, a bright and spicy list of bequests; “Class colors,” Elinor Stearns Colburn, given with well put significance; class prophecy, Frederick Alexander Amesbury, containing some bright flights of imagination which interested all present; presentation of service flag and honor roll, impressively given by Sylvia Forrest Gladu, and as impressively accepted by Ruth Merle Sargent, class of 1919; chorus, “Keep the home fires burning,” school and audience; presentation of gift for the Junior Red Cross, also by Sylvia Forest Gladu, and acceptance by Ruth Merle Sargent; extracts from a letter from overseas, written by Claude Gladu, class of 1917, read by Mr. Roudenbush; address of the day, Frank W. Wright, deputy commissioner of education of the state, a keen and clear presentation of the present day educational status, and of the best standards and values for young people to choose; selections, girls’ chorus; valedictory, “The red triangle” (prize essay), Miss Carolyn Edith Precious, given with clear logic and was a vital subject; presentation of diplomas and prizes to the students, Supt. Frank H. Hill, the exercises closing with the singing of “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Following is a list of the winners and prizes given by the academy trustees: Public speaking, Carolyn E. Precious ’18, $10, Ruth M. Sargent ’19, $5, Stanley Smith ’21, honorable mention; essay, upper school (third and fourth year), Carolyn E. Precious ’18, $5, Frances E. Wright ’18, honorable mention; lower school (first and second year), Francis Daley ’21, $2.50; stenography, Anna S. Lundgren ’18, $2.50.
The day closed with a reception and dance in the evening, Broderick’s orchestra of Lowell in attendance. There was a large number present and the clear cool evening was largely attended. Members of the junior class were the ushers of the evening.
About Town. After several disappointing hindrances George O. Spalding has transferred his farm on Francis hill to Peter Green, of Carlisle, and the said Peter Green sold his farm in Carlisle to the foreman for George C. Moore at the Nabnassett farm.
Wheat sold for nine cents a bushel in England 630 years ago. It reached its highest price in 1812, selling for $3.85 a bushel. We were nearer Hooverism 106 years ago than we are at present with Hoover in the saddle.
The late David P. Byam [sic, Daniel Proctor Byam, a Civil War veteran, died May 25, 1918, in Chelmsford] had planned an automobile trip this month to visit Thomas E. Taylor in Woodsville, N.H., his old soldier companion during the civil war.
Lightning shows a marked preference for chestnut trees. Of about 2000 trees struck by lightning in Pennsylvania state forests in the past four years 655 were chestnut; pitch pine comes next with 327 trees struck, and then following in order rock oak, white pine, hemlock, red oak, white oak, black oak, locust and sugar maple; black birch being at the foot of the list.
Potato starch and alcohol are being used in England to make a substitute for rubber. A company in Virginia has been organized to make synthetic (artificial) rubber out of calcium carbide.
So far as heard from the restriction by government on food are all in the interest of health—less flour, meat, sugar and numerous other food toys. What are we all complaining about? Don’t we want to be healthy? The road to it is not by the way of the pleasures of gluttony.
Hon. and Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher announced last week the engagement of their only daughter, Hazel Mildred, to Sergt. Oden B. Pyle, of Baltimore, Md. Sergt. Pyle graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1916. He is with the 33rd Engineers at Camp Devens. Miss Fletcher graduated from Dana Hall at Wellesley and was a sophomore at Vassar this last year. Mrs. Fletcher gave a dinner party at her beautiful home last week at which the engagement was announced.
White frost at the F. W. Banister farm on Thursday morning, June 20, and one degree above that color at the Old Oaken Bucket farm. What must it have been at the approaches to the north pole or the northern New England anti-tropical climate.
Westford must go over the top in the war savings stamp campaign! This is the slogan for the war stamp campaign which will end on June 28. The U.S. raises money by liberty bonds, taxes and war stamps. It has announced to us our quota—750 names and $56,000. You and you and you must help. It means everyone must pledge who possibly can to get the list up to 750 names. We mustn’t fail on that and each one must pledge as much as possible so we can have the required $56,000.
Mrs. Herbert E. Fletcher attended the banquet at the Brunswick in Boston on Tuesday evening for the chairmen of the war stamp committees. It was a most enthusiastic occasion and splendid talks were given by men in regard to our duty in the present campaign.
Miss Frances Banister has returned from an enjoyable visit in Maine. She reports that her father’s potatoes are far ahead of those in Maine. She says Maine is going in for wheat and oats, and using more machinery.
Mrs. Carlos Dyer Cushing attended the graduation exercises at Lasell seminary [now Lasell College, Auburndale, Newton, Mass.] and enjoyed her own class reunion. Among those present were Mrs. Draper, formerly of this town, and her sister, Miss Lillian Packard. Mrs. W. R. Taylor also went down for commencement day and was a special guest in honor of her grandfather, who was one of the former principals of Lasell.
John H. Keefe has sold his farm on Francis hill to Charles H. Sweat, who will occupy the farm soon. Mr. Keefe will have an auction on Saturday afternoon. This place has a beautiful view. It is one of the old-time places and the elm tree can be seen as a landmark from many parts of the town. This farm was once known as the Alden P. Osgood farm on the Chamberlain road and later it passed to the hands of Warren Hunt.
The strawberry crop is very light, not half a crop. Berries are high, even selling for forty and forty-five cents a box—not because of the war, but because of the scarcity of the berries. Mr. Jenkins and Mr. Greig have probably as good a crop as anyone.
Rev. Vincent Booth and family are once more occupying their summer home in West Chelmsford.
Miss Lizzie Winship, of West Chelmsford, is in the Lowell General hospital, where she underwent an operation. She is resting comfortably. For years Miss Winship was the able and beloved teacher at the Nabnassett school.
Forge Village. The canvass for the war savings stamps is now being carried on. All those who are purchasing thrift stamps should sign the cards that will be left at their homes. Mrs. Herbert Fletcher is chairman of the committee and is assisted by many women of the town.
Mrs. William Baker, Mrs. John Edwards, Mrs. Edmund Pendlebury, and Miss Eva Pyne attended the Red Cross meeting in Lowell on Tuesday in order to learn how to make the new hospital garments for men. They then instructed the workers of the local club on Tuesday evening.
Mrs. James Smith has received word that her son, Corp. Herbert Smith, has arrived safely in England.
James McNiff, son of Mr. and Mrs. John McNiff, has enlisted in the navy. He has passed all examinations and has been ordered to be ready within twenty-four hours’ notice. When he concluded his duties at the Lowell Cartridge shop on Saturday a large number of friends presented the young man with a handsome toilet case containing a safety razor and several other articles which will be of much service.
The war gardens are in fine condition; the large potato field being expected to yield over 1000 bushels.
A large number from here attended the graduation exercises at Westford academy on Wednesday. Among those who graduated were Caroline E. Precious, valedictorian, Robert Spinner and Mildred I. Parrott, from this village.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Collins, of Arlington, spent the weekend and holiday with relatives here.
Miss Gertrude Comey, of Boston, spent the weekend and holiday at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Comey.
Frank Comstock is entertaining his sister, Mrs. Lillian Kenway, of Newton.
Rev. Angus Dun preached a very interesting sermon at St. Andrew’s church Sunday. He will preach to the officers’ training corps of the New England training school on Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. William Weaver have recently returned from a week’s visit among their daughters—Mrs. Arthur Blodgett, of Medford; Mrs. Henry Tyler, of Worcester, and Mrs. Carl Gerard, of Ayer.
Miss Fanny Prescott, of Cambridge, has been a recent guest at the home of Mrs. Harriet E. Randall.
William Longbottom, of Westboro, spent the weekend at the home of his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. William Burnett, he having made the long trip on his bicycle.
Pleasantly Surprised. A very interesting event took place on last week Friday afternoon just before school closed for the summer vacation, when Miss Mary Sullivan, of the eighth grade, presented to Miss Letitia V. Ward, principal of Cameron school, a beautiful cut glass water set and olive dish as a token of love and esteem from the pupils. Miss Ward was very much surprised and for a moment silence reigned. Then to relieve the situation Miss Abbie M. Blaisdell, teacher of grades two and three, presented Miss Ward with a framed picture of “Peace.” By this time the pupils had gathered around her and offered her their best wishes in the new life she is about to commence. Miss Ward thanked them in her usual charming way and said she would recall the days spent at Cameron school as some of her happiest of her life. She has taught school for a number of years and for over ten years has been the principal of Cameron school. During that time she has always held the respect of the pupils and has kept in close touch with them long after they have left school. Her marriage to Nelson O’Clair, of Ayer, takes place shortly.
Miss Ward received another surprise on last week Friday evening when about twenty of her most intimate friends gave her a miscellaneous shower. Miss Ward thoroughly enjoyed the affair and thanked her friends for the beautiful gifts bestowed upon her. The evening was spent in a delightful, informal way and refreshments were served. The affair was in charge of the Misses Lillian and May Macomber and Katheryn Ward.
Graniteville. The home of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Healy was the scene of a merry house party on last Saturday evening, given in honor of their son Henry, who has enlisted as a chemist in the Ordnance department in Washington, D.C. The affair was in the nature of a surprise party and had been carefully planned by the members of the family. The first on the program was the presentation of a comfort kit by his relatives and friends, the speech being delivered by A. R. Wall. The recipient responded in his usual happy manner. The rest of the evening was given over to real enjoyment, during which a fine musical entertainment was given that consisted of piano solos and songs by Miss Helen Furbush; songs, Miss Nelson Healy; recitations, William Wyman; duet, Leo Healy and Alice Harrington. Numerous games were played, after which dancing was indulged in to excellent violin music by Mr. Landry. The whole affair proved to be very enjoyable and will long be remembered by Mr. Healy as one of the happiest occasions of his life. Mr. Healy expects to be called for active duty in Washington in the very near future.
St. Peter’s A.A. visited here on last Saturday afternoon, and in one of the fastest games of the season, that was replete with clever hitting and sharp fielding, defeated the Graniteville club by the score of 7 to 6. It looked for a time as though the game would go into extra innings for things were tied up in the seventh with both sides playing air-tight ball. The Lowell boys managed to squeeze another run over in the eighth after two were out and although Graniteville made a strong bid in the ninth they failed to connect. It was certainly some ball game. Graniteville will play the Westford club here on Saturday of this week and a great game is expected.
Joe Wall, deputy fish and game warden, has recently, through the officers of the Lowell Fish and Game association, received some fine mallard ducks, which he has liberated in the different ponds in this vicinity.
Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Wiley, of Cuttingsville, Vt., have been recent visitors here, coming over the road in their new Hupmobile touring car.
Private Joseph Carpentier, a Graniteville boy, is now with the American forces in France.
Corp. William Buckingham is still in “Ole Virginy” and is expected to be at a New York cantonment soon.
The drive for war savings stamps is now in full swing here, and the women who are conducting it are making a vigorous campaign. A house to house canvass is being made and everyone will be reached before the work is completed. Mrs. W. H. Sherman has charge of the work here, assisted by Mrs. A. R. Wall, Miss Elizabeth Turner, Miss Belle Carpentier, Miss Christina Pivirolto and Mrs. Leo Zubowicz. Aside from the work being done by the above-named committee, a canvass has been made of the mills and shops here with good results.
The members of Court Graniteville, F. of A., held their regular meeting on Thursday night with a good attendance.
Harvard
Still River. About 300 men came to the combat range on Wednesday and are encamped on each side of the road above the brick yard side-track. They are picked men for good marksmanship at rifle shooting for special training on the range.
On Tuesday evening the Ladies’ Benevolent society gave a supper and social in the vestry, given more especially for the benefit of the soldiers encamped here, about forty of whom were present. After the supper the soldiers entertained with music and recitations, and everyone enjoyed listening to them. The boys are especially fond of pie, which is not often seen in camp. A large supply was ready for them and they all had all they wished and still there was a lot left.
Shirley
News Items. Military bands from Camp Devens will furnish concerts during the summer in Shirley, as the ranks of the Shirley and Ayer consolidated band have been depleted by enlistments and the draft.
“Boston’s Own,” the 301st infantry band, of Camp Devens, gave a concert of unusual merit at the bandstand, Depot square, Monday evening. The affair was made one of special significance by the presence of A. P. Langtry, last week, from which he died at the age of sixty years.
Besides his wife, children and grandchildren, he leaves two sisters, Mrs. W. E. Conant, of Littleton, and Mrs. Lucy Cooley, of Aurora, Ill., and a brother George of Lowell.
The deceased is remembered as a kind, free-hearted man, young in spirit, sanguine and cheerful in disposition.