Turner's Public Spirit, June 7, 1924
A look back in time to a century ago
Center. Miss Maude Robinson, who has been teaching in Washington, D.C., is spending the summer with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Robinson.
John P. Wright and Mrs. Bright, of Wollaston, were in town on Memorial day.
A number of the friends and neighbors of Wayland Balch assembled at his home last Wednesday evening to observe his eighty-fifth birthday. Games were enjoyed and during the evening refreshments were served. Mr. Balch was the recipient of a number of remembrances as well as a shower of birthday cards. His many friends wish him many more such observances.
Rev. Edward Disbrow’s sermon subject for Sunday morning at the Congregational church will be “Jesus going about doing good”; evening, “Our great fortune.” Children’s Sunday, which was to have been observed on Sunday, has been postponed until Sunday, June 15.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank Blaisdell, of Dorchester, spent Sunday as the guests of Mr. Blaisdell’s mother, Mrs. A. J. Blaisdell. Mrs. Blaisdell was before her marriage Miss Margaret Bayer and at one time attended the Minot’s Corner school.
Miss Mary Grant was the weekend guest of Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Whiting.
Mrs. John Felch spent the weekend in Greenfield, N.H., and attended a family reunion, twenty-five members of the family being present, including eleven of the children. A number of the family were unable to be present owing to living at a great distance.
The Memorial day exercises opened with the exercises at the monument. The line of procession was made up of civil war veterans, world war veterans and sons and daughters of veterans. The former were in the command of Wesley Hawkes, and the Legion by Com. Harold W. Hildreth. A squad fired a volley and Misses Vivian Hildreth and Elizabeth Bosworth placed the wreaths. The Abbot Worsted Company band furnished the music of the day. The program at the hall was as follows: “Praise ye the Father,” band; call to order and word of welcome, Com. Harold W. Hildreth; “Soldiers rest, thy warfare o’er,” Westford academy Glee club; reading, Miss Hilma Hanson; solo, Miss Lillian Moran; selection band; solo, John Kelly; reading “The men who died,” Miss Lillian D. Haskell; “The blue and the gray” Westford academy Glee club; address, Rev. Percy E. Thomas; roll call; “Star Spangled Banner,” audience and band; benediction; at the close of which an excellent dinner was served. In the afternoon the band gave a concert.
The Legion and Auxiliary met at headquarters on last Wednesday evening. After the usual business meeting a program consisting of readings by Miss Blanche Lawrence, vocal solo by Mrs. Bertha Whitney, and duet by Miss Marion Lord and Mrs. Whitney was much enjoyed. Refreshments of ice cream and cake were served.
About 150 attended the lecture on “Americanism” at the town hall on Tuesday evening. The speaker, who was a well-known Baptist clergyman from the middle west, gave an interesting talk which was much enjoyed by those present.
The graduation exercises of the William E. Frost school will be held in the town hall on Friday evening.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Murphy are to occupy the house recently vacated by Roy Keizer and family.
A christening service will be held at the Congregational church on children’s Sunday, June 15, for those desirous of having their children christened.
Miss Marjorie Seavey spent Memorial day at her home here.
The Westford academy ball team played Pepperell high school on Monday and won by the score of 10 to 8. On next Wednesday they will play Groton in Groton.
The Ladies’ Aid of the Congregational church will meet with Mrs. Perry Shupe on Thursday of next week.
About Town. At one o’clock Tuesday afternoon the funeral services for Mrs. Fred L. Fletcher [nee Julia Neil Miller, died June 1, 1924, in Lowell, of Chelmsford, per her death certificate], who died at the Lowell General hospital on last week Friday, were held at her home on the Westford road, West Chelmsford. Private services were held at the house and at two o’clock services were held at the Unitarian church and were largely attended. Rev. L. L. Green conducted the services. Delegations were present from the Chelmsford Grange and Middlesex-North Pomona Grange, as well as from neighboring Granges. Among the unusually large number of floral pieces were set pieces from the Granges, the Woman’s Alliance of the Unitarian church, Eastern Star lodge and from “the neighbors.” Mrs. Nellie Roberts and Miss Etta B. Thompson, of Lowell, sang “In the garden,” “Sometime we’ll understand” and “Beautiful isle of somewhere.” The bearers were E. M. Sweetser, C. E. Bartlett, Arnold C. Perham and Perley W. Kimball. Interment was in the family lot at Hart Pond cemetery South Chelmsford.
The crows are pulling potatoes and pulling chickens in the Stony Brook Valley on the Morning Glory farm, and woodchucks are picking peas on the Old Oaken Bucket farm a few hours before they are quite ready for the table. But for all this, as their unpaid attorney and all other harmless wild life, I remain their firm defendant. We need something of wild life to toy with to counteract the excess artificiality of civilization to keep our civilization from degenerating into an exclusive question of finance and all the finer and hallowed instincts of the spirit are traded off on the Wall street curbs of life. Let us save the crows and the birds and the wild flowers (and the woodchucks) to help save ourselves by.
Oliver Wendell Anderson, a well-known young man of Brookside and West Chelmsford died last week Friday at the home of his sister, Mrs. Dora Johnson, in West Chelmsford, aged 23 years and 9 months. He was born in Graniteville, but had resided nearly all his life in Brookside and West Chelmsford, and had a wide circle of friends, being prominent in the social life of these two villages. He leaves his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew G. Anderson, on the Lowell road, Brookside; three sisters, Mrs. Dora Johnson and Mrs. Bertha Williams, of West Chelmsford, and Mrs. Mae Bridgeford, of Bridgeton, Me., and four brothers, Gustaf, Carl, Roland and Harold, of Brookside. The funeral services were held on Sunday afternoon from the home of his sister, Mrs. Dora Johnson, and were largely attended by relatives and friends. Rev. B. A. Gessner, of the village church, conducted the services. Numerous floral tributes explained his popularity. The bearers were Rudolph and Carl Haberman, Arthur and Herbert Nystrom, John Dugat and Adolph Loftseedt. Interment was in the family lot in Fairview cemetery.
After a successful year the final meeting of the Brookside Girls’ club was held in Abbot hall on last week Tuesday evening under the direction of Miss Mary O’Hara, the principal of the Nabnassett school. A two-act play was presented, “Not a man in the house,” before a large audience. The following took part: Misses Lillian Gordon, Ruth Douglass, Evelyn Smith, Edna Whitney and Carolyn Davis. After the play refreshments were served and general dancing was enjoyed by all. The officers of the club are Catherine Wreen [sic], pres.; Ruth Douglass sec., and Frances Egerton, treas.
Never, no never did we ever hear the Abbot Worsted Company band ever play music to the tingle time tingle response in human life than they played at the band concert on Memorial day.
Arthur J. O’Brien has hired the Daniel H. Sheehan farm for a pasture with the option of mowing the farm if there are two tons of hay per acre.
John T. McCoy was almost instantly killed about ten days [ago] in Keene, N.H., by being run over by an auto truck. [He died May 25, 1924, in Keene, N.H., age 71, per N.H. death records.] Mr. McCoy is a brother to Fred L. McCoy, of this town, and is well remembered by some of the older residents as a prominent resident of Chelmsford about twenty-five years ago—prominent in social and church life of the town—and for many years was one of the liquor enforcement officers of the town. His recent death recalls to mind his fearless moral courage in the enforcement of those laws.
We are sorry to report the death of Mrs. Fred L. Fletcher. She was active in the Grange, local and Pomona, and we shall miss her cheery presence at the Middlesex-North Pomona Grange. Both she and her husband were always in line of enthusiasm in Grange work and in the social life of the town of Chelmsford and in the Unitarian church.
Take the advice of Littleton: “When you pick wild flowers do not pull them up by the roots, as many varieties can only perpetuate themselves by the root.” Thus if you pluck these varieties, roots and all, it will eventually exterminate them. The late Miss Emily F. Fletcher strongly emphasized the importance of this remembrance. Right here I am reminded of Emerson’s contribution to this remembrance, “Canst thou love the wood rose and leave it on its stalk?”[1]
- R. Taylor has bought all of the heeled in nursery stock of Almon E. Downing that was not conveyed with the farm at the auction sale. The Old Oaken Bucket farm boy [Samuel L. Taylor] is busy setting out fifty McIntosh apple trees by this deal.
We shall have peas in blossom before you read these lines, and new peas for dinner before you read many other lines.
Mr. and Mrs. Seth W. Banister, of Strafford, N.H., were in town on Memorial day, Saturday and Sunday. Mr. Banister has just been re-elected for another year as instructor in Austin academy at Strafford Center, N.H.
Obituary. The funeral of Mary A. S. Tyler [nee Mary Ann Sanders] took place last week from her home, 1599 Middlesex street (Middlesex Village), Lowell. Rev. Harold W. Haynes, minister of the First Universalist church, conducted the services. The floral tributes were exceptionally appropriate for her venerable age of 101 years, 4 months and 17 days. There was quartet singing by the choir of the First Universalist church, Harry C. Needham, M. D. Brennan, Mrs. F. L. Roberts, Miss Etta B. Thompson. The bearers were Jesse Smith, Charles C. Swan, of Lowell, Joseph Carter and Lincoln Prescott, of Reading. Burial was in the family lot in the Lowell cemetery.
Thus has passed away one of the old landmarks of Lowell, one whose life has been actively associated with it for nearly a century. Her early years were passed in Cambridgeport, where she was born on January 17, 1823. On the occasion of her 100th anniversary last year, Mrs. Tyler received the congratulations of her numerous friends, who called at her home, and were entertained by the celebrant who surprised her callers by her remarkable bright and cheery reception. Mrs. Tyler’s husband, Samuel Tyler, who died in April, 1874, was one of the largest land owners in Lowell, owning all that is now known as the Highlands on Westford street and connecting streets and nearly as far as the city farm on Chelmsford street, and all that is known as Middlesex Village.
Mrs. Tyler was living here in the palmy days of Middlesex canal, and the old glass works; some of these buildings are still standing as well as the Old Middlesex Tavern, which did a flourishing business in the days of the Middlesex canal. All these have resigned to the changes of time. Mrs. Tyler was living here in the palmy days of the old New England Congregational church which suffered from the split of the current times and the succeeders [sic, seceders] took themselves to the Tavern hall. The church was sold to the Catholics and moved to North Chelmsford. Here, in these early days, was a settlement of Mormons and Millerites in Middlesex Village. Mrs. Tyler had interesting recollections of these events and many others, and of the leading citizens of Lowell, and had a host of friends among them, as she did among the members of the First Universalist church, where she had attended during her life in Lowell, and was particularly fond of the late Dr. Caleb E. Fisher, for nearly thirty years minister of the church.
Mrs. Tyler’s life is closely associated with the life of Lowell in her gift of Tyler park in the Highlands on Westford street, which was her father’s [Richard Sanders] cow pasture and now is a part of the municipal parking [sic] system.
The deceased leaves two nieces, Miss Marianna Chase and Mrs. William Kidder, of Wakefield, and several grand-nephews and grand-nieces. A daughter, Susan, died in 1918 at the age of sixty-five years.
Reminiscences. The ashes of Miss Sarah Dix Hamlin, who died in San Francisco on August 25, 1923, will be brought to this town on Sunday afternoon and buried in the family lot in Fairview cemetery, where services will be conducted at three o’clock by Rev. Edward E. Disbrow. Judge F. A. Fisher, of Lowell and Westford, has charge of the burial. All the friends of Miss Hamlin in town or elsewhere are invited to this memorial burial service. Miss Hamlin will be remembered by the older residents of the town as the oldest of four children of Cyrus and Dianna (Cartilla [sic, nee Dinah Anna Cortelyou]) Hamlin, and was born in this town, graduating from the old No. 1 district school and the celebrated Westford academy. Here her early life was all passed, and I recall it as clearly as the rosy red sunset of Monday evening as I am writing this tribute. I recall her youthful womanly erect walk so typical of her erect character as she walked the roads and streets of Westford Center.
I recall her thoughtful reverential attitude at church and Sunday school before the days of the lawless baseball and other attractions of such nature. I recall that early intellectual trend of her youthful life which proved that they were the incipient fore-runner of future achievements.
After graduating from Westford academy she taught school at Ann Arbor, Mich., Detroit high school, Cheney Creek Mine, Nev. Also in India for child widows. Miss Hamlin twenty-seven years ago bought out the Van Ness seminary for girls, making many important changes. It was known and conducted as Miss Hamlin’s school for young ladies, employing twenty-three teachers and was one of the most celebrated schools on the Pacific coast and San Francisco, where it originated and where it is still maintained. Miss Hamlin was a prominent member of the Great Cathedral church of San Francisco.
Such in brief and imperfectly is the outline of a life of achievement, whose dust will be deposited Sunday afternoon to mingle with the dust of kindred in Fairview cemetery.
Church Notes. First church (Unitarian)—Sunday service at four p.m. Special music by chorus choir under the direction of Miss Eleanor Colburn, soprano. Preacher, Rev. Frank B. Crandall, the minister. Subject, “Baptism.” Church school at 3 p.m.
The annual picnic of the church school will be held on Saturday, June 7, at Long pond, Littleton. The picnic will start at one p.m. Each pupil will bring a box lunch. Ice cream and tonics will be provided.
On Sunday, which is Whitsunday, a time of baptism in the ancient Christian church, the minister will christen any children who may be brought for the rite. In his discourse he will deal with baptism, raising the question whether it is a magical rite, which, men have informed God, is absolutely necessary for salvation, or is a spiritual mystery.
The 116th session of the North Middlesex conference will be held on Thursday at Littleton, beginning at ten a.m.
The date for the meeting of North Middlesex Federation of Y.P.R.U. chapters has been finally set for Saturday, June 14, and will be held at Westford. One hot dish, cocoa and ice cream will be provided by the hosts. Each person attending is to bring sandwiches and cake. The program includes a business meeting, devotional service, dinner, entertainment and dancing.
Graniteville. The Chelsea Millstreams defeated the Abbot Worsted team in a Boston Twilight league game here on Tuesday evening by the score of 6 to 4. Strecker, Berry and Sanford did the battery work for the Millstreams; Roberts, Boyce and Dee for the Abbots. The Abbots will meet Silesia in North Chelmsford this Friday evening in a twilight game.
Parslina Salalaiko, the nine-months-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Simon Salalaiko, died suddenly on last week Friday morning [May 30]. When the parents awoke in the morning they found the child dead. A physician was called, and the district coroner, Dr. Frank S. Bulkeley, of Ayer was notified. The latter pronounced death due to lymphatic thymus glands[2]. Interment took place on last Friday afternoon in the Russian cemetery in Forge Village.
Miss Mary McAfee is ill at the home of her sister, Mrs. Bernard Tague [sic], Andover street, Lowell.
The entertainment committee of the M.E. church, Ladies’ Aid and Brotherhood held a meeting at the parsonage and plan to work together for a carnival on June 19.
Mrs. Joseph Wall, with Mr. and Mrs. Charles McLean, of Ayer, have spent a few days in Jefferson, N.H.
Earl, Jr., and Virginia Daggett, son and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Earl Daggett, of Lowell, have been recent guests of Miss Grace Swann.
A very pleasant whist party was held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edmund Pendlebury recently. After much spirited playing the following were awarded the prizes: Men’s first, Ernest Deeming; consolation Mark Palmer; women’s first, Mrs. Carl Hanson; consolation, Mrs. C. M. Sawyer. Refreshments were served after which a pleasing entertainment was given, consisting of songs by Mrs. C. A. Blaney, Mrs. Ernest Deeming and Thomas Sugden.
Constantine Sudak, aged fourteen years, is receiving the congratulations and praise of the townspeople for his brave act in saving from drowning little Nicholas Sidelwick, aged seven years, here a few days ago. Young Sidelwick was fishing from the stone road bridge near the overhead railroad bridge at the upper mill pond when he lost his balance and fell into the water. The strong current carried him under the roadway and out into deep water. D. J. Sullivan and John Green were talking near the railroad station when they heard the splash, and both ran down to investigate. They saw the boy struggling in the water and pushed out a long pole for him to grasp. In the meantime young Sudak, who lives close by, pushed a boat into the water, but as he had no oars the boat started to drift away. Young Sudak did not hesitate a moment and although fully clothed, jumped into the water, and being a good swimmer soon reached the drowning boy, who managed to keep afloat, and pulled him safely to the shore. It was really a heroic act, and young Sudak deserves full credit for saving a life.
Ayer
Church News. St. Andrews … The annual picnic for the children of the church school will be held on Saturday, June 7, at Cameron field, Forge Village. The members of the school will meet at the church in Ayer at 1:30 and proceed to Forge Village by automobile and trolley car.
The Galahad club will omit its meeting for this Saturday morning and will attend the picnic in the afternoon. Games and sports will be held. The children are expected to bring a lunch, and refreshments will be served at the [St. Andrews] mission house in Forge Village.
News Items. Mr. and Mrs. Charles MacLean, accompanied by Mrs. MacLean’s mother, Mrs. Joseph Wall of Graniteville, and aunt, Mrs. William Ready of Salem, motored on Sunday to Mr. MacLean’s summer home at Riverton, N.H., where they will spend a few weeks.
Real Estate Transfers. The following real estate transfers have been recorded from this vicinity recently:
Westford—Alec Fisher to Addie L. Keizer [nee Day]; Ella L. Miller to Edward H. Keyes; Sarah Whitney to Minnie A. Perkins, land on Carlisle road.
New Advertisements
Lost—White male Russian Wolf Hound, black markings. Reward. Mrs. Ralph Fletcher. Westford Tel. 15-4.
Littleton
Church Notes. The young people of the parish are invited to attend the North Middlesex Federation of Young People’s conference in Westford, June 14, forenoon and afternoon.
Shirley
News Items. Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Miner [sic, Minor?] entertained on last Sunday Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Hildreth and two children [Robert Norris Hildreth and Barbara Huntington Hildreth], and Frank Hildreth [Arthur’s father, a widower], all of Westford; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Wright and baby, of Fitchburg, and Mrs. Ada Wright, of Allston.
[1] This reference is from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s (1803-1882) 1847 poem
Forbearance
Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
Loved the wood-rose, and left it on its stalk?
At rich men’s tables eaten bread and pulse?
Unarmed, faced danger with a heart of trust?
And loved so well a high behavior,
In man or maid, that thou from speech refrained,
Nobility more nobly to repay?
O, be my friend, and teach me to be thine!
[2] The cause of death per her death certificate was “Natural causes presumably status lymphaticus, persistent enlarged thymus gland.” She was buried on May 30, 1924.