The Westford Wardsman, March 11, 1916
Center. William E. Wright has replaced his last year’s Ford touring car with a this season’s model and would like to see some good spring weather and roads to try it out in. It will be remembered that last year at this time good weather and settled roads were being enjoyed.
John M. Fletcher at the postoffice is back to normal pursuits after an attack of the grippe; also, his grandson, John G. Fletcher, is convalescent from sickness.
Misses Hazel Hartford, Lillian Sutherland and Maude Robinson were among the young people who came home for the A.A. dance Tuesday evening.
The Oscar Anderson and William Johnson families are victims of the prevailing whooping cough.
At the Congregational church Sunday morning the bi-monthly communion service was observed at the close of the sermon. In the morning a stereopticon lecture was given depicting the southern negro, especially in Alabama and Georgia. Some of the pictures showed great national beauties, also views of the homes, schools, churches and industries of the negro population.
Mr. and Mrs. Frank C. Wright entertained a group of friends at a supper party and social evening at their home last Saturday evening. Covers were laid for ten at the supper table. One of the attractions of the menu were some very nice clams. These had been sent to Mrs. Wright from friends living in the vicinity of Hampton beach and arriving that day, and cooked just right they were pronounced by the guests the real thing among these juicy bivalves. Many other good things were served and the supper and social good time following were much enjoyed by all present. A coincidence was that the day happened to be the birthday anniversary of two of the guests.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the Congregational church held an all-day sewing meeting at the vestry Thursday. Basket lunch with hot coffee was enjoyed at the noon hour and a good amount of sewing was accomplished.
Athletic Association Ball. The Westford A.A. concert and ball, which took place Tuesday evening at the town hall, added one more success to the series that have taken place annually for a number of seasons. This was due to good organization and much faithful work among the committees who made the decorations, music, catering, etc., so well looked after. The famous Salem Cadet orchestra proved a splendid attraction and the concert program from eight to nine o’clock was much enjoyed as well as for the dancing which continued until 1:30 with an intermission at 10:30 for supper. The decorations were unusually elaborate and seldom has the town hall presented a more striking appearance.
The color scheme was black and yellow. Radiating from the center of the ceiling were hundreds of streamers extending to all sides of the hall, giving a unique canopy effect. The stage for the musicians was banked with hemlock among which were brilliant sunflowers. Doors and windows were draped with the yellow and black streamers in portiere and drapery effect with sunflowers at the top. Across the balcony was a draping of yellow crepe paper in handsome design.
The grand march was formed at nine o’clock with Hon. Edward Fisher and Mrs. Fisher leading and followed by a long line of couples. A fine chicken-pie supper was well patronized at intermission. Many handsome costumes were worn by the ladies. Guests were present from Lowell, Littleton, Chelmsford, Groton and other surrounding towns.
While the association went to much expense to make the party a success in every way a favorable balance was realized for the treasury.
Following were the committees in charge: Edward Fisher, O. R. Spalding, J. H. Fletcher, H. L. Wright, Charles Roby, Edward Hamlin, Edward Clement and Wm. E. Wright supper; Ingles Wetmore, Robert Prescott, A. W. Hartford, Edward Hanley, Edward Roby and W. J. Merritt, decorating; Dr. C. A. Blaney and Edward Roby, hall.
Tadmuck Club. Tuesday afternoon at the meeting of the Tadmuck club in Library hall was a “home talent” afternoon and the ability to entertain and instruct among the club’s own membership was wonderfully demonstrated at this meeting. Miss Mary G. Balch was the speaker of the afternoon and gave a lecture on “Art in everyday life.” Miss Balch, who is an artist of ability, a former teacher of art in the public schools and who has given years of specializing in this direction, was well qualified to speak on this subject and gave her hearers a delightful hour treating her subject not merely from a wholly esthetic or visionary viewpoint but with many practical and charming thoughts to weave into the fabric of every day existence. The various phases of the lecture were illustrated with drawings by the speaker and in closing a poem also illustrated with drawings was given, whose theme was the harmonizing of the gods, Strength and Beauty.
Very hearty appreciation was extended to Miss Balch at the close of the program.
The next meeting, March 21, will be in charge of the Conversation committee, Mrs. Hammett D. Wright, chairman, who has arranged for a lecture on “Birds.” Mrs. Hildreth, the president, gave notice that the club cook books would be ready for distribution about April 1.
Gift to Library. A recent addition to the J. V. Fletcher library is a loyal tribute to the memory of the late John D. Long, whose associations and friendship with Westford academy and Westford people were so mutually cherished for a long period of years. This tribute is in the form of a scrapbook of substantial proportions and contains a wealth of clippings concerning the life of Mr. Long as scholar, teacher, poet and statesman; also, accounts of his recent death and funeral and many splendid tributes to his life and career published at that time. Many photographs of “Governor Long,” as the Westford friends always preferred to call him, are in the book and also carefully embodied therein are his addresses given in Westford, especially those given at the academy centennial and the dedication of the soldiers’ monument. The work of compiling and arranging the book has been most efficiently done by Miss Emily F. Fletcher.
About Town. The writer wishes to correct an error in name in the account of the obituary notice of last week’s issue of the death of Clarence Hildreth. It should have been Arthur Hildreth, same individual with correction in name and all other facts substantially as reported.
William Sargent and Frank McClenna became stalled in auto and snowdrift on the Lowell road near the Old Oaken Bucket farm Wednesday evening. John A. Healy, with horses and sled, arrived and assisted in getting them home.
The first spring ploughing of 1916 was done by George W. Day, of Billerica, on February 1.
The electric car became stationary at four o’clock on Wednesday near the John H. Decatur place, and put back to Westford. The blow and the snow prevented any further attempt at reaching Brookside.
Nomination papers for Gov. McCall, ex-Gov. Crane and Senators Lodge and Weeks as delegates-at-large to the national convention have arrived at the Old Oaken Bucket.
George Ryan, at Chamberlain’s Corner, who had a shock [i.e., stroke] several weeks ago, is still in the unrecovered condition and the prospects for recovery are not as seriously good as friends were hoping for. He has been in the employ of the Lowell Tannery until illness prevented.
Bernard J. Flynn’s horse, who was borrowed by boys in Lowell last week, was returned to a side street after several hours’ driving. The police found him and notified Mr. Flynn.
Word has been received of the death of Rev. James Danforth at the home of his nephew, Charles Danforth, in Youngstown, Ohio. He was a native of New Boston, N.H., and studied for the ministry and graduated at Meadville. For a few years he was minister of the Unitarian church in Tyngsboro and several times has occupied the pulpit of the church in Westford. He was prominent in the Grange and was the first chaplain of Middlesex-North Pomona Grange, holding the office continually until last year, when ill health compelled him to resign. He was tendered resolutions of appreciation for his fidelity and inspiring example at the close of his ministrations. The body will be forwarded to Tyngsboro for burial.
At the annual town meeting in Tyngsboro Fred L. Snow was elected selectman, assessor and overseer of the poor. He will be remembered as a former resident of Westford and the owner of farms in the north part of the town.
Daniel H. Sheehan is sawing lumber in South Sudbury, and when finished will start sawing for Capt. Wilson of Carlisle.
Oscar R. Spalding is cutting and sawing on the Burbeck lot on Bear hill, Parkerville.
Henry O’Brien, Pigeon hill, is afflicted with boils, requiring the services of a physician.
Mr. and Mrs. William R. Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Snow and Master Perry Taylor Snow were among those in attendance at the auto show in Boston on Thursday.
Grange. Past masters’ night at the Grange last week Thursday evening was an awakening in attendance. The lecturer’s program and the supper brought cheer. For entertainment, Belle Harrington Hall, of Lowell, gave some stirring readings which brought forth much applause and encores. She is deservedly popular here. Julius Woessner, of Lowell, as violinist, has not been excelled for many days here, if ever, in real ability. Walter E. O’Neill, of North Chelmsford, as piano soloist and accompanist, was very efficient and received full share of applause. Miss Vickery, of Chelmsford, while not on the program, was enlisted and gave a fine piano selection.
The supper was excellent, an oyster stew which went well on a cold night.
The past masters present who managed the affair were John P. Wright, chairman, Frank C. Wright, Willey M. Wright, J. Willard Fletcher, Fred L. Fletcher, Leonard W. Wheeler, J. W. Rafter, Alonzo H. Sutherland, William R. Taylor and Samuel L. Taylor.
Visitors were present from other Granges. Mr. and Mrs. Richard Barrow, from Littleton, and many familiar faces from Chelmsford, Mr. and Mrs. Edward L. Bouthey, of Palmer Grange, now living on the old-time Read farm.
Before the supper speeches were made by Richard Barrow, past master of Littleton Grange, Francis Dutton , past master of Chelmsford Grange, Edward Dutton, of Chelmsford, Fred L. Fletcher, past master of Westford and Chelmsford Granges, and John P. Wright, who acted as chairman and livened everything up.
Three names were proposed for membership, Miss Elsie Stiles, Miss Jordan and Mr. Jordan, Jr.
An invitation was received from Lowell Grange to neighbor with them on June 20, the invitation being accepted unanimously, Westford Grange to furnish the entertainment.
Pomona Meeting. Middlesex-North Pomona Grange held one of its delightful open day meetings last week Friday. After the business meeting the doors were opened and there was one grand flocking in. The program in the morning consisted of the following: “The business hen, how to get her and how to keep her,” Harry Fox, of Dracut, who emphasized wet mash for eggs with no limit to the age of a hen, which confirms the testimony of the lecturer at the farmers’ institute, and he also said that he had hens ten years old that are laying better than the younger set and the farmers make a serious mistake in disposing of two-year-olds; “The story of the boy on the farm,” Mrs. George P. Greenwood, of Billerica; “The value of little things” Mrs. Walter Holder; “Something interesting,” Walter Holder. These papers were all very good. After witty stories and remarks by Rev. E. C. Bartlett, of Dracut, dinner was served by Westford Grange.
Singing by George H. Taylor, of Tewksbury, interspersed both forenoon [and dinner?] and kept every moment at its best.
The afternoon session opened with a recitation by Miss Helen Osgood, of Lowell, who read several times. The main feature of the afternoon was an address by Supt. Smith on “Essex County Agricultural School and what it is doing for their boys.” After a detailed statement of study and labor, in which he clearly proved that the school had a place and filled the place, he was subjected to a series of cross-examination questions by Rev. E. C. Bartlett, George P. Greenwood, S. L. Taylor and T. E. Smith. Rev. Charles H. Williams, of North Billerica, in a brief and unanswerable argument, not only showed the reasonableness of the Essex school, but openly championed the advocacy of one or more in Middlesex county, and when in the legislature in 1913 introduced a bill to that effect which passed the house, but didn’t pass it enough build on.
Graniteville. The members of Court Graniteville, M.C.O.F., held a very successful dancing party in Healy’s hall on last Friday night that was very largely attended, many being present from Forge Village, Westford and Ayer, while a large sleighride party came from North Chelmsford. Markham’s orchestra, of Lowell, furnished excellent music for dancing that was thoroughly enjoyed from eight to twelve, with a short intermission during which ice cream and cake was served. The affair was in charge of Mrs. Lena Monahan and Mrs. Emma Carpentier, and much credit is due them for the able manner in which the dance was conducted. This was one of the largest and most enjoyable social dances that has been held in this village for a long time and it is expected that other social events will be arranged by this efficient committee at the close of the Lenten season.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. church met with Mrs. L. A. Blood on last Wednesday afternoon at three o’clock.
A. R. [Albert Rockwood] Choate, whose birthday anniversary was celebrated in an informal manner at his home here on last Thursday [born March 2, 1843 in Tewksbury], had for his guests on that day Mr. and Mrs. Albert H. Choate and daughter, Miss Irene Choate, of Lowell. The dinner arrangements were in charge of Mr. Choate’s two daughters, Mrs. Clara Gray and Mrs. Lillian Park.
Mrs. A. J. Charlton is ill with pneumonia at her home.
There are several cases of whooping cough among the children at present.
Many from here attended the Westford A.A. concert and dance that was held in the town hall on last Tuesday night.
Judging from the snowstorms we have had for the past week it looks as though the winter will remain with us for a while longer.
Forge Village. A most successful supper and sale was held on last week Friday evening under the auspices of the Ladies’ Sewing circle of St. Andrew’s mission. The affair was held in Recreation hall and a very large gathering was present. Supper was served at six o’clock and the many good things were very temptingly served. After supper a stereopticon lecture was given by a former vicar, Rev. Thomas L. Fisher, now rector of St. Mark’s church, Leominster. The views shown were of pictures taken by Mr. Fisher during his ministry and proved very interesting. Mr. Fisher’s visits are always looked forward to with anticipation. A pleasing musical program was given at the conclusion of the pictures, each number receiving its share of merited applause. The proceeds of the affair are to go towards the fund for installing the pews in the chapel.
The Young People’s Social club held their regular meeting in Recreation hall on last Thursday evening. Miss Edith M. Foster, president, had charge. Miss Annie Cherry gave a most interesting report, and the treasurer, Charles Flanagan, gave a full account of all money received since the club first formed.
Francis Lowther has been drawn to serve on the jury.
Mrs. Fred Eccles, of Lowell, is visiting her sister, Mrs. Fred Naylor.
Mrs. Lillian Holt, of Andover, was the guest of her aunt, Mrs. R. D. Prescott, last week.
Mrs. Michael Keefe, of Townsend Harbor, spent the weekend as guest of her sister, Mrs. John Carmichael.
A turkey supper was given Saturday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Edwards by John W. Catchpole to celebrate his birthday anniversary which only comes in leap year, to a large number of friends. A fine musical program was enjoyed after supper. Mr. Catchpole received many gifts.
During the Lenten season a most interesting work is planned to help the French soldiers fighting in the great war in Europe. This work is open to the public, material to be furnished by Mrs. Warren Sturgis, of Groton. Bandages are to be cut and rolled tightly together, sponges made of cheese cloth and pillows to be made of pieces of soft cotton to be cut and unraveled. The work will begin on Thursday evening at seven o’clock. Everyone is asked to bring scissors and pieces of old cotton cloth which would be of no use for anything else. Mrs. W. M. Ford will have charge of the work. The hospital to which the Forge Village supplies will be sent is on the battle front at the Marne, where first aid is administered.
Ayer
District Court. Two inquests were held on Monday morning, one on the death of Joseph Raymond, whose dead body was found in the mill pond on February 28 in Graniteville, and the other to determine the cause of death of Eliza Hickory, who was found burned to death on Tuesday, February 29, when the house in which she was living in at West Groton caught fire.
The Raymond inquest was the first called. Dr. Frank S. Bulkeley, medical examiner, the first witness, testified to being called to Graniteville on Monday, February 28, to view the body of the deceased, examined the body and found two contusions on the head, neither of which was sufficient to cause death; in his opinion death was due to drowning.
John Denio, James Rafferty, who last saw Raymond about 7:30 o’clock on Saturday night, when he was last seen alive, William L. Wall, constable of Graniteville, and John A. Healey who searched for the body; Robert Odell, who was present when the body was found and Thomas F. Mullin, probation officer of Ayer, were the remaining witnesses.
The evidence failed to show in any way as to how the unfortunate victim met his death. The general supposition is that he fell off the railroad trestle into the pond while trying to get out of the way of an approaching train while walking home on the night of his disappearance.
The court finds that there is no evidence showing that any person was responsible for either death.