Turner's Public Spirit, March 12, 1921
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. Dr. Harry C. Colburn has gone to Rochester, Minn., where he is attending clinics at
the hospital of the famous Drs. Mayo, going this week Friday. Dr. Colburn expects to be absent
for two weeks.
“Robins, bluebirds and song sparrows have all been reported being seen.
“Edgar Mann has a telephone installed, 8-3, also John S. Greig, 16-13. The new police
department number ring is 58.
“Schools close March 18 until March 29 for the spring vacation
“Tadmuck Club. In spite of bad weather there was a better than average attendance at the
Tadmuck club Tuesday afternoon at Library hall…. All the teachers and many parents and
friends were present to hear Supt. of Schools Hermon C. Knight talk on ‘Trails, roads and
national highways in education.’ Mr. Knight proved a good speaker and a student of education
and schools. He sketched the development of the schools of this country from its beginning to the
present well-developed schools from kindergarten to college.
“In speaking of our Center schools Mr. Knight commended some things, good transportation,
the service of the public health nurse, the recent dental clinic, etc., and also noted some
improvements that might be made. At the close of his lecture Mr. Knight met and talked with
many of his hearers.
“Inaugural Ball. The committees in charge of the inaugural ball worked faithfully and
harmoniously to make it the successful event for this and the surrounding towns that it was last
Friday evening at the town hall. There was a fine concert program from eight until nine and
dancing from nine until two, the dancing being extended one hour by urgent request. Prominent
in the decorative scheme were portraits of Harding and Coolidge at the front of the hall. Palms
and a profusion of other greenery banked the stage. Many handsome gowns were worn by the
ladies and it was decidedly a ‘dress suit’ party. Poole & Brigham’s orchestra furnished music for
the occasion….
“Mud Time. It is readily conceded that the mud situation in this vicinity is about the worst it
ever has been at this time of year, taxing the endurance of all drivers of autos or horse-drawn
vehicles to the limit. Reports have been pretty constant of trucks and other autos getting stuck
and having to get assistance for getting out. The road to Westford depot is badly churned up and
the one to Forge Village was reported this week as just about impassable. There are also some
particularly bad strips on the state road to Lowell. The improved place at Minot’s corner has
been much appreciated when compared with former mud times, although it is to be regretted that
this strip of work could not have been extended about 100 feet. At Simpson’s corner and near
John Wayne’s getting through to the state road to Boston taxes the capability of drivers. The only
feature that makes these hard conditions bearable is that with time and patience they will soon be
improved.
“About Town. A large auto truck heavily loaded with bobbins from Hudson and bound for
the Abbot Worsted Co. mill at Brookside got badly in the mud on the Lowell road Tuesday, and
by the way, railroad ties were used to separate the truck from the mud. It looks as though it was
an unanswerable argument for improvements that have been petitioned for.
“The road drag has been over the Lowell road, but the mud is still there and the ties used for
autos submerged in mud.
“Graniteville. The following item taken from the Lawrence Tribune: The Hendee Indian
soccer football team of Springfield was debarred from further competition in the Northern
Massachusetts and New Hampshire State Football association at a meeting of the cup committee
in Boston last Wednesday night. The game the Hendees won from the Abbot Worsted at Quincy
January 1 was awarded to the latter team. Manager Sheppard of the Hendees [was] suspended for
one year and Robson, formerly a player of the Rolls-Royce team, was suspended for one year for
playing under the name of ‘Smart’ of the Hendees. The state cup now goes to Worcester to be
played between Fore River and the Abbot Worsteds on or before April 9.
“The Abbot Worsted Co. soccer club … is anxious to finish up the league games as soon as
possible in order to get in condition to meet the Fore River club of Quincy for the state title in
Worcester in early April. The Abbots put up a great battle with the shipbuilders at Forge Village
last fall and their chances look more favorable for victory in the coming game in Worcester.”
Drs. William M. Mayo (center) with sons Charles H. and William J., c. 1895, founders of the
Mayo Clinic. Courtesy Photo / Wellcome Collection; Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0).