The Westford Wardsman, March 30, 1918
Center. Misses Ruth P. Tuttle and Lillian Sutherland have been spending the spring vacation from their teaching at their homes this past week.
Perley E. Wright has purchased a new six-cylinder, seven-passenger Reo automobile.
Eric Emelson and family have moved into the Spinner cottage, owned by Harry Gumb. Mr. Emelson is employed by John C. Abbot as chauffeur. Another Swedish family have moved into the house formerly occupied by Mrs. Lauretta Tyler, and the man is also employed by Mr. Abbot as gardener.
Harold W. Hildreth’s relatives have been rejoiced to hear of his safe arrival across the water.
In compliance with the new daylight saving scheme, do not forget to set all time pieces one hour ahead this Saturday evening.
The prize-speaking contest by the academy pupils is scheduled for April 12.
W. D. Pitkin is sitting up more each day and gaining in strength after his serious ten-weeks’ siege with pneumonia. The trained nurse that had been in attendance for many weeks left last week.
Palm Sunday in the series of union services held this month at the Unitarian church was a successful and inspiring service. Good weather and better traveling brought out a congregation that made a well filled church. Mr. Buckshorn preached a timely and pertinent sermon, taking for his subject, “Standing on the cheering line.” The union choir ably sustained their part of the service and beautiful flowers adorned the platform. On Sunday Rev. H. A. Lincoln will preach the sermon and the choir are preparing special music.
At the meeting of the Tadmuck club on Monday evening in the town hall, at eight o’clock, Hon. Edward Fisher will be the speaker; subject, “The constitutional convention.” Miss Marion Hall, a former Westford girl, will be the musician of the evening. This club is doing its part with the other clubs in the state to raise a fund for recreational houses across the water for our men in uniform, and on Monday evening candy, popcorn and nut meats will be sold during the evening, the proceeds to go toward this object. Every member will please contribute material for this sale.
We note two appointments recently of Westford men. Hon. Edward Fisher, who is the assistant food administrator in Middlesex county, has been appointed food administrator for Lowell. Mr. Fisher will organize with four sub-chiefs and the intention is to see that the food laws are lived up to. The second appointment concerns the following provision: “Under the provisions of a federal act which became effective November 15, 1917, individuals, firms and corporations possessing, buying or selling explosives or ingredients thereof, must procure a federal license in addition to such license as is required by the laws of this commonwealth.” Charles L. Hildreth, of Westford, with an office at 807 Sun building, Lowell, has been appointed a federal licensing officer and is authorized to issue licenses.
The Red Cross work on surgical dressings Tuesday evening and the sewing and dressings work on Wednesday afternoon was especially well attended. Mrs. H. V. Hildreth, the chairman, and Mrs. O. R. Spalding, were missed from their usual places Wednesday afternoon, both being in Boston, where they attended the headquarters for surgical dressings during the day to observe and learn the newer rulings for this work. This local Red Cross responded well for the call made last week for used clothing of all kinds to be sent to France, a large load being sorted and packed and sent from the town hall.
The last in the series of afternoon dancing classes earlier in the winter took place on Tuesday afternoon at the town hall and was a very pretty and pleasant party. Every effort was made to give the children a happy afternoon. There were pretty favors of Easter bunnies with tiny carrots and some lively little crickets. Refreshing fruit punch was dispensed at a well appointed table. The matrons in charge were Mrs. W. R. Carver, Mrs. J. Herbert Fletcher, Mrs. L. H. Buckshorn and Mrs. A. E. Loveless. Miss Dorothea Emerson, of Chelmsford, was the efficient pianist.
In these war times items of interest concerning other wars are of more interest. In a copy of Acts and Resolves of the Massachusetts Bay Colony of 1775-1776, sent to Charles L. Hildreth, town clerk, for filing at the library, was an article concerning army blankets each town being required to furnish a given number. Westford’s apportionment was fifteen blankets. These must have been hand-spun and woven, as they were quite heavy, representing for those times a considerable contribution.
Family Reunion. The group of daughters of Mrs. Robinson [nee Eveline P. Howe], consisting of Mrs. Percy Shupe, with whom she makes her home, Mrs. Perley E. Wright, Mrs. F. J. Anderson of Somerville, and another married daughter, joined forces last Sunday to help make their mother’s eightieth birthday a happy and auspicious event. Mr. and Mrs. Shupe with Mrs. Robinson, Mr. and Mrs. Wright and Master Harold Wright, drove in Mr. Wright’s new automobile to Somerville, where a family dinner party was held at the home of Mrs. Anderson. There were twenty-two present at the dinner and reunion which was a very pleasant event. The guest of honor was well and able to enjoy the festivities of the day. There were many pretty gifts and remembrances. Mrs. Robinson’s former home was in Hudson, N.H. Her life companion passed on some five years ago and she has made her home since with her daughters. Seven children have been born to her, two sons and a daughter having died. Her long life has exemplified the good woman of scripture and in her declining years her children “rise up and call her blessed.”
M.S.G. Arrangements are being completed for the first concert and dance of the members of Company L, M.S.G. [Massachusetts State Guard], Friday evening, April 5, at the town hall. Poole’s orchestra of seven pieces will furnish music and the D. L. Page Company will be in charge of refreshments. The following committee are in charge: Robert Prescott, C. Inglis Wetmore, decorating; Edward Riney, James May, transportation; Frank Lupien, William E. Wright, hall and tickets; Harwood L. Wright, Edward M. Abbot, refreshments; Alfred W. Hartford, music and printing.
The other event of interest to the home guard company is the competitive battalion drill to take place in Concord on April 19. Concord, Groton and Westford will send eight picked men and suitable prize will be awarded. Much interest is being manifested in this event.
At the business meeting last week Abiel J. Abbot, Oscar R. Spalding, B. C. V. Wetmore, Donald M. Cameron and J. Herbert Fletcher were elected honorary members of the organization. The officers of the company were elected and instructed to draw up a set of by-laws to govern the admission of the honorary members. Two members of the company will be chosen to serve with the officers.
About Town. On Monday forenoon the large mill truck of Donald Cameron, driven by Thomas Brown, of West Chelmsford, broke through the drain pipe culvert on the Lowell road, near the residence of Andrew G. Anderson. The truck went down to the body and then some more. There is much damp moisture in the ground work of the Lowell road at the spring opening of intentions. Expert road builders’ opinion is that this road should be excavated several feet deep and filled with stone for drainage, and then covered with gravel. For a half century or more this road has been graveled often enough, and yet we are right where we started with our old friend mud sticking to it and to everything else. The first gravel put on must by this time be down well towards the volcanic zone, such is the porous nature of mud and its aversion to assimulation [sic].
J. Willard Fletcher has an acreage of winter wheat at his farm at Westford station. It looks like “ye olden time” of home grown bread.
H. E. Fletcher & Co., stone contractors, have a gang of men laying new and heavier rails from the stone quarry to Brookside, and a new and heavier engine for hauling stone from the quarry to the Stony Brook road at Brookside. Andrew Johnson, formerly of the Stony Brook road, has charge of laying the rails.
There will be an Easter union Sunday school concert at the Unitarian church on Sunday evening.
Here is a conundrum for those—including us—who are nearly always late to church on 10:45 time: “How shall we get to any part of the church service on 9:45 time as measured by the sun as accepted authority for time?” You who couldn’t keep up with the clock before—where, oh where will we be at under the push time? It might be well for some of us to practice an hour ahead before Sunday.
The next meeting of Middlesex-North Pomona Grange will be held in Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell, Friday, April 5. At the afternoon session, an open meeting, Miss Wright, of Lowell, will give a talk on “Bee culture,” having had a large experience with bees. She is the daughter of Rev. George C. Wright, minister-at-large in Lowell. This subject is a timely one in the present shortage of sugar. Miss Wright will be remembered by many Westford people in a similar talk in the vestry of the Unitarian church.
The next meeting of Westford Grange will be held on Thursday evening, April 4. There will be initiation in the first and second degrees and several candidates will be voted upon.
There will be a fine Easter concert in the Methodist church, West Chelmsford, Sunday evening at five o’clock. The concert will be in charge of Mrs. Rita Bickford Anderson. Mrs. Fletcher has arranged for the presentation of a beautiful service flag with fifteen stars for those of the church who are in the service of their country. The service will be quite impressive. A bugler from North Chelmsford will play.
It is cause for rejoicing that word has been received of the safe arrival in France of Seth Banister. The many friends of the young man are interested in knowing that the journey across the Atlantic was a safe one. Mr. Banister is the first and only representative of the Stony Brook valley in France.
Willard Fletcher attended the recent corn show at Amherst Agricultural college and had a good time.
To Help Farmers. The emergency of the food situation and back to “ye old time” raising of grain has won the bill which has been before the legislature and has been signed by Gov. McCall. This bill allows the State Board of Agriculture to expend $100,000 to purchase farm machinery. This will include tractor plows and harrows, grain drills, reapers and binders, corn harvesters, hay balers and threshing machines. In most cases the state will operate the tractors and the cost to the farmer will not exceed five dollars per acre for plowing and harrowing. The seeding and harvesting machinery will be leased to farmers at a rental sufficient to cover depreciation and interest. Machinery will not be placed in towns except where a sufficient acreage is guaranteed to keep it busy without the necessity of long hauls. A minimum of 100 acres will be required in a locality. The crops on which this machinery is to be used are wheat, oats, corn, rye, barley, buckwheat, potatoes and beans.
Such is the substance of the statement of Secretary Wilfrid Wheeler of the State Board of Agriculture. Farmers desiring this machinery are advised to communicate with the farm bureau or the local food production committee, or the State Board of Agriculture, 136 State House, Boston.
Grange. The Grange had a full meeting last week, considering the mud of the roads as an inducement [not] to travel. J. B. Abbott of the farm bureau was present and gave a face to face talk of present war conditions and the duty of “the farmers in the trenches” for more food. The law of patriotism to the flag which we so easily and often salute has drafted us as farmers all into this trench work and there can be no excuse this side of sickness or other misfortune. “Can’t get any help,” according to Mr. Abbott, was overworked last year and very few farmers worked up to their own individual capacity. Until that time arrives let there be no slackers behind such shirking defenses. As farmers, we need to sweat it out as though we were facing a world-food famine. We are already making faces in that direction, having slipped out anchor at seventy-five-cent wheat and are now anchoring at $2.50 wheat, with the restrictions of 1 ½ pounds of flour per week per individual.
Alas, how unconcerned we play with the food situation. The state, with its forthcoming modern machinery, is playing the seriousness of the situation.
Besides Mr. Abbott’s address there was vocal and instrumental music by Mildred and Marion Fletcher, and Fredia [sic] Johnson.
Forge Village. Services were held at St. Andrew’s mission last Sunday afternoon at 4:30. A large congregation listened to a sermon on the meaning of Palm Sunday by Rev Angus Dun. Palms were distributed. The glorious festival of Easter will be observed at the usual time. There will be special music by the vested choir under the direction of the organist, Miss Sarah Precious. The chapel will be tastefully decorated with flowers and plants by the flower committee.
The Forge Service Unit will meet on Tuesday evening to work for the soldiers’ needs. The unit met last Tuesday under the direction of Mrs. Andrews. A great number of surgical dressings were made.
The many friend here of Mrs. Mary Murray will be sorry to learn that she is critically ill at her home in Ayer. Her daughter, Miss Emma Murray, is caring for her.
The weather of the past week has done much towards putting the roads in fine condition for travel.
The baseball fans are getting anxious and the younger generation are either playing marbles or skipping rope. The robins are back; also, the bluebirds, and the war gardens are now receiving much attention. What more does a fellow want?
William DeRoehn, of Worcester, visited his grandfather, William Weaver, Sunday.
Mr. and Mrs. James Kelley are moving into one of the new houses on Pleasant street, and Mrs. Omer Cushing and family will occupy another.
Private John Hobson, of Camp Devens, spent Sunday with his relatives here.
The appeal for clothing for the Belgian and French children behind the German lines has met with a generous response. Large quantities of clothing were brought to those who had charge of the work, Mrs. W. C. Precious and Mrs. William Baker. Some very good garments were turned in. One family contributed enough clothing to take care of several girls for many months.
[Mary] Dorothy Eugenia Leclerc, the little daughter [aged 5 months, 18 days] of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Leclerc, was buried last Saturday afternoon in St. Catherine’s cemetery. There were many flowers.
John Brown and Burton Griffith were the guests on Sunday of Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Brown, of Clinton.
The Senior Girl Scouts of the Goldenrod troop held their meeting on Tuesday evening. Mrs. J. Harwood, with Miss Margaret Eaglesfield and Miss Marjorie Peabody of Groton, had charge. The girls took part of their test, and will finish it at the next meeting. A rehearsal for the cantata followed the test.
The local soccer football team will oppose the 301st Engineer Corps from Camp Devens on Saturday in the opening game of the season. Owing to the uncompleted condition of the athletic grounds, the game will be played at the Cameron school grounds. The game is called for three o’clock.
James Elliot has enlisted in the cavalry and is now at Fort Slocum, N.Y. His brother, Matthew Elliot, has been in France for some time.
Albert Collins left for Camp Devens on Friday.
Miss Abbie M. Blaisdell, teacher at Cameron school, has resumed her duties here after a short but severe illness.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Blodgett and Mrs. Chester Blodgett, of the Ridges, are visiting in Everett for a few days.
Miss Agnes Rowan, of Lowell, was the guest of Miss Eva Pyne on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mrs. Margaret Wilson and her daughter Kathleen have moved to Graniteville, where Mrs. Wilson will conduct the Sargent boarding house. Her son, George D. Wilson, is now at Camp Devens.
Several quail have made their home during the severe cold weather at the home of Mrs. J. W. Pyne at Pyne Ridge, where they became quite friendly with the chickens. With the advent of warm weather they returned to their life in the woods with the exception of one, who has adopted an old R. I. R. [Rhode Island Red?] hen and may be seen trotting after her every day, and at night will occupy a place in the hen coop alongside of biddy.
Graniteville. Palm Sunday was fittingly observed in St. Catherine’s church here on last Sunday when both masses were largely attended. The palms were blessed before the second mass. The last of the Lenten devotions were held on Tuesday and Friday evenings of this week.
Miss Laura McCarthy has been confined to her home with the measles for the past few days.
Cameron circle, C.F. of A., held their regular quarterly meeting on Tuesday night with a large attendance. At that time the following members were duly elected delegates to the state convention to be held in Springfield next May: Mrs. Catherine Dailey; alternate, Miss Martha Doucette.
Misses Mary and Jennie Peard [sic] of Lowell have been recent guests of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Wall.
Mr. and Mrs. O. W. Sherman, who have been visiting with Dr. and Mrs. W. H. Sherman, have returned to their home in Damariscotta, Me.
Mrs. Margaret Wilson of Forge Village has recently taken charge of the C. G. Sargent Sons’ boarding house.
Mr. and Mrs. J. Austin Healy have recently moved into their new home on Broadway.
Thomas Hughes, Edmund Provost with Mr. and Mrs. Fred Provost have recently returned from a brief visit spent with friends in Boston.
The choirs in the different churches have arranged some excellent musical programs for Easter.
The measles are still prevalent here.
Many people from this village are planning to attend the grand ball to be held in Westford on next Friday night, under the auspices of the Westford state guard.
Shirley
A Brilliant Affair. The military ball given by the officers of the 302nd Infantry on last week Friday evening at Odd Fellows’ hall was a most brilliant affair. The grand march was led by Major Barlow and Miss Irwin, of Ayer. The beautiful costumes of the ladies and the decorations of the hall certainly was one of splendor. Chaplain Hoyt, under whose direction, with the assistance of a corps of helpers from Camp Devens, decorated the hall and deserve full credit for their labors. The hall was decorated with red, white and blue streamers from one end of the hall to the other, and the flags of the Allies covered the walls, and the Stars and Stripes floated over the orchestra of ten pieces composed of men from Camp Devens. Refreshments of punch, ice cream and cake were served by Howard M. Knowles and Richard Lilly. The patronesses were Mrs. Mary E. Lilly, Mrs. Thomas L. Hazen, Mrs. Lucy J. Merriman, Mrs. Susan B. Anderson and Mrs. Caroline A. White; reception committee, Miss Minnette Zuver, Mrs. Leon Mudgett and Mrs. Frank H. Wheeler; entertainment committee, Chaplain H. C. Hoyt, Lieut. Benjamin Conant and Lieut. Ralph Brooks.
Ayer
Camp Notes. Private John J. Casey, of Lynn, a member of battery A, 303rd Field Artillery, was sent under guard to Fort Jay, N.Y., last week Friday, where he began a sentence of fifteen years at hard labor, following conviction by general court martial on a charge of disobeying orders. The sentence is the first of its kind to be imposed at this camp and will establish a precedent in dealing with such cases in the future.
Major J. J. Dowling, former superintendent of the Boston City hospital, and Major F. J. Balch, of the Massachusetts General hospital staff, two of the best known physicians in the country, are at the base hospital, taking a course in military procedure. It is understood that Major Dowling is waiting to assume command of a new unit which is to be formed.
The number of visitors at the camp last Sunday was estimated to be 30,000. In order to save the confusion which was prevalent last year, new traffic rules were put into effect. Under these regulations all vehicles were compelled to enter the camp by the main gate and leave by way of division headquarters at the west gate. The new rule worked perfectly and without the slightest confusion.
Four soldiers were arrested in Pepperell last Sunday for having liquor in their possession. The quartet belonged to the Depot Brigade and took a truck to Pepperell to secure the liquor. Whether the men intended to bring back a truck load or whether they had a truck load when arrested could not be learned.
Company G, 301st Infantry, is getting to be known as the highbrow company of the regiment. Its latest step upwards in society is a grand ball to be held at the Copley Plaza, of Chelsea, attached to Company C, 301st Infantry Regiment at Camp Devens, was instantly killed last Saturday when an automobile, in which he and a party of soldiers were riding, crashed into a tree in Littleton. Corp. Walter J. Muller, his brother, was very seriously injured and was removed to the base hospital at the camp. An extended account of the accident will be found in the Littleton columns of this paper. Both young men were extremely popular with their associates.
News Items. Eight Camp Devens workmen were found guilty of “shooting craps,” a gambling game, at the camp, and were fined five dollars each, Monday morning. Another was found not guilty and discharged. The state and military police made the arrests.
Four boys were brought into court on Tuesday morning on technical charges of vagrancy. They said they came from Boston to get jobs as water boys at Camp Devens. Failing to get work and having no money to return home they fell into the hands of the police. They were allowed to go after court. One drunk was fined five dollars and another’s case was filed after a finding of guilty.
Sergt. Muller, who met a tragic death in an automobile accident in Littleton last Saturday, recently took the second degree in the Caleb Butler lodge of Masons here.
Hearing on Sewerage Question. A meeting was held in the State Board of Health quarters at the State House on Monday, relative to the proposed sewerage question in Ayer, which has been advocated for some time past. The meeting was called by State Commissioner of Health Kelly. Eugene S. Barry, chairman of the local board of health, represented the board, and Lyman K. Clark looked after the interests of the town in behalf of the selectmen at their request. The military men present were Major Sprague, Capt. Searle and Col. Powell, all attached to Camp Devens, who appeared as advocates of a sewerage system for Ayer. Engineer, Goodnough, of the State Board of Health, appeared in the interest of that organization. The main point discussed was that of the making of a preliminary survey for a sewer system, the town of Ayer to pay the expense of the proposed work. As the town emphatically voted against such a measure at the February town meeting it looks as if there is a good fight in prospect if the proponents of the survey persist in trying to have the town pay for such work. No action was taken at the hearing on the matter.
District Court. John Grady, who was in court last week on a charge of vagrancy, and who claimed to have been beaten and robbed of $180 in North Chelmsford, was the chief witness against Cornelius Reardon in the Lowell police court on Monday, it being alleged that Reardon was guilty of both offenses. He was found guilty and sentenced to the house of correction for one year. Grady is working at Camp Devens.
Camp Notes. The first artillery work on the range with three inch guns was held Monday according to schedule. The men of the 301st and 302nd artillery regiments, under the direction of Brig. Gen. [William S.] McNair, took part in the firing. In all over 100 shells were fired and excellent work in general for the first day’s practice was done. Guards were placed a long distance in the range of the guns. The work will be continued during the rest of the week.
Enemy aliens are to be made cavalry men according to the latest information obtained at the camp. Orders have been issued that the names of all such soldiers be sent to headquarters by their company commanders. The order means that only aliens of unquestionable loyalty shall enter this branch of the service.
A large number of “rookies” who are only four weeks in the service arrived at the camp Monday, coming from Kansas.
The soldiers will have another big cross-country run on Saturday, and all in camp, except those under arrest, in quarantine or on special duty, must take part. At 1:45 o’clock a run for the 151st Artillery Brigade, the trains, the 301st Field Signal and 301st Machine Gun Battalion and 301st Engineers will begin, and at 3:45 all the remaining organizations will get under way, excepting the Depot Brigade. The first fifteen to finish will receive prizes.
Littleton
Fatal Accident. It becomes our unpleasant duty to report a second tragedy within six months at Kimball’s Corner Saturday morning, March 23, at about 11:20, a double automobile accident occurred when the life of Sergt. Paul S. Muller was sacrificed, the skull of a brother, Corp. Walter J. Muller, was fractured, two other soldiers were badly injured and the remaining eleven in the automobiles were more or less severely shaken. The soldiers were out for their holiday and were on the way to Boston and vicinity. Thomas J. Carleton, driver of a new Pierce-Arrow car, had just passed a Packard car, also filled with soldiers, and was going so fast when he rounded the curve that he failed to swing into the road before reaching the tree hit in the fatal accident of last October.
The driver of the Packard, Henry M. Warldorf [sic], coming close behind, turned his car suddenly to the left to avoid the lifeless body of Sergt. Muller in the middle of the road and the wrecked Pierce-Arrow nearby, sideswiping a tree on the left, throwing one soldier through the windshield and the other boys headlong into the road.
Immediately, the unfortunate men were pulled from beneath the Pierce-Arrow. The dead and most of the injured were taken into Hon. Charles A. Kimball’s house. Dr. J. D. Christie and Chief G. Frank Hibbard were called by telephone and responded very quickly. Mrs. Christie accompanied the doctor and they, with Mrs. Kimball, cared for the dead and the injured, Sergt. Peterson alone receiving first aid treatment from Dr. Christie, and Miss Martha Kimball at her home, from which, also, some of the telephoning was done.
Chief Beatty and assistant from Ayer were called; also doctors and two ambulances from the base hospital.
Coroner Wolcott of Concord examined the dead man and will submit his report at the inquest. It is understood that Sergt. Muller’s neck was broken when he hit the macadam road.
Four of the most injured men were taken to the base hospital, others were allowed to go home.
Chauffeur Waldorf, who was apparently uninjured, left with his practically wrecked car for Boston. Chauffeur Carleton was taken to the Frost hospital in Chelsea. His car was greatly damaged, but not ruined.
The leading officials from Camp Devens visited the scene of the accident and expressed their conviction that the disaster was quite avoidable, since the road is broad and level, the curve sweeping, and the view unobstructed. The trouble came from overspeeding. The soldiers, unwilling to place all the blame on the shoulders of the chauffeurs, who in many cases hurry to make three trips to Boston in a day when two can more safely be taken, admit that they tell the chauffeurs to speed up as they have only a limited amount of time off.
Immediately steps were taken to safeguard the lives of tourists at this corner. A military police (M.P.) was brought into service and on the very next day after the accident, when drivers generally were taking unusual precautions, twenty-seven were stopped for over-speeding. The military police on their motorcycle followed some of the chauffeurs several miles before overtaking them. They will continue on duty daily.
At last reports we learn that Corp. Muller has regained consciousness and hopes of recovery are entertained. The body of his brother, Sergt. Muller, was taken to the grief-stricken parents in their Chelsea home on Monday morning.
Harvard
News Items. The annual meeting of the Harvard Temperance society was held on Sunday evening last at the town hall…. At the close of the business [meeting] Capt. Daniel MacKay of Camp Devens gave a splendid talk on affairs relating to cleanliness and morality of the camp and spoke in highest terms of the men at camp and of his belief in the coming of national prohibition. Capt. MacKay is a strong man physically, intellectually and spiritually and he gave his hearers a really wonderful talk.