Turner's Public Spirit, March 5, 1921
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. George Sullivan, son of Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Sullivan, died at the home of his
parents on the Boston road. The young man was 20 years of age and had been in failing health
for a year with tuberculosis. The deceased was formerly a conductor on the Lowell & Fitchburg
street railway and later worked actively at farming….
“The monthly social at the Congregational church took place Thursday evening of last week
with good attendance. A good menu of cold ham, mashed potatoes, celery, salad, rolls, coffee
and an abundance of Washington pies was served at 6:30. The speaker of the evening was Rev.
Earl Kernahan, with Mrs. Kernahan, a former pastor of the Graniteville M. E. Church [1913-
1915], who gave a stirring address with experiences of an overseas chaplain during the great war.
Miss Elinor Colburn preceded the address with two enjoyable solos. The supper was in charge of
Mr. and Mrs. Harry Ingalls, Mrs. John K. Felch and helpers.
“The Edward M. Abbot Hose Co. held its monthly meeting and supper at the firehouse
Wednesday evening. A good baked bean supper was served at 7:30….
“The patriotic meeting led by Miss May E. Day at the Congregational church Sunday evening
brought out a good attendance and was an interesting service. The chorus of the young people
sang ‘America, the beautiful’ and ‘My country ‘tis of thee’ was the closing song. The leader
sketched the lives of two great men born in February, Washington and Lincoln, and various ones
contributed readings and portraits, and other pictures were arranged before the audience.
“Pleasant greetings come to the Westford friends from Mr. and Mrs. Oscar R. Spalding on
their California trip, which tell of enjoying the trip and much wonderful scenery. Mr. Spalding
sent a group of interesting views to be distributed to the members of his fire company at their
supper Wednesday evening.
“Miss Clara Fisher, who recently went from Lowell to California, went to see Misses Sarah
and Kate Hamlin in San Francisco, finding them well and busy, and they extended gracious
welcome to a friend from their native Westford.
“Special note was taken of William Dean Howells’ birthday [March 1, 1837] anniversary at
the J. V. Fletcher library this week.
“A. L. Meeting. Westford post held a ladies’ night at its quarters Monday evening of this
week and about 65 members and their friends were present and enjoyed the entertainment given
by John Thomas of Gloucester. Mr. Thomas proved himself a first-rate entertainer and kept his
audience in a roar of laughter from start to finish with his many impersonations. Mr. Thomas is a
member of the general court and is first last and always a supporter and true friend of the
American Legion….
“Commander Johnson gave a short talk on the Ladies’ auxiliary and as a result the necessary
number of votes was obtained, and in the very near future our post will have an auxiliary of its
own, which will be one of their big assets as this is what all thriving posts have.
“About Town. An effort is being made to have a station agent appointed for Brookside
railroad station, as all freight from Brookside mill has to be tracked to the station at West
Chelmsford. This is quite inconvenient when a station is within eight rods of the mill and two
side-tracks.
“Grange Meeting. West Chelmsford Grange, which includes quite a membership from
Westford Corner and Oak Hill, held one of its most interesting meetings last week Thursday
evening; perhaps the best in the history of the Grange. The lecturer’s hour was given over to the
history of the village….
“Graniteville. The rehearsal of the old-fashioned dances took place in the town hall,
Westford, on Wednesday evening of last week, with a large number in attendance. The affair was
given under the direction of the Westford Grange. Joe Hibbard of Lowell furnished excellent
music for dancing, and Joe Wall had charge of the floor. The next rehearsal will be held on
Wednesday evening, March 9.
“The movies attracted large audiences here on Monday evening and a fine bill is offered for
the Friday night show here and Saturday in Forge Village.
“About Town. A petition signed by Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher and six others has been sent
to the county commissioners asking for relocation and specific repairs on the Lowell road from its
junction with depot road to Brookside corner…. There is much truck travel over this road since
the Abbot Worsted Co. bought the Brookside mills at Graniteville and Forge Village.”
1927 photo of Rev. & Mrs. A. Earl Kernahan, both Methodist ministers, with children (oldest to youngest) Earl G., Mildred R., Susanna M., and Galal J. Courtesy Photo / Bob Oliphant.