Turner's Public Spirit, May 14, 1921
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
Center. Mr. and Mrs. James L. Kimball have returned from Jacksonville, Fla., where they
spent the winter. Mrs. Kimball has been suffering with a severe cold since coming back.
Miss Clara Smith, formerly of Westford, now of Hopedale, has recently presented the J. V.
Fletcher library with fifteen bound volumes of Harper’s magazine.
Mrs. Charles A. Blodgett has had a telephone installed this week. 48-22.
Groton and Westford high school baseball teams had a lively game at Whitney playground on
Wednesday afternoon. Groton carried home the honors by the score of 10 to 6.
The Charles L. Hildreths are getting back to normal after their hard siege with
sickness—Roger with scarlet fever and Mrs. Hildreth at the same time sick with bronchitis and
requiring a nurse.
Arthur E. Day has been able to drive his own auto for short distances recently.
Clifford Johnson is the leader for the Y.P.L. meeting on Sunday evening: Subject, “A good
name.”
Frost appeared on Westford hill Thursday morning.
A most successful all-day Ladies’ Aid meeting was held at the home of Mrs. Frank C.
Banister, Thursday. Cordial and abundant hospitality, good attendance and good fellowship
characterized the day.
About Town. Word has been received in Westford of the death in Jacksonville, Fla., April
26, of James M. Sargent, from pneumonia, in his eighty-first year. The deceased was the husband
of the late Harriet Elizabeth Symmes of this town. She will be recalled as one of a large family of
children of the late Edward and Rebecca E. (Fletcher) Symmes, their home being on the Carlisle
road, near Minot's Corner. Mrs. Sargent was educated in the public schools and Westford
academy. Mr. Sargent leaves a daughter, Mrs. C. C. Lee, of Boston. The funeral was held from
the Universalist church in Lynn on Saturday, April 30.
In a recent account of the fortieth anniversary of the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Frank C.
Wright, for some unaccountable reason an error in dates occurred. As corrected it should read
1881-1921.
Graniteville. Mr. and Mrs. David Donaldson, with a party of friends from Lowell, were
recent visitors here.
The baseball season will open here this Saturday when the Abbot Worsted Company team will
have for opponents the fast Boston and Maine Y.M.C.A. team, who are now touring through the
New England states. The following are the lineups of the two teams: Abbot Worsted Company,
Williams and Downing, pitchers; Liston and Boudreau, catchers; Bellville, 1b.; “Johnny”
Murphy, 2b.; O’Leary, 3b.; McVey, ss.; Loftus, lf.; Greenslade, cf.; Matthews, rf.; Boston and
Maine – Jewett, former New England league man, pitcher; Ducey, of New Hampshire, catcher;
Holmes, 1b.; Hart, 2b.; Bacheller, ss; Clark, 3b.; Quigley, lf.; Urann, cf.; Hubert, rf. The game
will be called at three o’clock and the Abbot Worsted Company band will be in attendance and
furnish music during the afternoon. It is expected that W. J. Bulger, of Concord, will again
officiate as umpire. It looks like a big day.
Charles E. Eaton is now riding in a new Dodge touring car. His new garage, recently built,
was erected in record time.
A small dwelling house, owned by J. A. Healy, and occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Peter Dube and
family, was burned on Tuesday afternoon.
Successful Mission. The mission that has been conducted in St. Catherine's church during
last week by the Passionist Fathers came to a close last Sunday afternoon with a large number in
attendance. The services were conducted by Rev. Fr. Phillips, C. P., and consisted of the recital
of the rosary, followed by an eloquent sermon on “Faith.” An impressive part of the service was
the renewal of the baptismal vows by the congregation, who stood with lighted candles and
expressed the principles of their religion. This was followed by the papal blessing by Rev. Fr.
Phillips. The services closed with benediction of the blessed sacrament by the pastor, Rev. C. P.
Heaney. The regular choir was in attendance, and under the direction of Miss F. Hanley sang
special music. Miss Rachel Wall was the soloist.
The mission was a success in every way, and Rev Fr. Phillips made many friends during his
brief stay here.
The mission for the French-speaking people was opened in St. Catherine's church Sunday
evening at seven o’clock with a large number in attendance. This mission was continued during
the week and was conducted by Rev. Reginald Duptas, O. P.
Charles Eaton’s 1921 Dodge Brothers Touring car sold for $1,285. This recent restoration of
that model is listed at $19,975. Courtesy photo / classiccars.com.