The Westford Wardsman, October 6, 1917
Center. Pleasant word comes from Mrs. Helen K. Frost in Chicago, where she is spending the winter with Mr. and Mrs. Francis Frost.
Mrs. Jennie Emerson, of Haverhill, has been a recent guest of her kinspeople, Mrs. Stone, Miss Leighton and Miss Fletcher.
George F. White has been spending the greater part of this week in Plymouth, N.H., combining a business and pleasure trip.
Miss Lottie L. Dunn of the Frost school received the sad news of the death of her father in West Pembroke, near Eastport, Me., Tuesday morning. He was an elderly man, a civil war veteran, and not in the best of health, but his death came as a surprise to his daughter, who had recently seen him. Less than a year ago Miss Dunn was similarly summoned home by the sudden death of a sister. During her absence at the Frost school Miss Mabel Drew is taking charge of the eighth grade.
Mr. and Mrs. James L. Kimball are at their Westford home again after spending the summer in Winthrop. Mr. and Mrs. Hylan and family, who have been occupying their home during the summer, have returned to their Lowell home.
It will be regretted by our residents to learn that the Edmund T. Simpsons, who have occupied the Luce homestead for some time, will return to Lowell this winter.
Mrs. Carnzu Abbot Clark and two children are spending autumn weeks at the parental homestead.
Mrs. Charles W. Pickering has the sympathy of her many friends in her illness.
Mrs. Lauretta Tyler moved to Brookside this week and the pleasant little home that was built for her some years ago is now vacant.
Westford’s campaign for soldiers’ libraries closed successfully with more than $300 raised within the week. This was double the amount apportioned to the town on a basis of population. The trustees of the library, Julian A. Cameron, Charles O. Prescott and John P. Wright, were assisted by willing workers in various sections of the town, but a complete house-to-house canvass was not attempted. The response from Forge Village and Graniteville was very generous, and other sections of the town were well represented.
The opening meeting of the twelfth season of the Tadmuck club takes place next Tuesday afternoon at the Unitarian church parlors at 2:30. This meeting is in charge of the reception committee, Mrs. Henry A. Fletcher, Mrs. A. W. Hartford, Mrs. V. C. B. Wetmore, Mrs. Alma M. Richardson and Mrs. Harry Prescott. The president, Mrs. Howard, will extend greetings and a brief opening address, and there will be music by Mrs. Roberts and Miss Thompson, of Lowell. Vacation notes will be given by several members, and a report of the summer’s work of the local Red Cross given by the president. No formal reception is planned for. The official board is largely the same as last season, but a pleasant social is planned for by the program and reception committees. Mrs. Amesbury, the treasurer, has resigned, owing to removal from town, and it will be necessary to elect a new treasurer at this meeting. The members are asked to pay their dues at the first meeting, and Mrs. Perley Wright will act treasurer for the time being.
The North Middlesex Branch of the Woman’s Board of Missions meets with the Trinitarian church in Concord on October 9, and the fall meeting of the Middlesex Union association of Congregational churches also meets with this church later in the month, Wednesday, October 17.
The Westford Oaklands defeated the Barry Shoe team by the score of 4 to 2 last Saturday at Whitney playground. This Saturday afternoon the last game of the season will take place, when the Oaklands will cross bats with the Dalton A. C. of Lowell.
Westford Center was well represented at the wedding reception of Harold W. Fletcher and Miss Edith Proctor in Lowell on Wednesday evening, September 29.
This week Friday saw more of our young drafted men report to Camp Devens for their military training as follows: Marden Seavey, Harold W. Hildreth, Seth W. Bannister, Arthur C. Arvanties, Frank L. Blaisdell, Walter O. Beebe and Alexander Brunelle. The young men were met at the town hall by the public safety committee, the selectmen and the townspeople. Pictures were taken of the group and they were carried to Ayer by automobiles. Quite inadvertently the name of Joseph Perkins was omitted from the list of the last contingent who went to Ayer. Equal credit to all was surely meant to be given.
Westford friends recently calling on Rev. and Mrs. B. H. Bailey [pastor of First Parish Unitarian Church 1903-1911] found them both well, especially the former, and the retaining of a hearty interest in all former friends and associations.
The three Massachusetts state guard companies from Groton, Westford and Concord met in Concord last Sunday for an all-day drill. The Westford company met at the town hall and went over the road in automobiles, arriving in Concord at ten o’clock. Another combination all-day drill will be held in Groton on Columbus day, October 12.
Annual Fair. The twenty-eighth consecutive annual agricultural fair under the auspice of the Congregational church took place last week Friday afternoon and evening under favorable conditions; the committees worked hard and are grateful for the good patronage and cooperation of all. A well patronized supper was served from six to eight o’clock in charge of Mrs. Perley E. Wright and a good corps of assistants. Mrs. Daisy Colburn was in charge of the ice cream. There were sales tables for fancy articles, aprons, candy, and the Ladies’ Aid table. Owing to the hard early frosts the display of fruits and vegetables was considerably affected, but the display of apples was particularly creditable, and as Westford is rated as one of the leading apple towns of the state, this was appropriate. H. G. Osgood exhibited 13 varieties and Charles D. Colburn 19 varieties. O. R. Spalding had some choice specimens of winter banana apples.
Robert Abbot’s exhibit showed what a boy’s interest in growing things could accomplish, and E. J. Whitney’s produce showed what skillful concentration on a small acreage would accomplish. Elmer Whidden, of Whidden’s Corner, exhibited some fine broom corn, as it looks growing. The sturdy parsonage sunflowers, one measuring 12 feet, 11 inches, attracted much notice, and the Chamberlin’s Corner table received its full share of commendation. The canned fruits, vegetables, jellies and pickles in this display were of the best standard. Other exhibitors were Messrs. Jenkins, Burnham, McDougall, Kimball, Blaney, Williams, Roudenbush, Symmes, Hildreth, Wilson, Bannister, Lindsey, Kendall, S. L. and W. R. Taylor, and the Misses Atwood.
The boys’ and girls’ canning club was well arranged and showed good work. Miss Alice Wright and Miss Edna Sargent received first prizes with a score of 92 each. The other percentages were Mildred Fletcher 80, Mildred Green 76.5, Gladys Ingalls 76.5, Marion Woodbury 81 and Ruth Sargent 91.5.
About Town. Miss Pauline Dole, whose home for several years has been with Mrs. Alma M. Richardson, has secured a fine position in the Shawmut bank, Boston.
Westford came the nearest to being the banner town for Grafton D. Cushing for governor, receiving 41 votes to 43 for McCall. The election officers were Joseph Wall, T. A. E. Wilson, Alonzo H. Sutherland, John M. Fletcher. The other contests were not contests, except in the mind of the contestant, and the contest for governor was too far removed from local to bring out the other 400 voters. Delegates to the state convention are Capt. Sherman H. Fletcher and Alfred W. Hartford; town committee, Herbert E. Fletcher, T. A. E. Wilson, Alfred W. Hartford, Sherman H. Fletcher, Julian A. Cameron, Edward T. Hanley, William L. Wall, Fred A. Sweatt, Edward M. Abbot, Oscar A. Nelson, Frank L. Furbush, Charles S. Edwards, Harry L. Nesmith, Harold M. Fletcher, Samuel L. Taylor, republican; Oscar R. Spalding, John A. Healy, M. Edward Riney, Alvin S. Bennett, John L. Flynn, William O. McDonald, Michael L. McGlinchey, John Feaney, democratic.
With all the hurrah from national government, the state, and the urging of food committees for more potatoes, and a wide-spread agitation generally, only three entries were made at the recent Middlesex-North fair. The Old Oaken Bucket farm does not claim much in winning first.
We are patriotically implored to the disuse of white bread on Wednesday and Thursday of each week, presumably for the benefit of food supplies for the Allies. Some have already obeyed long prior to the war, for health’s sake. If white bread were eliminated altogether from diet it would lengthen the road to the cemetery, and if the committee on food supply advised the discontinuance of meat seven days in the week from now onward it would do much to steer humanity toward old age, for be it known that the American people are the greatest flesh-eating people on earth and the death rate is also the greatest.
The annual meeting of the Middlesex-North Agricultural society will be held on Tuesday afternoon, October 9, at Odd Fellows’ hall, Bridge street, Lowell, at two o’clock.
John A. Taylor, who has been doing the vacation act at the Old Oaken Bucket farm, returned to his teaching at the University of North Dakota last week Friday.
The Lowell Electric Light Company are distributing poles on the Lowell road preparatory to setting for the electric lighting of the road as per vote of the town at the annual meeting.
Oscar R. Spalding and other citizens of Westford have petitioned the County Commissioners to relocate and repair the road from Carlisle station to Carlisle Center. Nearly all this road is in Carlisle, including a heavy grade ledge hill. The commissioners are to give a hearing at the court house in East Cambridge, Tuesday, October 23.
About 1000 persons were present at Nabnassett last Sunday at the annual outing of the Lowell Fraternal Order of Eagles. The rain interfered and spoiled some of the program.
The Spalding Light Cavalry association will hold their annual reunion at the Cavalry Building [at 20] Boston road on Wednesday afternoon and evening, October 17. This will be a lunch-smoke-talk-reunion. Come prepared to a chat-talk with old-time associates and never mind the smoke part of the talk if you feel physically unable to obey.
Early in the summer the Old Oaken Bucket farm established a farm produce exchange, having caught the suggestion from W. S. Hinchman, of Groton. The first exchange was apples for cucumbers. This worked agreeably until the cucumbers balked at the frost, refusing to grow when water grew ice. The second exchange, which is now in full swing, is apples for tomatoes.
Mr. and Mrs. [Jackson A.] Hardy (formerly Mrs. Joseph T. Richardson [nee Etta A. “Lucy” Smith]) have vacated the John H. Decatur cottage on the Lowell road and are now residents of Ayer.
Mrs. James Hildreth, better known as Sarah (Tenney) Hildreth, only a few months from 100 years old, enjoyed an auto ride of six miles last Sunday with friends. She still retains the grasp of events as well as of life, and to many the appearance of seventy-five. She is living with her children on the Lowell road, near Westford station.
Capt. Warner J. Risley, of Atlantic City, N.J., now at Camp Devens, was a visitor last Sunday at the home of his cousin, Mrs. Frank W. Bannister. Capt. Risley is in the engineering department of military training and was in training at Washington before the transfer to Camp Devens. He is a graduate of Rutgers college, N.J., and has the goods for efficiency.
The monthly meeting of the W.C.T.U. was held on Wednesday afternoon at the home of Houghton G. Osgood on Francis [sic] hill, thirty members being present, all working on Red Cross work during the program. The president, Mrs. Janet Wright, gave a fine talk on temperance work, telling especially of the home which the W.C.T.U. of this region is maintaining in Ayer for the benefit of the soldiers at Camp Devens. Miss Sarah Loker, the president of the Missionary society, gave an enthusiastic talk on missionary work. The meeting was a union one for the temperance missionary societies. Mrs. Blaney delighted all with her song. She was accompanied on the piano by Miss Edith Wright. At the conclusion of the program Mrs. Osgood served delicious refreshments in her usual hospitable way.
Mrs. Etta F Smith, of New Brunswick, N.J., has been a companionable entertainer for a week at the home of her cousin, Mrs. Frank W. Bannister.
It looks now as if some one had raised at the rate of 400 bushels of potatoes to the acre in the Stony Brook valley. Oh no, it wasn’t the Old Oaken Bucket farm [Samuel Taylor], nor the Prairie farm [Amos Polley] that joins, but another neighbor. The best yield the Prairie farm could crowd out was twenty-two market potatoes from one hill. The Old Oaken Bucket has some large, handsome Early Rose, very much larger than their parents who immigrated [sic] from Aroostook to Westford last April, raised on chemicals alone with potash no nearer to them than Germany, and in witch grass the handsomest growth ever in the Stony Brook valley. The writer has always maintained that potash was a very much overworked delusion and has now proved it and is in accord with some of the largest growers of potatoes in the United States.
Gerald Decatur has entered the employ of the H. E. Fletcher stone quarry on Oak hill.
Harold H. Fletcher, oldest son of Hon. Herbert E. and Mrs. Fletcher, was married on Wednesday, October 3, to Edith, daughter of Charles S. Proctor. The wedding took place at six o’clock at the home of the bride in Lowell.
The immense crowds at Camp Devens on Sundays leads some to inquire if this is all unadulterated patriotism or is it cheapened with sensational curiosity? Is this the only spot on earth just now that is worth the while to tear the roads all to dust and cradle holes? When 5000 automobiles pass through a small town on a single Sunday in the rush for Camp Devens it don’t seem possible that it can all be covered up by patriotism. It looks as if all hands everywhere had gone mad with a mild form of partially harmless insanity and stand sadly in need of Emerson’s health cure advice, “Not quite so hot my little fellow, not quite so hot.”
The selectmen are wise with experience with town teams in filling with gravel the excavations made by autos on the Lowell road and other roads.
Deaths. The recent death of Thomas S. Shaw at the home of his son, Dr. Thomas F. Shaw, Lowell, recalls that for several years he owned the McMaster farm on the Chamberlin road, near Chamberlin’s Corner, and is well remembered by the older residents of the town. He was born in Holderness, N.H., April 3, 1821, being ninety-six years old at the time of his death. For more than half a century he had been a mill man as agent and otherwise. He went to Lowell in 1840, where he entered the employ of the Lowell Machine shop. Later, he was agent of the Tremont & Suffolk mills, and brought them out of their financial depression. Later, he became agent of the Boot mills. In the out of state mills he was with the Nashua Mfg. Co., and the Gibson mills of New Brunswick. After ninety-five years of active life he devoted his retiring year to gardening for health and recreation. In this he was successful and the garden was noticeably successful.
Besides his son, Dr. Thomas F. Shaw, he leaves a granddaughter, Mrs. Austin Frye, of Lowell, and a great-grandson, Gibson Pierpont Shaw, of Canada, son of the late Frederick P. Shaw.
Mr. Shaw was a member of Pentucket lodge of Masons; Pilgrim Commandery, Knight Templars, and Knights of Pythias and the Odd Fellows.
The funeral was held from the home of his son in Lowell last week Thursday afternoon. Rev. Edward H. Newcomb, of the First Congregational church, conducted the services. The bearers were A. A. Frye, W. W. Hanchett, H. W. Haseltine, C. H. Noyce, C. L. Randall, P. L. Kinney. Burial was in the family lot in the Lowell cemetery.
Mrs. Caroline Miller, who died recently at her home in Lowell, was the widow of James Miller and the daughter of William and Rhoda (Proctor) Chandler, being the last but one of fifteen children. She was born in Westford at the old Chandler farm facing southerly to Flushing pond, this old homestead having been in the Chandler family from the early history of the town. Mrs. Miller inherited the Chandler industrial thrift and well balanced conduct in the affairs of life in justice to their fellowmen and themselves.
She was educated in the schools of Westford and later in life married James Miller. Her father will be remembered by the older residents in town as one of the substantial citizens and farmers of the town. His tall figure in his prime was constantly seen at the Unitarian church on Sabbath days.
Mrs. Miller was eight-six years old and leaves two children, Frank, of Boston, a prominent musician, and Mabel, who holds a prominent position in a large business firm in Boston; also, a brother, Charles Chandler, of California, and numerous nephews and nieces.
The funeral was from her home in Lowell. The services were conducted by Rev. Caleb E. Fisher, minister of the First Universalist church. The bearers were J. Frank and Harry Chandler, Enloa Perham, Hammett D. Wright, nephews of the deceased. Burial was in the Riverside cemetery, North Chelmsford.
Forge Village. The Soccer club played the first game of the season with the Lawrence Thistle club on the new grounds Saturday afternoon and were defeated 4 to 2. Much time and money have been expended on the new grounds. A dressing room and grandstand are to be erected shortly. At the game Saturday Julian A. Cameron of the Abbot Worsted Company had the honor of kicking off the first ball.
The marriage of Miss Ellen Catherine Merrick and James Henry Brown will take place the middle of this month. Miss Merrick is a member of St. Catherine’s church choir.
Mrs. Fred Eccles of Providence, R.I., and her little son David are visiting her sister, Mrs. Fred Naylor.
Miss Margaret O’Hara of Concord, N.H., is visiting her sister, Mrs. Jane Dare.
Frank Comstock is recovering from a severe attack of pleurisy which confined him to his home for several days.
Mrs. Jane Dare is recovering from the accident which occurred to her hand two weeks ago.
A collection was taken up last week Friday in the mills of the Abbot Worsted Co. for the soldiers’ library fund.
The mill bells were rung at ten o’clock Monday morning for ten minutes as a reminder of the first call of the liberty loan.
A large touring car containing several persons passed through this village Wednesday night and after considerable noise, while smashing bottles in front of the postoffice, they attempted to smash the gasoline tank located at the building. The noise attracted the attention of the postmaster, Elmer E. Nutting, and as he approached the men departed at high speed.
Rev. Sherrard Billings of Groton School conducted the services at St. Andrew’s mission, Sunday, at 4:30. Sunday school will open next Sunday at 3:30. Rev. Angus Dun will conduct services at the close of Sunday school.
Mrs. Fletcher Morton and daughter Ola of Bridgeport, Conn., are visiting relatives and friends here.
Joseph Bannister is confined to his home by illness.
Miss Violette Collins of Providence, R.I., is visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Miles Collins.
Mrs. Avery Smith and little daughter of Ayer are visiting at the home of Mr. and Mrs. George O. Jackson.
Miss Marion Blodgett has returned to the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Blodgett of Medford.
The senior class of Westford academy are planning to have a hallowe’en party October 26 in the town hall.
Mrs. Michael Keefe of Townsend Harbor spent the weekend with relatives here.
Samuel A. Prescott, of Danvers, formerly of Forge Village, dropped dead of heart disease in Peabody on his way to work Sunday night, September 16, about seven o’clock. He leaves a wife and daughter, Mrs. George Rust; a sister, Miss Ida L. Prescott, and a niece, Mrs. A. H. Cordier and a nephew, Lester M. Waitt. Mr. Prescott was born in Forge Village on December 12, 1845, the oldest child of Samuel and Parazina (Hayden) Prescott. Burial was in Groton.
Graniteville. Masses in St. Catherine’s church last Sunday morning were celebrated by Rev. C. P. Heaney, who announced that during the month of October special devotions will be held in the church twice every week—Tuesday and Thursday evenings at 7:30.
While Thomas McCarthy and Thomas Gower were going to Lowell in Mr. McCarthy’s auto last Saturday night, on Cold Spring road, near William Pollock’s house, something went wrong with the steering gear and the machine crashed into a tree on the side of the road. Gower was thrown out, and although Mr. McCarthy remained in the machine, he received a bad shaking up. Gower received a few minor injuries. The auto was badly damaged.
Mr. and Mrs. Fred Provost are spending a few days as the guests of Mr. and Mrs. William Gilson in New York city.
The Ladies’ Aid society of the Methodist church held a baked-bean and salad supper, followed by an entertainment, in the church vestry Wednesday evening that was largely attended. Supper was served from 6:30 to 8 o’clock, and the entertainment that followed consisted of readings by Miss Grace Robinson, of Westford assisted by local talent.
Regular services were held in the Methodist church last Sunday. The pastor, Rev. Alonzo S. Fite, preached both morning and evening. A review of the last quarter’s work in the Sunday school was made. Beginning on Sunday the graded lessons will be introduced into the beginners’ and primary departments. The Misses Ethel Ripley and Alice M. Gilson will have the work among these younger folks in charge. Miss Lottie York, the superintendent of the Junior league, inaugurated the graded idea in her plans and invites all children under fourteen years to attend. The Misses Gladys Welch and Alice M. Gilson are her co-workers. Mrs. Albert Carr led the Epworth league Sunday evening, on the subject “The discouraged heart.”
Mrs. Anderson, with her son Charles, of East Templeton, have been recent visitors at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Mattson.
A large flock of quail were liberated by Joseph Wall, the deputy fish and game warden, in the nearby woods here lately.
Ayer
News Items. Plans are being considered by Boston and Maine officials for additional facilities for handling the tremendous passenger business which has come since the establishment of Camp Devens. These plans have to do with providing larger quarters for the sale of tickets at the local railroad station. The addition of a second window at the ticket office has relieved the situation somewhat, but even under these conditions the facilities fall far short of being sufficient to serve the public. No definite arrangements to relieve the present situation have been announced.
The committee on the camp library fund has collected $100.65, which was forwarded by Thomas F. Mullin, acting chairman, to Charles F. D. Belden, state librarian. The money will go toward a fund being raised for purchasing reading matter for soldiers in camps. The members of the committee are Theodore W. Barry, George L. Osgood, S. Adelaide Blood, Mrs. E. P. Hutchins, Edward A. Richardson, Mrs. L. H. Cushing, Mrs. Avis Fisher, Thomas F. Mullin.
Odd Fellows’ Rendezvous. The Odd Fellows’ rendezvous in the building at the corner of Columbia and Newton streets, formerly used as a Methodist church, was officially opened last week Friday night. The opening was graced by the presence of these officers of the Grand lodge: Levater W. Powers, g.m. of Waltham; Samuel K. Walker, d.g.m. of Lynn; George H. Dolof, g.w. of Dorchester; George H. Fuller, g.s. of Aliston; N. W. Fish, p.g.m., ex-Mayor of Taunton, Frank Potter, p.c. of Waltham; Henschel A. Bacon, g.mar. of Waltham; Charles J. Shepard, g.cond. of Everett, R. S. Lovel, asst.g.s. of Dorchester.
The evening’s exercises began with the singing of the opening solo, followed by the singing of the “The Star Spangled Banner.” The grand master gave the dedicatory address and stated the purpose of the meeting. The remarks made by the grand master were followed by a social time.
The building is for the use of the members of the order who are and who will be at Camp Devens and for members generally. The idea, however, is “soldiers first.” Herbert E. Phinney, of Boston, the very capable gentleman in charge of the rendezvous, states that everything possible will be done for the benefit of the Odd Fellows in the country’s service. One of the things proposed is the establishment of a library and already 122 books have been purchased and placed in the building, the books being bought from funds raised by the order. Mr. Phinney also proposes, through a committee to be appointed, to get newspapers from every city and town in the New England states and New York, where the soldiers come from. These are to be put in files for the use of the men.
On the lower floor are three pool tables and a billiard table. On the upper floor there are 18 card and writing tables, 60 arm chairs, 25 porch rockers and 120 single folding chairs.
It is expected that free entertainments will be given for the benefit of the soldiers, beginning at an early date. It is planned to have religious exercises once or twice a week. The hours which the building is to be open are from eleven in the morning until ten in the evening Sundays included. No games, however, will be allowed on Sundays.
The many details in getting the building ready, which are in charge of Mr. Phinney, will soon be completed. The Odd Fellows will then have one of the best place of the kind to be found anywhere.
News Items. The second forty-five percent of New England’s quota of draft troops began to arrive Wednesday. From all parts of New England came the future members of the national army. The greatest number came in special trains, while smaller contingents arrived on regular trains and marched to Camp Devens. The last of the quota will arrive Sunday. When the full quota arrives there will be 20,000 additional members of the new army at Camp Devens, making the total number of about 40,000 which will be lodged within the confines of the camp by Sunday night.
Ralph Willoughby, employed at Proctor’s garage, while driving an automobile in Shirley last week Friday evening, ran into a car which was standing on the wrong side of the street. Willoughby’s car turned turtle and he was slightly injured. The car was wrecked. An officer at Camp Devens, who was in the car that was struck, received a bad fracture of the knee, and another soldier in the car driven by Willoughby received a broken arm. There were no rear lights on the stationary automobile, according to the reports.
The two troops of cavalry from Fort Ethan Allen, Winooski, Vt., who came her to Camp Devens several weeks ago, returned Tuesday evening. The boys received a rousing send-off in Depot square by their comrades from the camp.
All previous records in the number of visitors to Camp Devens were broken last Sunday when 200,000 people came from all parts of New England and New York State to visit their soldier friends and relatives. Every train, trolley car and automobile throughout the day brought its full number of occupants. The roads leading to the camp were practically impassible during a part of the day. At all times electric cars, automobiles and other kinds of conveyances moved at a snail’s pace so great was the congestion. Special trains ran to Boston in the early evening and all regular trains were crowded, with hardly standing room for the passengers. The police and crossing flagmen put in a very strenuous day’s work in keeping the crowds in line in order to avert accidents. The military guards did good service in assisting in this work. With the coming of 20,000 more recruits this week, Sunday’s crowd is expected to outnumber all previous gatherings.
By inquiring at Y.M.C.A. hut No. 22, those in need of household helpers may secure the help needed by securing soldiers’ wives from out of town who are anxious to be near the camp and their husbands.
Camp Notes. The soldiers received their first pay last Sunday, the work of paying them taking nearly all day.
Visitors to the camp are struck with the many different races represented among the soldiers. As one goes about the grounds men of different nationalities may be seen talking in their native tongues. All, however, have one thing in common—that is loyalty to the United States.
Two thousand steam-fitters are rushing the heating apparatus which is to be installed in all the barracks before cold weather.
Chester P. Perrin, one of the Ayer recruits, has been chosen a corporal.
Football is the chief out-door diversion now. Games may be seen all over the part of the camp inhabited by soldiers.
Another contingent of men from Camp Devens left last week to fill the ranks of the depot brigade at Camp Bartlett, Westfield.
Fred J. Weyand, who succeeded Henry M. Bowen as head of the department of justice at Camp Devens, has been recalled for other service. His place is taken by James Hanrahan, of Washington, an expert investigator, who commenced his new duties last week.
John Nilsen and Lemuel Nickelson, of Boston, and Gustav A. Nelson and Carl A. Johnson, of Worcester, were brought to Camp Devens last week to answer to complaints for failure to comply with the draft law, they not having reported for duty as required.
The athletic branch of the committee on training camp activities, of which William F. Garcelon, a former noted Harvard athlete, is chairman, is arranging for the formation of football teams in the regiments quartered at the camp.
All parts of the country are represented in the automobiles seen about town and at the camp grounds. Among those coming the longest distance are from El Paso, Texas, Los Angeles, Cal., Chicago, Ill., and Indianapolis, Ind.
Among the distinguished visitors at the camp last Saturday was Judge Sanford B. Dole, former mayor of Boston [1906-1908, 1910-1912], was a visitor at the camp last Sunday. Mr. Fitzgerald’s son, Thomas Fitzgerald [1895-1968], is an officer there.
Brigadier General Frank H. Albright made an inspection of his command, the 151st infantry brigade, last Saturday. This was the first inspection of selected men in a unit of this size. The result of the inspection remains a military secret.
The eminence known as “boulder hill” is to be used to fill in little Robbins pond. When this work is finished the entire center of the camp will be used as a big parade field.
Twelve mules broke loose last Saturday and ran over the camp until they were captured after an exciting chase.
In the field near the Shaboken road, opposite the quarters of the truck company, there are suspended from a wooden frame work several bundles of brush tied tightly which are used in connection with the bayonet drill. At the command of the officers a squad charges on these objects as it would against the enemy in actual warfare, running their bayonets into the bundles, then retreating and repeating the operation. Brush is used instead of bags for this purpose, because it is cheaper and will stand the bayonet thrusts better. A good deal of speculation as to the use of these objects was indulged in until an officer made an explanation.
Some of the men have not as yet received their full uniforms and appear in part civilian and military dress.
It is announced that the guards for camp duty will be taken soon from the draft recruits, who will replace the coast artillery guards now on duty. The latter will go back to their former duties at the harbor forts.
James J. Storrow of New York has been appointed boxing instructor at the camp. Levinsky is a well-known boxer.
The Lowell company of the 302nd machine gun battalion moved Tuesday to Infantry hill.
Frank P. Griffin, of Ayer, who has made a very efficient record in the postal service during the past few years, is assisting in the camp postoffice.
Numbers of recruits at the camp have been found physically disqualified for service by the camp physicians and have been ordered home.
The floating population of Ayer is now estimated to be 30,000.
The “Oh Boy” theatrical company, which has been playing in Boston for several weeks, gave an entertainment for the men at the Y.M.C.A. building last Sunday night. The kindness of the company was greatly appreciated.
District Court. The inquest on the death of Jacob Kupleman, of Chelsea, who was killed by being run over by a large auto truck at Camp Devens on September 8, was held last Saturday morning, Judge Warren H. Atwood presiding. The driver of the truck, which was owned by Charles H. McLaughlin, of Boston, stated that he was returning after completing his day’s work to “check in” at the office for the day. Several men jumped on the truck as it was passing, although the witness forbade them doing so. Kupleman jumped off after the truck had gone some distance and fell under the truck, crushing his head and body. The other testimony brought out about the same facts that were printed in this paper concerning the accident.
Joseph Murray, Roger White and James Hayden, camp laborers, were found guilty of breaking glass Tuesday morning and fined five dollars each. The three men were alleged to have thrown sticks of wood and other missiles through a window in the town hall building. Walter McDonald, the janitor of the hall, was the chief witness for the government. The defendants denied committing the crimes alleged against them.
Frank Hill was arraigned Monday morning on complaints for drunkenness and creating a disturbance on a street railway car. He was found guilty on both complaints. The former case was filed and on the latter he was fined ten dollars. Officer William Wall, of Graniteville, who arrested Hill on the car and brought him here, said that his prisoner was coming toward Ayer on a Lowell and Fitchburg electric car last Saturday night when the officer first saw him. The prisoner used profane and indecent language to the great annoyance of all on the car. The conductor on the car corroborated the officer’s story.
A boy from Camp Devens pleaded guilty to stealing lunch checks at the Baldwin Commissary. The case was continued until Monday.
Harvard
News Items. The Camp Devens committee on training camp activities, having received some complaints of excessive prices for food and commodities in towns adjacent to the camp, has referred the matter to the advisory committee consisting of representatives from the public safety committees in the adjoining towns. It has been alleged that in some cases the prices charged to the soldiers in the camp were excessive, and in other cases a higher price was charged to the soldiers than to other customers. So far as the advisory committee has been able to ascertain the merchants and farmers in the towns adjoining the camp have on the whole been very fair in their attitude, and a very few, if any, cases of excessive charges or discrimination have been brought to attention. If there are any complaints on this score they can be filed at committee headquarters, the vicarage, Ayer, and investigated.
At the last meeting of the advisory committee it was decided to include the city of Fitchburg and the towns of Concord and Sterling, and to add representatives of these towns. In order to meet the frequent requests for a price for a night’s lodging, including two meals, the committee recommends that these prices range from $1.50 to $2.00. The committee further considered the organization of entertainment and hospitality in the homes, and will endeavor to perfect its arrangements as rapidly as possible for the purpose of cooperating with the camp authorities on this matter. For the time being, until the camp work is organized, it will probably be impracticable to conduct this work on any extensive scale, but considerable entertaining is already being done in the various towns and the committee finds that the residents generally are very willing to do their part.