A Century Ago in Westford
The Westford Wardsman was published weekly as part of Turner’s Public Spirit, a newspaper based in Ayer. In the 21st century, Bob Oliphant, a dedicated supporter of the Westford Historical Society, transcribed the complete articles from digital copies.
This page is updated weekly, so be sure to check back for the latest articles. You can also browse specific issues by date using the Westford Wardsman Date Index page.
Also check out the Bob Oliphant Westford Wardsman Podcast Series (1908-1911) HERE
Turner's Public Spirit, December 19, 1925
Tree donated & planted on the Common to be the “community Christmas tree,” with plans being made for a Christmas eve celebration to include music and caroling. WA basketball team and its “second team” defeat Littleton High teams.
Turner's Public Spirit, December 12, 1925
Wardsman correspondent Samuel Law Taylor celebrates his 80th birthday with friends, family, and ice cream. Members of the Unitarian, M.E., and Congregational churches meet together to discuss town affairs. A pet owl, estimated to be 100 years old, dies at Lake Nabnasset.
Turner's Public Spirit, December 5, 1925
Westford Oratorio Society draws a large crowd to concert in Town Hall. Fire & a “terrific explosion,” heard throughout town, destroy cider mill and 60 barrels of fresh-made cider on Cold Spring Road.
Turner's Public Spirit, November 28, 1925
The Edward M. Abbot Hose Company has an enjoyable dancing party, complete with orchestra, in Town Hall. Food sale at the Frost School brings in a “neat sum” to be used to buy rings or pins for the graduating class. WA basketball team opens season with a game against its alumni.
Turner's Public Spirit, November 21, 1925
The Young People’s Religious Union of the Unitarian Church give a military whist party. Special programs are presented in all schools during National Education Week. Writer wonders why the Fletcher Library is closed on Sundays but sports are allowed.
Turner's Public Spirit, November 14, 1925
The American Legion’s Armistice Ball, held in Town Hall, attracts large attendance. Harvard Folk Song Singers, in costume, entertainx the Tadmuck Club. Westford team defeats the Graniteville Independents by one pin in a red-hot bowling match
Turner's Public Spirit, November 7, 1925
The Odd Ladies host a dancing party in the Town Hall, with Hibbard’s orchestra of Lowell furnishing the music. Celebrating children’s book week, the J. V. Fletcher Library’s librarian is taking orders for any of the children’s books on exhibit. Suspicions are raised about the origin of a fire at Minot’s Corner that burned down a henhouse, killing 85 hens.
Turner's Public Spirit, October 31, 1925
Middlesex County team, including two Westford boys, wins state-wide junior apple judging contest. Man who escaped conviction for murdering a federal prohibition agent on Flushing Pond is convicted of the illegal sale of liquor, fined and sentenced to six months in jail. Other defendants involved in the incident are found not guilty. Abbot Worsted soccer team defeats an Andover team 3-1 (according to the Graniteville report; the Forge Village section reports it was 2-1).
Turner's Public Spirit, October 24, 1925
Graniteville couple gives a radio party for about 40 friends. A five-room camp between Forge Pond and Beaver Brook Road is totally destroyed by fire. Over 200 sit down to a “bountiful supper” given by the Girls’ Club of St. Andrew’s Mission, followed by a short entertainment and dancing to music furnished by an orchestra. Sargent School students hold a very successful dancing party at Town Hall for the piano fund.
Turner's Public Spirit, October 17, 1925
Tadmuck Club has a reception, entertainment, and a tea for new members and officers at its first meeting of the season. Man found not guilty in murder of federal prohibition agent due to an “illegal warrant.” Town’s largest taxpayers are listed.
Turner's Public Spirit, October 10, 1925
Westford young people win prizes at Brockton & Groton Fairs. The M.E. Church’s Ladies’ Aid Society’s annual harvest supper, with musical entertainment & readings, is a great success. Both the Ladies’ Sewing Circle & the Girls’ Club of St. Andrew’s Mission hold their first meetings of the season.
Turner's Public Spirit, October 3, 1925
Congregational Church’s annual fair in Town Hall features displays and auction of fruits and vegetables, an excellent supper, and two “pleasing plays.” The second heavy frost of the season — 25º in September! — leaves frost on the pumpkin. Camp Devens soldiers testify in trial of man accused of killing a federal prohibition agent at Flushing Pond camp.