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 regularly updated, 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.
Turner's Public Spirit, May 2, 1925
Legion Auxiliary meeting features readings and violin selections, with refreshments of ice cream, cake and coffee. One of the worst forest fires in several years is estimated to have burned over 2000 acres in Westford and Chelmsford, but no homes are destroyed. Abbot Worsted Junior baseball club is beaten by the Buckhorns of Lowell.
Turner's Public Spirit, April 25, 1925
WA puts on a play in Forge Village & raises $70. Tadmuck Club’s dancing party at Town Hall is a success both socially and financially. Nearly 200 attend whist party & dance in Nabnassett
Turner's Public Spirit, April 18, 1925
Churches celebrate Easter. The Merry-go-Round Whist Club of Westford & West Chelmsford hosts a card party at “Idlewild,” Dunstable, including a turkey dinner, entertainment & dancing. WEEI radio broadcasts Abbot Worsted Company band concert.
Turner's Public Spirit, April 11, 1925
The Grange holds a military whist party in Town Hall, with 15 tables in play. The Y.P.R.U.’s dancing in Town Hall, with music furnished by a Lowell orchestra, is well attended. Work has begun on enlarging Fairview Cemetery.
Turner's Public Spirit, March 21, 1925
Laymen’s League holds cafeteria lunch, social and a one-act play, “Wanted, a Confidential Clerk,” in Town Hall on Tuesday evening. A brooder house catches fire, burning 300 chickens. “The bowling game seems to be the popular indoor sport” in Graniteville.
Turner's Public Spirit, March 14, 1925
Writer laments the legislature’s repeal of the hatpin bill. THe Laymen’s League of First Parish hears an eloquent talk on “A Great Work,” followed by a roast beef supper. Many see Douglas McLean in William Collier’s “great comedy” motion picture “Never Say Die” in Graniteville.
Turner's Public Spirit, March 7, 1925
Nashua & Acton Railroad discontinues operations. Many from Graniteville attend the ball honoring Pres. Calvin Coolidge’s inauguration held at Town Hall. Young People’s Religious Union holds successful military whist party at the Unitarian vestry.
Turner's Public Spirit, February 28, 1925
A speaker from the Society for the Preservation of Native New England Plants uses lantern slides to illustrate an interesting talk. Successful night sessions at the Sargent night school end, with plans to award diplomas at a future social. Sargent School Teachers’ Association presents a successful concert and moving pictures in Abbot Hall, Forge Village.
Turner's Public Spirit, February 21, 1925
[Page 2 of Turner’s Public Spirit, which contains The Westford Wardsman section, is missing from the on-line scans for this newspaper, although the other seven pages are present.
Turner's Public Spirit, February 14, 1925
Dr. Blaney wins contested Board of Health seat in town election. Several cases of chicken-pox are reported in the Center. Fish and game warden offers grain to anyone for feeding birds.
Turner's Public Spirit, February 7, 1925
Young People’s Religious Union of the Unitarian Church holds a successful military whist party. Many attend WA senior class’s dancing party at Town Hall. After a snowstorm, railroad tracks are cleared and full service is restored on the Lowell and Fitchburg line.
Turner's Public Spirit, January 31, 1925
Jackie Coogan in the movie “Peck’s Bad Boy” brings out a large attendance. Temperature of 10 below zero recorded in town center. “Mrs. F. C. Wright wishes to state that the Buick car which she has purchased is not the one formerly owned by Charles H. Wright.” State Department of Agriculture awards Otis Day a gold medal for the most noteworthy work in agriculture in Massachusetts.