A Century Ago in Westford
The Westford Wardsman was published weekly as part of Turner’s Public Spirit, an Ayer-based newspaper. In the 21st century, Bob Oliphant, a longtime Westford Historical Society supporter, transcribed the complete articles from digital copies.
A more thorough introduction to the Wardsman is available here. A glossary of the abbreviations used in the Wardsman is available here.
This page is continually being updated, so check back soon for more recent articles.
You can also use the Westford Wardsman Date Index page to browse for specific issues by date.
Turner's Public Spirit, November 18, 1922
American Legion ball in Town Hall is “one of the best dancing parties” of the season. Abbot Worsted band gives “an inspiring concert” in Brookside, followed by motion pictures. Cameron Circle holds a very enjoyable whist party in Graniteville.
Turner's Public Spirit, November 11, 1922
George H. Hartford, former state legislator, town assessor, school board member & member of the Finance Committee, dies at 70. Abbot Worsted soccer club defeats Shawsheen A.A. in the second round of the National Cup series, 4-1, & holds Fall River club to a 3-3 tie before a crowd estimated at 5,000. Precinct 2 in Graniteville cast the heaviest vote on record at the state election.
Turner's Public Spirit, November 4, 1922
Six-week-old Francis O’Connell wins first prize at baby show in Forge Village. “Little folks” celebrate Halloween with jack-o’-lanterns & Halloween costumes. M.E. church Brotherhood holds “a very interesting debate” after its business meeting.
Turner's Public Spirit, October 28, 1922
American Legion & its Ladies’ Auxiliary enjoy games & music at a Halloween party & oyster supper. W.C.T.U. holds its harvest supper at the Congregational Church followed by entertainment of violin & vocal selections & readings. Abbot Worsted soccer team defeats Methuen team 5-2 in a state cup contest.
Turner's Public Spirit, October 21, 1922
Woman’s Alliance of the Unitarian Church holds an all-day session, sewing in the morning, then holding a business meeting after lunch. Forty-five teachers from Acton, Littleton, Carlisle and Westford meet at the Nabnassett School to hear “a very interesting talk” on physical education. Abbot Worsted soccer club beats Methuen club 5-0 in the first round of the national cup series.
Turner's Public Spirit, October 14, 1922
Tadmuck Club’s first meeting of the season features musical entertainment & a club tea. Many from Westford enjoy a concert by Italian opera star Amelita Galli-Curci at the new Memorial Auditorium in Lowell. Westford man found guilty & fined $10 for killing an otter out of season.
Turner's Public Spirit, October 7, 1922
Parent-Teacher Association meets at the library to plan for the year & fill vacancies. Four men, including the owner, are arrested for burning a Moon touring car. Writer laments both low prices received for potatoes & apples & a high property tax bill.
Turner's Public Spirit, September 30, 1922
Those who don’t pay to license their dogs by Oct. 1 “will be brought into court.” A Moon touring car, stripped of all accessories, is found burning on Concord Rd. Several local residents win prizes at the Groton Fair. A group of WA juniors and seniors attend a performance of “Macbeth” at the Boston Opera House.
Turner's Public Spirit, September 23, 1922
Congregational Church agricultural fair features displays of fruit, flowers, & vegetables, followed by supper & entertainment in the evening. Opening of new Nabnassett School delayed for two days. Electrical storm takes down six poles & all phones in Long-Sought-for district.
Turner's Public Spirit, September 16, 1922
WA enrollment is 58, 34 girls & 24 boys. The “playground park at the new Nabnassett school” is being graded & improved. Abbot Worsted baseball loses twice to Henricksen Grow Tire team in last games of the season.
Turner's Public Spirit, September 9, 1922
A cat, perhaps the oldest one in this vicinity, being twenty years of age, belonging to Mrs. Ella M. Wright, was killed by an auto recently. Abbot Worsted team visited Haverhill and in one of the best played games of the season
Turner's Public Spirit, September 2, 1922
Twilight League team ties “Harry Hartford’s crack team” at Whitney playground. Y.M.C.A. camp at Lake Nabnassett closes, followed by annual camp auto trip to Atlantic City with stops along the way. Gov. Cox, Lt. Gov. Fuller, and Mrs. Hall, “the only woman orator of the day,” speak at Republican League outing at Whitney Park
