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. His abridged versions of the Wardsman are published weekly in the Westford Eagle.
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.
The Westford Wardsman, September 6, 1919
Tadmuck Club Reading Circle enjoys J. M. Barrie’s play “What Every Woman Knows.” A committee of young ladies hosts successful dancing party at Town Hall. An airship flies over town.
The Westford Wardsman, August 30, 1919
A clay pigeon shoot is held at Whitney Playground. Children enjoy swimming and other sports at Methodist Church’s Sunday school picnic. Most severe thunderstorm of the season puts trolley out of commission and knocks out electricity in Forge Village.
The Westford Wardsman, August 23, 1919
Apples, peaches and blueberries all being harvested. Abbot Worsted ball team clobbers Forge Village Athletic Club by a score of 19 to 4.
The Westford Wardsman, August 16, 1919
An ‘aeroplane’ flies over town. Team of horses & ‘auto truck’ collide near Town Hall, with no serious damage. Graniteville & Abbot Worsted baseball teams both defeat opponents by score of 8-7.
The Westford Wardsman, August 9, 1919
Westford Service Club hosts successful concert and dance, with 250 attending. Forge Village Athletic Club wins final game of series against Graniteville team, claiming the baseball championship between the two villages.
The Westford Wardsman, August 2, 1919
Two circuits added at the local telephone exchange to accommodate increased business. In front of one of the largest crowds ever, Graniteville club wins ball game against Forge Village team, tying the series. Abbot Worsted making extensive repairs & changes to Brookside mills.
The Westford Wardsman, July 26, 1919
A horse, missing for a week, is found in abandoned ice house cellar. Abbot Worsted Co. changes work hours to comply with new 48-hours-per-week state law.
The Westford Wardsman, July 19, 1919
Westford’s State Guard leaves for seven days’ tour of duty at encampment in East Boxford. New public health nurse appointed. Berry season is in full swing.
The Westford Wardsman, July 12, 1919
Westford army sergeant, still in Germany, receives second citation for bravery & second war cross. Welcome rain saves raspberry crop. Town shocked by death of former minister.
The Westford Wardsman, July 5, 1919
Police raid “brick tavern” & seize 600 bottles of beer; owner charged with the illegal sale of liquor. George C. Moore sells mill & other property at Brookside to Abbot Worsted Co. St. Andrew’s Sunday school children enjoy a picnic at Cameron Park.
The Westford Wardsman, June 28, 1919
Academy trustees award prizes to WA students for historical essays & typewriting. Westford men who served in the world war meet to form an American Legion post. Abbot Worsted baseball team loses its first game.
The Westford Wardsman, June 21, 1919
Ladies’ Aid Society holds annual field day at Forge Pond. Westford Academy’s morning graduation exercises are followed by a reception & lunch at Town Hall & a dance in the evening. Back from overseas, soldier walks from Camp Devens to his parent’s home in Forge Village.