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, October 27, 1923
State-wide hunting ban is lifted & season opens. First Parish youth group meets for a chicken supper. Forge Village Juveniles defeat Graniteville soccer club 3-0
Turner's Public Spirit, October 13, 1923
The musical Precious sisters have a busy week. Both the supper & entertainment given by the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the American Legion & the banquet & entertainment given by the Unitarian Society are very successful. The Tadmuck Club’s membership has grown to 115.
Turner's Public Spirit, October 6, 1923
The Turner’s Public Spirit newspaper for Oct. 6, 1923, is missing
Turner's Public Spirit, September 29, 1923
A small collection of old-fashioned dolls is on display at the library. The annual harvest supper given by the Ladies’ Aid Society of the M.E. church was “excellent” & well-attended. The overseers of the Abbot Worsted Mills host an outing at Glen Essex in Lawrence, featuring a cricket match & other sports, a catered lunch, & a community sing.
Turner's Public Spirit, September 22, 1923
Both the Congregational Church’s agricultural fair & the Legion’s carnival are great successes. Weather “leaps” from 30 degrees to 80 in four days. Town’s largest taxpayers are listed.
Turner's Public Spirit, September 15, 1923
Fire at old Nabnassett schoolhouse on Oak Hill Rd. appears to have been set; building is saved by Westford & W. Chelmsford fire departments. Many from Westford attend day-long 250th anniversary celebration in Dunstable.
Turner's Public Spirit, September 8, 1923
Westford Academy has an “unusually large” enrollment of 36 boys & 42 girls. All public schools open for the fall term. Abbot Worsted baseball club closes its season with two wins & its soccer team opens its season with a 5-0 win.
Turner's Public Spirit, September 1, 1923
Nashoba Fruit Producers’ Association begins its auto tour of area fruit-growing farms in Westford. Writer laments extermination of 13 species of birds. Arabia and Syria are the subject of Library Art Club’s pictures.
Turner's Public Spirit, August 25, 1923
The local tax rate is set at $32 per thousand (it was $14.76 per thousand in fiscal year 2023). Abbot Worsted baseball team swamps a Woonsocket team 17 to 3. St. Catherine’s holds a successful “merry” carnival fundraiser for its building fund.
Turner's Public Spirit, August 18, 1923
Over 50 veterans attend the annual meeting & reunion of the Spalding Light Cavalry Association. On the day of President Harding’s funeral, businesses are closed & memorial services are held at St. Catherine’s Church & at Town Hall. Westford 12-year-old girl wins women’s croquet championship at field day in Groton.
Turner's Public Spirit, August 11, 1923
Memorial services held for Pres. Harding in Town Hall & at St. Catherine’s Church. Ice cream, hot dogs & tonic are served & games played at the Ladies’ Aid children’s day at Whitney playgrounds. Abbot Worsted Company employees resume work after brief vacation
Turner's Public Spirit, August 4, 1923
Congregational Church presents a purse of gold to its pastor as a farewell gift. Many residents vacation out of state while out-of-towners visit Westford. Pictures of “Uniforms of the United States army, 1775-1918” on display in Library hall.