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, July 28, 1923
Rain forces Grange’s field day into Town Hall; program includes community singing, speeches, music performances & an afternoon dance for the young people. Abbot Worsted is building two more houses on Brookside Road. Federal officials arrest three men on Flushing Pond for operating a still & producing alcohol.
Turner Public Spirit, July 21, 1923
Lowell Y.M.C.A. boys “getting down close to nature” at Lake Nabnassett camp. Lowell Y.W.C.A. buys 167 acres on Long Sought Lake for a girls’ camp. Methodist Church’s Sunday School picnic at Whalom Park is “a very enjoyable affair.”
Turner's Public Spirit, July 14, 1923
Special Town Meeting approves funds to cover costs of previous winter’s snow removal & to improve roads, regrade & build walks on the Common, & install a new heating system in Town Hall. Library’s display of seaweed, shells & other beach treasures also features books & pictures for children.
Turner's Public Spirit, July 7, 1923
A “splendid program” performed by children at the Congregational Church includes recitations, dialogues, solos, duets, & a chorus. Abbot Worsted baseball team loses 13-6 in “a weird game at Gardner.” Graniteville Juniors defeat the Forge Village Juniors in a twilight game.
Turner's Public Spirit, June 30, 1923
[Scanned image for this date not on the Ayer library’s website as of 21 June 2023. Drove to library to check microfilm but that roll is out. Check again in Sept. 2023.]
Turner's Public Spirit, June 23, 1923
“Woodland notes” paper, which had been read at the Tadmuck Club, is reprinted. Speeches, prizes & music highlight WA graduation at Town Hall. Young man struck by car & killed on Littleton Road.
Turner's Public Spirit, June 16, 1923
Children present a program of speaking, singing and music at the Congregational Church. The day after their graduation, Frost School eighth-graders enjoy a trip to Revere Beach. Several Westford residents are found guilty of selling liquor; all are fined & one is sentenced to 3 months in prison.
Turner's Public Spirit, June 9, 1923
Congressman John Jacob Rogers makes his annual visit to Westford. WA senior class enjoys auto trip over the Mohawk Trail. Sargent School holds 8th grade graduation exercises.
Turner's Public Spirit, June 2, 1923
Memorial Day commemorated with military exercises at the Soldiers’ Monument on the Common & a program & lunch at Town Hall, followed by a band concert. Methodist Church holds Memorial Day service, followed by lunch & decoration of the graves of the soldier dead. Two-part musical review in Town Hall features songs popular before 1890 & those popular between 1890 and 1900
Turner's Public Spirit, May 26, 1923
Students awarded cash prizes in WA speaking contest held in Town Hall. Mothers are invited to bring their children to see Little Red Riding Hood posters in children’s room at the library. The grounds of the new St. Catherine’s rectory are being graded, & painters & decorators are finishing the interior.
Turner's Public Spirit, May 18, 1923
Chelmsford wins cup in the annual typewriting contest between area high school teams. Temps drop 60 degrees within a few days. Writer argues for equal pay for equal work. Men charged & arrested for assault & battery & breaking store windows are found not guilty
Turner's Public Spirit, May 12, 1923
Town Hall is busy with community events: An old-fashioned dance on Wednesday evening features music by a Lowell orchestra; the Ladies’ Auxiliary holds a food sale, making $20; and WA seniors present “The Importance of Being Earnest” followed by refreshments and dancing.