Turner's Public Spirit, December 11, 1920
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. Residents are warned not to be unduly exercised over the sounding of the siren fire
whistle Saturday between 12 and 2 as electricians are to be at work on it and testing it.
“Albert W. Heywood has been one of the lucky hunters for the open season for deer. He shot
a fine buck the first of the week weighing 200 pounds….
“We quote the following item from the Lowell Citizen in the 30 years ago column: “Westford
accepted the Australian ballot.”
“The piece of road work near Minot’s corner being done under the direction of the state
highway commission is finished and good results in mud time in the spring may be hoped for.
Another piece of work below the Burbeck farms is underway which has also made bad work for
all vehicles in the spring….
“Although his birthday anniversary was last Saturday residents and friends at the Center are
no less sincere in extending uel L. Taylor their congratulations and very best wishes. Good health
and many happy returns to the wise and witty and kindly ‘sage of the Stony Brook valley.’
“The former members of Co. H and L, M.S.G. held a pleasant reunion at the town hall
Tuesday evening and besides enjoying a good social time went on record as forming a veteran
association with the following officers: Capt. Charles W. Robinson, pres.; John P. Wright, vice
pres.; Harold W. Hildreth, sec.; Frederick A. Smith, treas.; John Johnson, Edward Riney, Isaac
Hall, George Wilson and Herbert V. Hildreth, ex. com….
“Last Sunday evening under the auspices of the W.C.T.U. at the Congregational church Dr.
M. Louise Rand of Boston told of her work among the Italians of the north end, estimated at
about 20,000 people. Dr. Rand possessed good sense, intelligence and a sense of humor and
made her address most enjoyable. A free-will offering for her work was taken at the close of the
meeting.
“Fire. Just before four o’clock Tuesday morning the siren whistle blew warning people of fire
and calling the firemen of the village to help. The call came from the Westford town farm and
the firemen at the center rallied quickly and got underway with the big truck and apparatus in
record time. The fine barn at the farm was doomed when they got there and they with the firemen
from the other villages gave their attention to saving the sheds and what farming implements
were stored therein and keeping the fire from spreading to the house as what wind there was went
in its direction. The stock in the barn, consisting of 17 cows, 1 heifer, 1 bull and 3 horses, were
all destroyed as well as two automobiles belonging to Supt. Ripley. Mr. Ripley had been
attending the state guard reunion at the town hall the previous evening and at 10:30 when he
came home and went to the barn everything seemed all right.
“The cause of the fire is unknown and an inadequate insurance of $1900 was on the barn….
“About Town. The new postoffice, Nabnassett, at Brookside, is now fully established for
business. Miss Mary Donnelly has been appointed postmistress. The office is located in
Donnelly’s store.
“The mill of the Abbot Worsted Co. at Brookside commenced Monday running three days a
week. It seems discouraging when they have expended so much recently to beautify the village
with new houses and lawns and a general clean up and enlarged facilities for doing business to
have to resort to this curtailment as the result of the world-wide depression in business. But this
curtailment is only half as serious as many other places, so comfort yourself while it lasts for it is
possible the other half may soon be necessary.
“The Brookside water supply furnished by the Abbot Worsted Co. is now ready for service.
The quality of the water is pronounced by the state as testing up with the best in the state.
“Forge Village. The Abbot Worsted Co. soccer football team visited Manchester, N.H., on
last Saturday and were defeated by the Amoskeag club of that place by 4 goals to 1. The Abbots
are still leading in the industrial league and will try hard to increase their hold on first place.
“The movies attracted a large number here on Tuesday evening when Constance Binney was
seen in ‘39 East,’ followed by Charlie Chaplin in a comedy, ‘By the Sea.’ The usual Pathé news
and topics of the day were also shown.
“Graniteville. The law is off on deer this week and early Monday morning Philip Healy shot
a fine deer down near the Carlisle line.”
Captain Charles Warren Robinson (1867-1947) of Westford was commander of Company H
(later changed to L), Massachusetts State Guard, composed largely of Westford men. Courtesy
Photo / Westford Historical Society.