Turner's Public Spirit, June 5, 1920
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. Miss Ruth Fisher, now of Providence, is just returning from a pleasant two months’
trip to California, taken with her friend, Miss Davis. While in San Francisco Miss Fisher enjoyed
a nice visit with Misses Sara and Kate Hamlin, who were very glad to see Miss Fisher and hear
from their native Westford.
“The Edward M. Abbot Hose Co. held its regular monthly meeting and opening and testing of
hydrants Wednesday evening. The hydrants have received a new coat of paint this last
week—black with white tops.
“The selectmen have had prepared and posted about town a set of rulings to automobilists
relative to speed, lights, etc., also warning bicyclists against riding on sidewalks. As these rulings
will be enforced by police officers due regard should be paid to them.
“Quincy W. Day has a new Ford automobile.
“Memorial Day. Memorial day came into its own this year in charge of the Legion men who
worked with the Civil war veterans. Ideal weather conditions helped to make all arrangements
more successful and the newer significance of the nation’s ‘memory day’ was beautifully
emphasized.
“Union services were held at the Unitarian church Sunday morning…. Rev. William E.
Anderson preached a good memorial sermon and was assisted in the service by Rev. O. L.
Brownsey. Mrs. Cyril A. Blaney and Frank R. Charlton were the soloists with Miss Precious at
the organ.
“At one o’clock the rounds to the cemeteries were made and the graves of all the soldier dead
were decorated. The singing was in charge of Robert McCarty and the G.A.R. and A.L. services
were carried out.
“Monday several hundred people enjoyed the services at the hall and the concert at the
common in the afternoon. The Civil war veterans, the A.L., the Sons and Daughters of Veterans
formed in line at the town hall and marched to the cavalry building [at 20] Boston road, led by the
Abbot Worsted Co. band of Graniteville and Forge Village. The line was then formed and
proceeded to the soldiers’ monument where the impressive G.A.R. and A.L. services were held,
including the roll call, salute and ‘taps’ for the dead.
“After those services the line of march was formed to the town hall, where the exercises of the
day were held. Frank C. Johnson, commander of Westford post, A.L., presided, and extended the
word of welcome and introduced the speaker and singers in well chosen words.
“Royal K. Hayes of Dracut and a former member of Battery F, 102 nd F.A., 26 th division, was
the speaker of the day and he gave one of the finest addresses ever given in Westford town
hall….
“At the band concert in the afternoon a fine program was given and the members of the band
in their new uniforms and shining instruments showed a good result of their months of practice.
“The Boy Scouts had their tent on the common and did a good business in ice cream, tonics,
etc.
“About Town. Allister MacDougall is credited by the farm bureau as having set out 1000
apple trees, [and] 1000 each of blackberries and raspberries. We congratulate him on his
inheritance of capability and its increased development.
“We congratulate the Abbot Worsted Co. band on their splendid showing in playing on
Memorial day. Mr. Larkin, the leader, has developed them wonderfully.
“Papers report snow drifts in the Berkshires several feet deep and many more feet long still
packed into the shaded ravines. It would seem that this dry heated spell would begin to unpack
them.
“Graniteville. The Young Hustlers, whose average age is 15 years, played the Forge Village
Tigers on the latter’s grounds in a twilight ball game on last Tuesday and defeated the Forge boys
by the score of 7 to 6. The Hustlers would like to hear from any of the boys’ clubs from the
surrounding towns. Address, Albert Boudreau, Graniteville.
“The Abbot Worsted Co. baseball club will open the season here on Saturday, June 5, when
they will have the strong Camp Devens team for opponents….
“Abbot Worsted Soccer team played the Amoskeag team of Manchester, N.H., Saturday
afternoon at Abbot park before a large and enthusiastic audience. After a fast and exciting game
Abbot Worsted players came out the winners with a score of 3 to 2. It was the deciding game for
the championship of the Lawrence District league. Abbot Worsted Soccer team is now in
possession of the silver cup, which was awarded the winners. Next season they will be listed
under the Industrial League, which is now being formed.”
Photo taken July 31, 1928, showing Quincy Day in his “old Ford,” purchased in 1920, having just bought a “new Ford.” Courtesy Photo/Roger and Marilyn Day