A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. The regular weekly drill of the home guard company took place on Tuesday
evening and was well attended, with Major Tuttle in attendance. The work consisted of Platoon
movements and ‘riot drill.’ This company is planning for the battalion gathering and prize drill in
Concord on April 26, members to report at the Concord armory at 3:30, April 26. The prize drill,
followed by a military dance, takes place that evening in the armory. Many spectators and guests
are expected, the paid admissions to go into the company treasuries. The following day battalion
drills will take place. Rations will be provided for the men at the armory for supper, Saturday, and
breakfast and dinner on Sunday.
“Mrs. Clara Wright Anderson is substituting for her sister, Miss Edith A. Wright, at the Frost
school until the latter is recovered from her attack of mumps.
“Miss Marjorie Seavey is having the week at home, it being the spring vacation from her
studies at Boston university.
“The sessions of the Sargent kindergarten class, which have been interrupted by the illness of
its teacher, Miss Drew, who has had one of the prevailing hard colds, are now resumed, as Miss
Drew is well again.
“The dancing class is now well organized and Miss Elsie Farwell is proving a good instructor.
There are about forty pupils, including the older and younger ones, who meet Friday afternoons,
as well as visitors.
“Miss Weir, the new public health nurse, commences her work April first. She has been
fortunate in securing board with Mr. and Mrs. Perley E. Wright [56 Main St.], where her
headquarters will be.
“Conductor Sullivan on the branch line electric has been on the sick list, and Edwin Roby has
been acting as conductor, with Alfred Tuttle as motorman.
“Miss Edna Day and her group of Camp Fire Girls enjoyed a hike to Cold Spring woods on
Wednesday.
“George H. Cadman has returned from his trip to England.
“Song Recital. Albert E. Prescott will give a song recital in the Congregational church on
Tuesday evening, April 10, at eight o’clock. Mr. Prescott has been closely identified with the
work of the American Fund for French Wounded since very early in its history, commencing
soon after the invasion of French territory by the Germans. The work for the refugees and for
rebuilding of dismantled towns is still in progress.
“This work has been so greatly appreciated that it is to be commemorated by a hospital for
children, to be erected at Rheims, not far from the grand old cathedral, so ruthlessly destroyed by
the Germans. The French have given the site for this hospital and the various branches of the
French Relief organizations all over our country are uniting to raise funds for erection, equipment
and maintenance. Mr. Prescott will give further particulars on this subject and will also speak of
the work of the Westford branch.
“It is hoped that many friends will attend the recital and also consider it a privilege to give
generously toward the fund we are trying to raise, especially as this is the last call for an
expression of loyalty from the Westford branch.
“About Town. And now the frogs sing spring has come. All it takes now is the snakes and
some mosquito solo and chorus.
“Brookside mills shut down last week Friday for one week. With the part time business deal
there ought to be more peace gardens than war gardens last year. The clock is legislated one hour
ahead Sunday evening. The sun refuses to be pushed and most farmers side with the sun.
“Graniteville. The mills of the Abbot Worsted Co., that have been running four days per
week, commenced on a five-day per week schedule this week.
“Forge Village. The cellar is being dug for a six-tenement block [13-21 Chestnut St.] in the
rear of St. Andrew’s mission [25 Pleasant St.].
“A drive for cast-off clothing commenced this week for the Red Cross. Send your
contributions to Mrs. William Baker.
“Plans are under way to start a brass band among the residents of this village and Graniteville, to be known as the Abbot Worsted band.
“Ayer
“Camp Notes. A decision of the war department to proceed with the purchase of sites of
fifteen army camps and thirteen balloon and flying fields over the country was announced last
Saturday by Acting Secretary Crowell. Less than $15,000,000 will be involved, Mr. Crowell
said, and it will not be necessary to await action by congress, as the department now has the
necessary funds. In the list of cantonments to be purchased by the government is Camp Devens.”