Turner's Public Spirit, May 1, 1920
A look back in time to a century ago
By Bob Oliphant
“Center. George F. White, the Reo automobile dealer, is away this week on a trip to Lansing,
Mich., with a group of drivers to bring back over the road a number of machines. Accompanying
him on the trip is Mrs. White and Mrs. Alice M. Wells, the latter to drive back one of the cars
with Mrs. White as companion. There is one other out-of-town lady in the group who drives back
her own new car just purchased. Mr. White is driving a truck. The party started from Boston last
Sunday afternoon, expecting to return this Saturday. We understand there are two machines to be
brought over the road.
“A real estate transfer reported this week is the sale of the house and land next [to] the town
house by Miss Daisy G. Colburn to Timothy Sullivan.
“Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Hildreth arrived in town on Wednesday and will live in the log cabin
on Prospect hill, and Mr. Hildreth will take up his garage work.
“The Misses Flanders have returned to their home on Boston road after a pleasant stay in
Washington, D.C.
“Social. The April social at the Congregational church took place last week Thursday
evening. A supper consisting of salads, cold meat, fancy pies, rolls, coffee and relishes was
enjoyed from seven to eight o’clock, and the program consisted of two interesting talks, one by
Rev. Dr. Gutterson, of Boston, who spoke on the inter-church movement, and the other by Rev.
George A. Spalding, of Lowell, who gave some of his overseas experiences and impressions in
Y.M.C.A. work during the war…. Mrs. Perley E. Wright read a number of pleasing selections
and Mrs. Alice Leith Spalding, of Lowell, was the soloist of the evening. Mrs. Harry M. Gumb
was the chairman of the evening, assisted by Mrs. George Walker, Misses Mary and Winnifred
Green, Mrs. A. H. Sutherland and Mrs. George Lawrence.
“About Town. The Abbot Worsted Company have the batters up for several cottages at
Brookside, to be located on Brookside street near where the other cottages are built.
“At Marshall’s hall [about 45 Nabnasset St.], Westford corner, was held the first of a series of
Saturday night dances last Saturday. It was a success in attendance and all the environments of
the usually properly conducted dance. A jitney bus left for North Chelmsford and Lowell after
the dance.
“Brookside is to organize a baseball team this season. The Abbot Worsted Company are
laying plans for laying out a ball field on the old muster field on Bussey Farm.
“The primary on Tuesday called out only a small fraction of the more than 400 voters.
“We hear all sorts of progressive things about Brookside—postoffice, new station, new
schoolhouse and hopefulness of noon train. This, with water supply and all the improvements
commenced, and Brookside will be candidating for mayor.
“Forge Village. The Abbot Worsted soccer team played the strong Andover eleven at Abbot
park, Saturday. The game ended in a tie, the score being two to two.
“A large crowd was present Tuesday night in Abbot hall at the moving pictures. [The 1919
silent movie] ‘Chasing rainbows’ was presented with Gladys Brockwell in the leading role.
“Graniteville. Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Carpentier celebrated their twenty-fifth wedding
anniversary at their home last Saturday evening in an informal manner. During the evening
neighbors and friends dropped in to congratulate them and the time was spent pleasantly.
Relatives from Lowell were also present. A short and pleasing entertainment was given and all
joined in singing the old songs. Refreshments were served and the whole affair proved to be very
enjoyable.
“The Ladies’ Aid society of the M.E. Church held a very successful supper and entertainment
in the church vestry on Wednesday evening that was largely attended. Supper was served at six
o’clock and the entertainment that commenced at 7:45 consisted of selections by the Glee club of
West Chelmsford; readings by Miss Helen Casey, of Lowell; songs in costume by two little girls,
assisted by local talent. Many were present from out of town.
“The young ladies’ baseball club were out for practice on Monday and Wednesday afternoons
and got in some good work. The young women are soon to be equipped with new uniforms and
then will be prepared to meet clubs from out of town.
“The cool weather still continues, which delays the early spring work to a great extent.
“Westford post, A.L., are now rehearsing faithfully for their comedy-drama that will be
presented in Abbot hall, Forge Village, and the town hall, Westford, about the middle of May.”
Actress Gladys Brockwell photo c. 1920 by Fred Hartsook (1876-1930) – We Had Faces Then,
Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/.