Bob Oliphant
Saturday, June 11, 1921
“About Town. Harold W. Hildreth started farming early this year and as a result enjoyed green peas for dinner on Sunday, June 5.
“Dorothy Lucy Jordan died at the Lowell General hospital on last Sunday as a result of an operation for appendicitis, at the age of 20 years. The funeral services were held at the Edson Memorial chapel on Tuesday. Dorothy graduated from the English-business courses at Westford academy in 1917, receiving second honors and a prize in the declamation contest….
“Children’s Day. On Wednesday the board of health held an all-day meeting at Abbot’s hall, Forge Village. In the morning about fifty children of pre-school age were weighed and measured. Dr. Mary Putnam of the Child Welfare Bureau, Boston, was present and ready with helpful suggestions to mothers for the care of their children.
The asking price for the property will cover over 65% of cost of the new fire training facility to replace the one housed at the site, according to the task force.
The property, built in 1837, once served as a home for indigent residents, expected in return to help with farm work.
The poor farm closed in 1959 has served as town office space.
In 2008, the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
A long-term project
Ellen Harde, of the 35 Town Farm Road Task Force, detailed the work her organization has done to prepare the property for reuse.
Select Board Member Scott Hazelton said, “I think we are all familiar with CHOICE,” noting the organization s creation of veterans housing near the Carisle, Acton and Westford town lines. They’ve proven they can deliver these projects with the quality that we expect… In my opinion we’ve got a solid plan with a solid partner.”