The Western Union Telegraph Company has recently installed a messenger service system which is giving very satisfactory results. The system consists of an automatic call box in the office, business place and residences of patrons, which is connected with a recorder at the Western Union office. All that is necessary to call a messenger to be used for any sort of errands, is to pull down a lever. The corresponding number of the box is registered at the Western Union office. The Postal Telegraph company is arranging to install a similar messenger service in this city.

50 Years Ago, 1954

Secretary of State Harold I. Goss yesterday reminded Maine motorists that October is the month for automobile inspections. “The law requires all car owners to have their vehicles inspected at an official inspection station during the months of April and October.” stated Goss. He urged drivers to have their inspection completed early in the month to avoid the last minute rush which occurs the last few days of the month.

25 Years Ago, 1979

The Strong Historical Society has recieved information from Donald McKeen, Wilton, concerning the first cheese factory to be operated in Maine, now the residence of Mrs. Gelia Hutchins, Upper Main Street. According to McKeen, in April of 1871 a group of farmers from Strong and vicinity met in Strong to organize the Sandy River Cheese Company. It is believed the idea for a factory for the exclusive manufacture of cheese came from a meeting of the board of agriculture held in Farmington early in 1871 where one day was devoted to associated dairying, including factories for the manufacturing of cheese. This was a new idea in Maine, said McKeen, although it had been tried in other states as early as 1850.