100 Years Ago, 1904

At least 1500 people were in attendance at the concert and ball given in Lewiston City Hall last evening by the allied trade unions of this city, for the benefit of the Fall River textile workers. The committee of arrangements which was appointed some time ago, labored diligently to make the affair a social and financial success and judging from the large crowd, they succeeded admirably. The evening’s program opened with a fine concert by Gifford’s orchestra of eight pieces.

50 Years Ago, 1954

Leominster, Mass. – Mrs. Mesanne Wilkins’ horse “Tarzan” was pronounced in good physical condition today by an agent for the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the 63-year-old West Minot, Maine woman resumed her projected horseback ride to California. She left Townsend this morning after a weekend stay there and planned a stop at Worcester. SPCA Agent Harry King examined both the 9-year-old horse, and Mrs. Wilkins’ dog “Hurry Up.” He said both animals were healthy. Mrs. Wilkins began her trip Nov. 7. She will ride westward through Massachusetts and then south to Pennsylvania where she said she will receive help in mapping her course.

25 Years ago, 1979

Thanksgiving Day in 1979 – the 203rd celebration of a uniquely American holiday – was observed quietly in Maine beneath overcast skies and occasional rain showers Thursday. By afternoon, Maine State Police reported no traffic fatalities since the four-day holiday began at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Two highway deaths were reported only hours before that, however. Thanksgiving in Maine, by all accounts, was a day of private celebration; traditional turkey dinners, family reunions and football games, on television or in the rain. For hunters, it marked the first of the last three days of deer-hunting season. Gov. Joseph E. Brennan, in his holiday message, urged Mainers to take their minds off international crises and “to contemplate the good things we have.”