A Lewiston man met a Sun reporter last evening and during the conversation that followed, said: “Why is it that you American newspapers here in Lewiston don’t show more patriotism and hoop-er-up for the Fourth of July celebration. Why, my dear sir, we are going to have one of the greatest celebrations that Lewiston has ever had. I don’t mean by that a whole lot of money will be wasted in fire works and the like, but we are going to have a genuine, old fashioned firemens muster, with hand tubs and all the fun that goes with it. Brass bands, parades, etc.”

50 Years Ago, 1955

An estimated 14,000 persons turned out last night to view one of the most successful Armed Forces Day parades to be held in Lewiston-Auburn. Police reported that practically every foot of the parade route – from Mill Street, Auburn, to Lewiston’s city park – was jammed with spectators. And those that turned out were not disappointed as smart-dressed soldiers and Marines marched with West Point precision and bandsmen filled the chilly night air with stirring music. A good part of the onlookers consisted of small fry who wouldn’t have missed the show for anything. Many of the youngsters waved colorful balloons in their hands after convincing their parents no parade is worth watching without one.

25 Years Ago, 1980

A gray volcanic cloud spread hundreds of miles eastward from Mount St. Helens on Monday, stifling dozens of towns and cities in at least six states with fallout ranging from a “talcum powder” dusting to gritty ash ankle deep. The Governor of Montana declared an air pollution state of emergency and ordered all businesses and government operations shut down. The National Weather Service said the cloud could reach New England in two or three days, and other scientists speculated it could cause a slight cooling of the world’s temperature for a couple of years.