The growth of the telephone in Lewiston and Auburn during the past twenty-five years has been far beyond the anticipations of the early promoters.

Twenty-five years ago there were only sixty-two subscribers in Lewiston and Auburn, while today the New England telephone company alone has twenty-six hundred subscribers in these two cities.

In those early days, when the telephone was in its infancy, only the large business houses, railroad stations and most important public offices had telephones.

One quarter of a century ago there were just seven residence telephones in these two cities, since that time the number has increased more than two hundred fold.

50 Years Ago, 1955

A new electric typewriter to be used by clerks in the office of Androscoggin County Clerk of Courts Patrick F. Malia was installed.

The IBM machine cost $395, according to the bids submitted recently. The contract for the machines was awarded by the county commissioners. Malia said one machine is being installed this year and he plans installation of a second such machine next year.

25 Years Ago, 1980

Open season on deer all over the state is at an end. The season closed a week ago in the western areas of the state, where the size of the deer herd did not warrant a longer season. Hunter success has exceeded last year by far. A week ago today, the deer kill had reached 29,618, compared with 26,821 in the entire season in 1979. Before legal shooting ends at sunset, an overall kill of 34,000 to 35,000 is expected. A kill of 40,000 could result.

Some health officials call it “The Turkey’s Revenge.” Anyone who has ever arisen the Friday after Thanksgiving and felt a little out of sorts may understand the nickname. But what might appear to be a virus brought on by Thanksgiving feasting or outdoor activity may actually be food poisoning, says a Kansas State University Extension Service food specialist.