A vast fortune which has been estimated as amounting to $2,000,000 will soon be distributed among survivors of Mose Betourney, a rich Californian, who died in July. A part of this fortune, some estimate as much as $300,000, will go to two Lewiston persons, brother and sister, Philias Lorue of 1 Knox street and Mrs. Amanda Lajoie of 45 Spruce street, a nephew (and niece) of the deceased. The thought of receiving so much money rendered both unable to tell what they will do with the fortunes expected to fall to them.

50 Years Ago, 1956

The Maine Committee on Educational Television urged today that channels now reserved for educational use be retained for that purpose and not diverted to commercial TV.

Maine’s only educational channel is 12, which is assigned to the state university. It has not yet been used.

The committee held its first meeting today and made plans for a meeting Feb. 7 at Colby College with a citizens’ committee. This group has been working on educational TV for the past year. Dow said, and has some ideas and information on how to promote it.

Dow (State Sen. Wilmot Dow (R-Waldoboro), the chairman) said his committee feels one of the greatest benefits would be in adult education, “bringing art and music into areas where they don’t have it now.”

25 Years Ago, 1981

The nation’s capital was dressed up and primed Monday to celebrate two history-making events: the end of the hostage drama and the beginning of Ronald Reagan’s term as president of the United States.

For the 39th President, Jimmy Carter, the heralded return of 52 countrymen brought suspense, excitement and some uplift to his last hours in office.

For Reagan, the incoming 40th president, the dramatic conclusion to the 14-month national humiliation meant a secondary role at at time when the spotlight should be his. He didn’t seem to mind.