The New England Telephone and Telegraph Co., is planning to give a series of illustrated lectures in a short time to show the growth and development of the telephone. Arrangements have not been completed thus far, but it is the attention to produce them under the auspices of boards and trade, clubs, granges and other organizations. The entire system of the telephone will be explained and members of the audience will be invited to participate in the practical tests of out of town telephony.

50 Years Ago, 1956

New Orleans went mad under the Mardi Gras reign of Rex, the Lord of Misrule, who captured the city and turned its streets into a mammoth stage for his frenzied merrymakers. Uncounted thousands jammed streets in the heart of the city for parade after parade, impromptu acts by masked and costumed sidewalk revelers, and celebrating by almost everyone. The traditional end to the long carnival and to the day’s merrymaking always comes shortly before midnight, when the court of Rex visits the court of Comus and pays his respects. Both groups hold their grand balls in sections of the municipal auditorium. At midnight, the mad day ended as the Lenten season opens.

25 Years Ago, 1981

You may need to climb a few hills, dodge a few snow machines, break your own ski trails and perhaps not see a single bird, but Thorncrag Bird Sanctuary makes a satisfying winter excursion anyway. Thorncrag is 230 acres of woodland north of Montello Street in Lewiston. It belongs to the Stanton Bird Club, which was started in 1919 “committed to the study and preservation of wildlife.” The lasted publication of the club says it’s “open to the public all year (no motorized vehicles).” The entrance is clearly marked with a sign on Sabattus Street that directs visitors north on Highland Spring Road. Where Highland meets Montello a short stretch of unpaved road leads to a small parking area by the foundation of a spring house and bottling plant.