West Auburn – A destructive fire occurred about a mile from this village on the Perkins Ridge Road, Saturday night when the entire set of buildings owned and occupied by John Wallingford were burned to the ground. All of the live stock in the barn perished and Mr. Wallingford and his family barely escaped with their lives. The fire was first discovered about 11 o’clock Saturday night, and at this time flames were bursting from all sides of the barn. There was a stiff wind blowing at the time, and held the fire back from the house, and therefore the family had time to escape, but not many minutes to spare.

50 Years Ago, 1956

The Agriculture Dept. announced today that Spain has agreed to buy $64,800,000 worth of surplus farm products under provisions of the Agriculture Trade Development Act. Under this act, Spain will pay for the commodities with its own currency, which in turn will be used to finance U.S. Government operations in that country. Commodities to be bought include $1,400,000 worth of potatoes.

25 Years Ago, 1981

When the survival of a large industry is in question, it is a matter of extreme importance to any community and its people. That is why we express special concern for the Hillcrest Foods Inc. of Lewiston, which is beset by financial difficulties.

Hillcrest has had to cut back employment. It now employs 450 people to process 75,000 chickens a day. Two years ago, it employed 780 people and processed 100,000 chickens a day. Other cutbacks have streamlined the whole operation.