Mill owners and fathers generally throughout New England were anxiously looking today for abundant rain to fill their depleted springs and waterways, particularly in the interior portions. After a wet July during which the hay crop was almost ruined in many places by moisture and absence of sunlight, crops have been suffering for the past four or five weeks for the lack of showers. Some of the mills have been seriously affected by the low streams and have experienced considerable inconvenience.

50 Years Ago, 1956

Could it be that Old Dobbin, the horse, and Maude, the mule, soon will be as rare as grandpa’s left-handed mustache cup down on the farm? It looks that way.

The Census Bureau reported today that the Dobbins and the Maudes definitely are on the decline – and fast.

25 Years Ago, 1981

The Supreme Judicial Court’s decision on timber cutting rights means Mainers will be assured of more recreational land for their use, a state lands official said Tuesday.

Bernard Schruender, director of the state Bureau of Public Lands, said the decision fulfills a nine-year goal of his office – to have total management control over 400,000 acres of unsold state lands.