The average Maine fair is worth going to, from the smallest fair in the state and at each one there is something to be learned of the growth of the state’s industries. Fairs are publicly encouraged and if of sufficient magnitude are helped by the state. For it is the development of the agricultural and manufacturing industries that the fair touches more than anything else. When a great many people gather together with examples of the results of their year’s labor it is a liberal education for each thinking, progressive individual to look and listen and talk, gleaming here and there with new ideas, which he himself may, possibly further develop into an important innovation in his particular branch of the world’s work.

50 Years Ago, 1956

Lewiston-Auburn schools will literally bulge at the seams next week when some 13,914 youngsters report for classes, smashing all previous records.

The expected enrollment, as estimated by Twin City school officials, represents a hike of nearly 2,500 pupils in a four-year period and an increase of 621 from last year’s figure.

Lewiston parochial schools will handle about 4,677 pupils. Auburn is prepared to enroll more than 4,570 in public schools and 980 in church-operated schools. Lewiston anticipates a public school population of up to 3,687.

25 Years Ago, 1981

NEW YORK – Stock prices yielded to renewed selling Thursday as the market’s late-summer slide continued. Energy issues produced some of the day’s biggest losses amid evidence of downward pressure on world oil prices. The Dow Jones average of 30 industrials fell 10.18 to 889.08, its lowest close since it finished at 885.92 on July 10, 1980. In the past five trading days the average has dropped 39.29 points.

•Disagreeing with city staff and administrative recommendations, a majority of Lewiston city councilmen at a special meeting Thursday appeared ready to eliminate a section of fiberglass canopy, planned for downtown Lisbon Street, at the request of one business owner.