It may not be generally known that Portland can boast of one of the oldest lighthouses on the Atlantic coast. Portland Head Light situated at the entrance of Casco bay was erected in the year 1790 and sent forth its first light Jan. 10, 1791. As far as is known the first keeper was a Mr. Greenleaf who was appointed by George Washington. The light at that time consisted of 16 small lamps burning sperm oil, and could only be seen at a short distance. Today it has one of the latest lamps manufactured in Paris and sends a white steady light that can be seen 13 miles away.

50 Years Ago, 1956

Vice President Nixon blasted as “catastrophic nonsense” today Adlai Stevenson’s suggestion that hydrogen bomb tests be abandoned.

“This is one of the most extraordinary appalling statements in the history of American political campaigning,” Nixon said in a speech prepared for delivery here tonight.

The reference was to Stevenson’s speech yesterday of Teaneck, N.J., in which the Democratic presidential nominee challenged President Eisenhower to take the lead in a move to ban H-bomb tests and suggested that Russia is willing to go along.

25 Years Ago, 1981

The cost of mailing a first class letter will rise two cents, to 20 cents, Nov. 1, just in time to affect the traditional Christmas card season. The inevitable result will be a further trimming of family lists.

In the past 10 years, first class postage has increased 333 percent. This year alone, the new hike will mean that the rates have gone up 25 percent. Both sets of figures are far above the inflationary trend.

The rising cost of postage has led to an annual reduction in the volume of Christmas cards mailed. Families are keeping their lists at a minimum.

Meanwhile, purveyors of junk mail, which clogs the Postal Service and fills mailboxes, continue to enjoy cut rates for their mailing and privilege.