Turner is often referred to as “the apple town,” for the reason that so many barrels of apples are yearly shipped from here. In an interview with Fred A. Ricker, the other day the Sun reporter learned some very interesting things about the industry which are sure to interest the readers of this paper. Mr. Ricker has been in the apple business, raising, buying and selling, for over 15 years, and with his cousin, Albion S. Ricker is referred to as one who “knows all about apples.” This year Mr. Ricker is shipping 400 barrels of apples from his own orchard alone and will buy for shipping between 15 and 20 thousand barrels in Turner and adjoining towns. Mr. Ricker’s orchard are from 700 to 800 trees mostly of the Baldwin variety, which is Mr. Ricker’s standard.

50 Years Ago, 1956

A great-grandfather looking for an added source of income has come up with an idea that may create something of a revolution in the Christmas tree business. Ernest Robbins, 68, a local barber, in Rangeley, with a dwindling clientele, has perfected a device for enclosing a tree in a transparent polyethylene bag that keeps it fresh for months, retains its aroma and eliminates the difficulty to the home owner of wrestling with a bulky, awkward object between the tree market and his home. As packaged by Robbins, a six-foot tree is not more than four inches in diameter, can even be toted home via subway. Remove the wrapping, press down the branches, and the tree resumes its natural shape. Robbins plans to sell his trees by direct mail and through dealers.

25 Years Ago, 1981

Egyptian President Anwar Sadat was mourned Tuesday across the United States and around the world, by leaders and common fold, by Arabs and Jews, as a man of courage, honor and peace. “America has lost a close friend, the world has lost a great statesman and mankind has lot a champion of peace,” President Reagan said in Washington. “In a world filled with hatred, he was man of hope.”