Four lives were lost, three persons seriously injured and about $15,000 worth of property destroyed in the terrible freight wreck which occurred on the M. C. R. R. line at a point about one and one half miles east of Monmouth Center. Two heavy freights were running fast and came together head-on with an awful crash, telescoping the engines and piling the cars in a mass of ruins many feet high. The trains met at a curve and so sudden was the collision that the train-men had little or no time to escape with their lives.

50 Years Ago, 1956

The town of Paris has gone “wet” for sale of bottled beer and ale. A liquor referendum vote which apparently had kept the town in the “dry” column by 662 in favor of such sales to 664 against was reversed in a recount.

Canada has told the United States flatly that it is going ahead with St. Lawrence Seaway works in a way that will facilitate an eventual all-Canadian seaway. The U.S. claims this would be a breach of an international agreement.

The solemn closing ceremonies of the games of the 16th Olympiad were held today under leaden skies before another capacity crowd of more than 100,000. Russia won not only on points but also led the United States in gold medals – 37 to 32.

25 Years Ago, 1981

A woman at Franklin Memorial Hospital is a possible diphtheria patient, it was reported at a news conference called by the hospital administration. She was reported in good condition. The hospital wouldn’t give the woman’s age or her home address though it is generally believed she is a Farmington resident.

In the gloomiest forecast yet, Reagan administration economists estimate the budget deficit could soar to a record $109 billion in 1982 and $162 billion by 1984, placing further strains on the president’s economic program.