Not every one, even in Mechanic Falls itself, is aware of the fact that all the paper for the millions and millions of postage stamps used in the United States every month is manufactured by the Poland Paper Co. But it is so, and has been since the company began upon its contract, July 1, 1905, having underbidden other mills. The contract expires July 1, 1907.

Once a month and sometimes more often, a requisition is received for 1,000,000 sheets of the paper. Each sheet will make 361 stamps.

The sheets are 18½ by 20¾ inches and are of the best quality of paper turned out at the mill. It is made of spruce and soda pulp.

50 years ago, 1957

PARIS – Polish newspapers and magazines are giving their readers a far different picture of the United States than they used to. According to the new version, America is a land of prosperity and opportunity.

Readers are no longer told about racial discrimination, unemployment or “capitalist exploitation.” In the eyes of the “post-October” Polish press, the United States is a land of opportunity, efficiency and a high standard of living.

25 years ago, 1982

Jane P. Norris, who has been vice president and chief executive officer of Mechanics Savings Bank, became the first Maine woman elected to a bank presidency Monday night, being named at the bank’s 107th annual meeting.

Norris succeeds Carroll H. Whipple, who remains as chairman of the board.

She is only the fifth woman in the nation to be named to a presidency in the national savings bank industry. She also remains as the bank’s chief executive officer.

Norris joined the bank in 1960 as a teller, was promoted to assistant treasurer in 1956, became treasurer in 1971, and in 1979, was named executive vice president and chief executive officer.