• After expending more than $80,000 on the old wooden dry dock at the Kittery navy yard, the navy department has ordered it condemned, and it will be sold to the highest bidder. The dock was built on Pierce Island in 1850, at a cost of $300,000. The first ship to enter the dock was the U.S.S. Franklin; the largest was the auxiliary cruiser Resolute; and the last was the Spanish cruiser Reina Mercedes, captured at Santiago and made a receiving ship at the Kittery yard.

• Mrs. L. M. Hunt, formerly with The Great Department Store, and Mrs. A. J. Way of Lewiston will open at 27 Lisbon St., a ladies furnishing store under the name of Lunt & Way.

50 years ago, 1957

The first day of the annual Winter Dollar Days went over with a big bang as Twin City shoppers crowded more than 60 markets and retail stores in ideal shopping weather. William P. Tewhey, Lewiston Chamber of Commerce executive vice president, said crowds were above average for a first day, and merchants “are looking for even bigger crowds.” He reminded Lewiston and Auburn bargain-seekers that there are still a lot of good buys and that most stores will be open until 8:45 o’clock in the evening.

25 years ago, 1982

• The Timberland Footwear Co. has laid off several hundred employees over a period of two years and is closing its Lewiston plant. The company, which opened its doors four years ago, employed more than 200 people at the height of the operation.

ST. JOHN’S, NEWFOUNDLAND – A raging North Atlantic storm toppled the giant Ocean Ranger oil rig, and officials said they feared all 84 workers aboard had perished.

SOUTH PARIS – Paris Manufacturing Corp. is experiencing an increasing demand for its products. To further supplement its already successful winter product line, Paris has developed additional polyethylene sled models with steering and braking controls.