100 years ago, 1907

The knowledge that a full-grown and vicious rattlesnake remained much of the time in her coal bin and was likely to attack her at any moment did not frighten Mrs. Charles Atkins, Minot Avenue, Auburn, who has had the unwelcome visitor about her home for several weeks. Instead of getting scared and putting everybody in the neighborhood in an uneasy frame of mind, Mrs. Atkins said nothing but watched her chance.

Arming herself with a three-tined pitchfork, she went after the coal as usual. One day this week the snake, coiled and ready to spring, was seen within reach and with a quick plunge of her weapon she pinioned it to the floor. After the reptile had made a vain struggle to release itself, she carried it to the furnace and cremated it.

50 years ago, 1957

WASHINGTON – The Army cut sharply today the length of time reservists are required to continue military training and hold themselves ready for immediate calls to active duty.

The changes will take effect Monday for all categories of the reserves, including National Guardsmen.

After Monday, youths under draft age who volunteer to take six months training will be obligated to serve only three years in the ready reserve, instead of the 7½ years stipulated in a 1955 law.

25 years ago, 1982

• Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn won Oscars for their co-starring roles as husband and wife in “On Golden Pond” at the 54th Academy Awards Monday night, and “Chariots of Fire” was named Best Picture.

• Snow-capped Mount Washington looks so serene from the Twin Cities, and even from much closer, it is hard to conceive that it can be a deadly killer. Last weekend, the great mountain claimed another victim, its 100th since 1849.

BATH – New England Telephone marks the end of an era today with the closing of its operator “cord-board” at Bath, the last switchboard in regular use in the company’s five-state territory.