• Dick, the famous white horse of the Portland Fire Department is dead. He was worn out in the service of the city and was very old. He was the horse used and driven for many years by the chief, and when he was no longer able to make quick time to a fire, he was placed on the retired list and was given the tenderest treatment.

• While the Board of Health reports only five cases of diphtheria in Lewiston at the present time, there are several other cases under observation, and some alarm is felt. One or two well-developed cases appeared among the Bates students yesterday, and as many more students are ill and under observation pending developments of their illness.

50 years ago, 1957

• American housewives apparently will be able to buy $1-a-pound coffee for a few months, at least. A survey of trade sources here indicates prices are not likely to go up in that time. On the other hand, the welcome decline from prices around $1.15 at retail, which went into effect in August 1956, is not likely to go down any further.

• Secretary of Defense McElroy said today that he is “extremely hopeful” the United States will meet on schedule a commitment to start delivering 1,500-mile range missiles to Britain by 1959.

25 years ago, 1982

• The Federal Reserve Board said Friday it is lowering its own lending rate to banks from 9.5 percent to 9 percent, the lowest in four years. The move could prompt new declines in commercial interest rates.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – Kevin Rocke may be 30 years old, but he’ll need his wife’s permission to ride a motorcycle for the next year. And that’s a judge’s order. Judge Benjamin Apkin imposed the one-year punishment and a $150 fine Thursday against Rocke, an East Otis resident. Rocke was charged Aug. 31 by Great Barrington police with driving to endanger, speeding and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection sticker.