• City Hall was thronged with people last evening, it being the occasion of the reception to the visiting patrons of husbandry. It is estimated that between 2,500 and 3,000 people were present to listen to the program and enjoy the dancing. All day yesterday the incoming trains were loaded with patrons of husbandry coming to attend the 34th annual session of the Maine State Grange.

• One of the most wonderful features in connection with football in the United States is its astonishing growth in popularity. Within the last five weeks seven games have been played between important elevons at which the attendance reached the astonishing total of 195,000 spactators.

50 years ago, 1957

• Comedian Bob Hope took off for the Far East today to entertain American troops during the Christmas holidays. In his troupe were actress Jayne Mansfield, Jerry Colonna, singer Erin O’Brien and Les Brown and his orchestra. Hope’s unit was one of five groups participating in the USO-sponsored “Operation Santa Claus.” Hope will give performances in Hawaii, Okinawa, Korea and Japan. His first stop will be at Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. This will be his fourth consecutive GI Christmas.

NEW YORK – A conference of northeastern states today favored observing Labor Day on the second Monday in September instead of the first. This would prolong summer vacations and be good for the resort business.

25 years ago, 1982

CONCORD, N.H. – A federal judge on Thursday refused to temporarily ban a nativity scene from downtown Nashua until he decides if the constitutional separation of church and state has been violated.

• Geiger Bros., one of Lewiston’s leading “corporate citizens” and home of the Farmer’s Almanac, has announced plans for a $1.5-million expansion of its Mt. Hope Avenue manufacturing and office facilities. This will be the third expansion of Geiger Bros. since the firm, which was founded in 1878, moved to Lewiston from New Jersey in 1954.