Mr. D. H. Woodward of West Auburn can tell a big squash story. Last spring a Hubbard squash seed dropped by accident by the side of his barn and grew rankly. Today six squashes have been taken from that vine and their aggregate weight is 109½ pounds. The largest one weighs 23 pounds and the smallest 15 pounds. His next door neighbor, J.A. Burdick, has raised two squashes weighing 31 and 40 pounds, respectively. It will be remembered that these vegetables were not doctored, but like the famous Topsy, just grew.

• Who says that Mrs. May Thorpe of Walnut Street, Auburn, is not a scientific gardener? At this time she can show at least one large and ripe strawberry on her vines. This is about the rarest sight that we have yet seen.

50 years ago, 1958

Lewiston Mayor Romeo T. Boisvert last night proposed the Board of Aldermen study the possibility of installing a “skywalk” across Main Street at Union Square to alleviate the traffic problem there.

Boisvert exhibited a photo of the walk constructed by a particular firm, and said it was something the board should study. “It costs $15,000 and one pedestrian fatality is worth more than that,” he added.

The aldermen agreed that something is needed, and Alderman Paul A. Couture said he made an effort some years ago for an underground tunnel along with public restroom facilities. “Taking the people off the street would solve some of the traffic problems.”

Boisvert said the aldermen should make a study of this and turn it over to the Planning Board for incorporation in their overall long-range plans.

25 years ago, 1983

BRYANT POND – This western Maine village loses its biggest claim to fame Tuesday, its crank telephone system is being replaced by direct-dial.

The changeover is scheduled for 2 p.m., when F. Robert Jamison, manager of Oxford County Telephone and Telegraph Co., will flip a switch shutting down the antiquated manual switchboard in Elden Hathaway’s livingroom.

The same throw of the switch will put Bryant Pond residents in direct contact with other phone subscribers worldwide, eliminating the need for an operator to put calls through.