Mrs. J.A. Pike of Auburn went a hunting the other morning with a double barreled broomstick. Her little daughter came in and informed her mother that there was some sort of an animal out in the field. Grabbing a broom she sallied forth and pursued the beast. Mrs. Pike was good on running, but so was the beast. Seeing that she couldn’t hope to catch up, she called to the little family dog, which rushed after and caught up with the animal. Then ensued a stand by the pursued prey and a hurried retreat by the dog, which gave Mrs. Pike time to arrive on the scene. The animal made a start at Mrs. Pike, but active work with the broomstick finished his campaign. The “beast” proved to be a huge muskrat. Mrs. Pike took possession of the prey. She declares her pursuing steps were from five to seven feet apart.

50 years ago, 1958

Lewiston-Auburn Chapter, American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities, will conduct a tag day in the Lewiston business district today.

Children from Jordan School will be out in force and the proceeds will be used for research in the battle against leukemia, according to G. Edward Maroon of 123 Montello St., president of the chapter. Co-chairmen of the drive are Mrs. Charles Banulis and Mrs. G. Edward Maroon.

25 years ago, 1983

If weather conditions remain cold and snow-making equipment continues operating at the same rate, Lost Valley ski area in Auburn may open Thursday.

Manager Fern Pontbriand said that two big snow-making guns and five single guns had been running since midnight Sunday. That snow-making capability, said Pontbriand, is greater than Lost Valley officials had ever hoped to attain.

The increased snow-making capability results from the ski area’s rental of two large compressors to increase compressed-air capability. One of the largest snow-making guns, said Pontbriand, is equivalent to about four of the smaller units.