The first active step in the construction of the new Portland, Gray and Lewiston railroad was taken Thursday noon when the papers were filed with city clerk Cummings asking for a hearing for a suitable right of way across the city property. There will be only one place in Portland where such right of way will be needed as the rest of the road will be on private ground. It is authoritatively announced that the construction of this road will be begun the coming spring.

50 years ago, 1959

A Lewiston man drove his car to the Auburn office of his physician yesterday afternoon after suffering a heart disease attack.

It was said the attack, reportedly not a mild one, was suffered at the patient’s Switzerland Road home. He then got into his car and drove to the Goff St. office of his physician.

When the doctor realized what the cause was, he summoned an oxygen equipped Allied Medical Services ambulance which transported the patient to the Veterans Administration Hospital at Togus.

25 years ago, 1984

Dr. Fred Lidstone of Auburn, an obstetrician-gynecologist, will retire on Jan. 21, and pediatric nurses from Central Maine Medical Center in Lewiston surprised him with a banquet Wednesday evening.

Lidstone, who has delivered more that 7,500 babies in the area, joined CMMC’s medical staff in April, 1956, and has maintained a practice, in partnership with Dr. John James, at 117 Goff St., Auburn, since that time.

He lives in West Auburn with his wife, Priscilla, and they have four sons and a daughter. The couple plans to travel following his retirement.

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