That an investigation will probably be made of the fire in the Morin block on Lisbon Street last evening is the opinion of Chief Engineer Moriarty. The fire was in the dry goods store of Rozek and Bshara, Assyrian merchants, 343 Lisbon St. It appeared to start quickly and with a sufficient explosion to force the flames nearly up to the third story windows. The flames could be plainly seen up Lisbon Street as far as Ash Street. The loss is estimated at about $15,000 with sufficient insurance to cover the loss.

50 years ago, 1959

A four-man pistol team representing the Auburn Police Department will “shoot it out” with members of the Mechanic Falls Police Department later this month.

Auburn Patrolman Frank Keene said yesterday his department has accepted the pistol match challenge issued by the Mechanic Falls department and the contest will be held at the firing range at Hasty Memorial Armory at Pettingill Park on March 30.

Keene said the four-man team will be picked later this month on the basis of the firing classes now being conducted by the police department.

25 years ago, 1984

AUGUSTA – While universal telephone service for Maine citizens may be a desirable goal, the question of who would pay for poor people’s telephones was the subject of debate at a legislative committee hearing Thursday.

With the exception of a letter from a South Portland woman who asked, “Whatever happened to, if you can’t afford something, you do without?” no opposition was voiced to the bill to declare telephone service the right of every Maine citizen.

However, members of the Public Utilities Committee did hear differing views on whether a telephone-subsidy program should be funded through the General Fund, or by a special surcharge on other telephone users.

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