100 years ago, 1914
Plans for a Maine checker association have been formulated by D.E. Hayes of Rumford, the well known checker player. The Rumford Mechanics’ Institution extends to the Maine checker players a cordial invitation to meet in its building, at their convenience, this winter, giving them opportunity to form the association, and also the privilege of holding the first annual tournament for the State championship in this fine institution. Mr. Hayes has been assured of an appropriate cup, to be played for annually, any three-time winner to become permanent owner; also a gold medal for the winner of the tournament, silver medal for the “runner-up,” bronze medals to those who win in the preliminary rounds.

50 years ago, 1964
Maine’s annual three-day Agricultural Trades Show at the Lewiston State Armory begins here next Tuesday, including for the first time programs sponsored by seven cooperating farm organizations. In addition an entertainment program on the armory stage at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday will include selection of the 1964 Maine Apple Queen and “Dairy Revue” sponsored by the Maine Milk Program Committee.

25 years ago, 1989
Police in the Twin Cities will soon join local railroad police in enforcing a law that prohibits people from walking on tracks or trestles, according to a railroad police detective. Henry Grenier said he has received a number of complaints from train engineers, who say they have had many near misses on the trestle connecting Lewiston and Auburn, and have had to use the brakes in order to give people time to get across. The trestle is in a “track speed” zone, Grenier said, adding that trains would typically cross the bridge at about 30 or 40 miles per hour. At that speed it takes a train “quite a distance” to stop. “It’s at least the length of the trestle,” he said, “and that’s with a light load.”

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