75 years ago

At the meeting of the Chesterville Grange on Saturday evening, John Winston Hoyt of Farmington, Franklin County Agent, gave a very interesting and instructive talk to the farmers on pasture improvement. A general discussion followed and much interest was shown.

There was an attendance of 28. All officers were present with the exception of Flora. It was voted to have a pie supper and social on April 20 for the benefit of the Grange, the committee being Mrs. Louis Wright, Mr. and Mrs. Carroll Fuller.

Seventy fathers and sons enjoyed the banquet at the Congregational Church, Wilton, on Monday evening. Willard S. Bass was toastmaster and introduced the speakers. The Toast to the Sons was given by Henry Douglass and to the Fathers by George Stevens.

Alfonso Ibarguen of this town was the guest speaker at the meeting of the Literary Club held at V.I.S. Hall on Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Ibarguen held the interested attention of the group in an informative talk on his native country, Guatemala. Among the subjects to which he referred was the Easter celebration of the native Indians of Guatemala, telling of the shocking religious rite among them in so-called Christian Festival.

Examinations for admission to Maine Normal Schools for the opening of the coming school year will be held at examination centers, throughout the State, of which Farmington is one, on Saturday, May 4 at 9 a.m. These examinations will be open only to those who have filed applications.

The new selective admission plan for entrance to Normal School, which has recently been put into effect by the trustees, requires that all students desirous of entering Normal School shall file preliminary application for admission with the principal of the school they desire to attend on or before May 1.

B.D. Moore, of Farmington, was advertising a Frigidaire “Farm 8” refrigerator for $169.50. Magoni’s, on Broadway in Farmington, heralded spring with an April special. They advertised a pint of dairy pack fresh strawberry ice cream for 25 cents and a fresh strawberry sundae with whipped cream and nuts for 15 cents.

50 years ago

A Dartmouth College junior from Farmington was recently inducted into Dragon, one of three senior honor societies on the campus in Hanover, NH. He is Neale E. Sweet, son of Mr. and Mrs. John A. Sweet III of Anson Street.

Lee R. Gray and Oland R. Trask, automobile salesmen of Horn Motors, Main St., Farmington, were presented Ford Motor Company’s 300-500 Club award at a banquet at the Sheraton Boston Hotel, Boston, Mass., April 21, honoring high-ranking car and truck salesmen of 1964 in the Boston sales district of the Ford Division.

Ains C. Dencker, Boston district sales manager, said 300-500 Club membership awards are presented for excellent retail sales performance. The Ford 300-500 Club was founded in 1950 to recognize the performance of outstanding Ford salesmen throughout the country.

William B. Mills, a Farmington native, has been named to the presidency of the Florida National Bank, according to an announcement this month by Ray M. Gidney, chairman of the bank’s board of directors.

Attny. Mills received his appointment April 3, the day of his 58th birthday. He will take over his new duties as president of Jacksonville’s and one of Florida’s largest banks on April 30.

The getaway car used in the $63,000 robbery at the Wilton branch of the Depositors Trust Company, Thursday, was discovered Saturday afternoon about 2:30 by a Wilton resident on a logging road in the Macomber Hill area in Wilton. It was reported no clues were found in or on the car, a 1961 black sedan, which had been stolen from the Forster Mfg. Company parking lot in Wilton shortly before the daring daylight robbery.

Mrs. Elwin Howard, Rumford, district president of District Five, Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs, made an official visit Tuesday with the West Farmington Literary Club at the home of Mrs. Fabyan P. Turner, Pleasant St., Farmington.

Mrs. Howard urged the club to send one or more delegates to state meetings, “for this is where you become enthused for the work of the federation” and have the opportunity of mingling with other club women.

The club official stated that she is a native of Salem and is greatly interested in this area. She exhibited her interest in the local club by donating her expense money for the day to the club. Mrs. Howard extended greetings from the State Federation president and expressed appreciation for the corsage presented her.

25 years ago

The Academy Hill Middle School wrestling team concluded the 1990 season with a fine performance at the Sandy-Andy League Championships. Although no team scores were kept, many individuals turned in excellent efforts.

Capturing 4th place in their weight class were Dave Jepson and Danny Fonseca. Albert Smith and Mike Hiscock both finished third in their divisions.

In the heavyweight division, Rusty Learned took 2nd place. Also finishing 2nd was previously undefeated Brian Fidiam, who was beaten by teammate John Black.

Marc Bowering, Wilton Police Officer, has graduated from Maine Criminal Justice Academy. He has been employed by the Wilton Police Department for a year and a half. He is a graduate of Mt. Blue High School in the class of 1983 and a native of Farmington.

Melissa J. Franson, daughter of J. Karl and Jeanine Franson of Farmington, has accepted an assignment to serve 18 months as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Her mission, headquartered at Rome, Italy, is one of 24 missions of the church world-wide and one of four in this Mediterranean country.

The Narrow Gauge Snowmobile Club of Strong met Saturday night at the American Legion Hall with 46 present. The club sponsored a land owners supper, which is an annual event. Malcolm Burdin served his famous roast beef supper, assisted by members. Maxine Voter decorated the table with arrangements.

Oficers for 1990-91 elected were Pres., Wendell Voter; vice president Clarence Mitchell; secretary, Methyl Hutchins; treasurer Jean Baston; trail masters, Mahlon Voter, and Leonard Hutchins; M.S.A. representative, Malcolm Burdin; alternate Clarence Mitchell. Elected to the Board of Directors were Mildred Burdin, Clarence and Lorraine Mitchell, and Vernon Voter.

Compiled by Barry Matulaitis