75 years ago

Former teachers, pupils and friends to the number of 134 gathered at the White Schoolhouse, North Wilton, on Saturday for the annual School reunion, this one marking the 50th milestone of the organization. At noon, a delectable baked bean and salad dinner was served by Mdms. Martha Frost, Grace Adams, and Abbie Searles and their helpers. So large was the attendance that it was necessary to set up the tables three times. Much credit is due the committees for their work, for, since there is no kitchen in the building, it is no easy task to serve a dinner to so many people.

William E. Love of Farmington has been appointed County Chairman of the Civic Committee aiding the regular army recruiting campaign, because of the absence of Captain Lew M. Noble on active duty in training camp. Dr. Cecil F. Thompson has been appointed local chairman for Phillips.

Several members of the Phillips Pilgrim Fellowship made a delightful hike up Mt. Blue, Friday afternoon. going from the well side, it did not take very long to mount up the mile and three-fifths to the tower, where Mr. Noyes, the Fire Warden, could point out many interesting places, including Phillips, the Rangeley Lakes, Wilton, Mt. Washington, and the Presidential Range of the White Mountains. One member had the opportunity to talk with some Phillips friends from the tower.

‘Twas “Smith Night” at Mystic Valley Grange, East Dixfield, on Friday, when at a special meeting of that order the Smiths filled all offices, provided the greater part of the program, and served refreshments. Offices were filled as follows: Master, Erlon Smith; Overseer, Harold Smith; Chaplain, Ella Smith; Steward, Hollis Smith; Assistant Steward, Robert Smith; Lady Assistant Steward, Sara M. Smith; Treasurer, Warren Smith; Secretary, Josephine Smith; Gatekeeper, Charles Smith; Ceres, Sadie A. Smith; Pomona, Florence Smith Coolidige; Flora, Myrtle Smith.

At the annual meeting of the Carrabassett Fish and Game Association held recently at the vestry of the Grace Universalist Church, Kingfield, there was a very good attendance. A supper was served at 6:30, after which the regular business meeting was conducted and the following officers elected: President, Clinton Abbott; Vice President, Spooner Davis; Secretary, Clair Durrell; Treasurer, E. Linne Strickland.

50 years ago

A Brownie Fly-Up Ceremony and Court of Awards for Junior Girl Scouts was held Wednesday afternoon, June 23 at the Community House in Phillips. The affair was in charge of leaders Mrs. Beverly Toothaker and Mrs. Joanne Richard. The Brownies received wings and Girl Scout pins after passing over an artistic rustic bridge, made for the ceremony by Malcolm Toothaker. Each Scout repeated a Girl Scout law and the group gave the Promise in unison.

Lightning did several hundred dollars worth of damage at the Dan Webb home on the East Wilton Road, during a severe electrical storm, June 19. Mr. and Mrs. Webb and their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Shorey and family, who live upstairs were at their cottage in Weld at the time, and were unaware of the damage until they returned home Saturday morning.

A pro-member tourney was held at Wilson Lake Country Club with low net of 63 going to John Boyd, Nick Craig, Sam Bond, and George Chapman. Second net, 64, went to Pete Hatfield, Pud Carlton, Wil Morin, and Dick Austin. Pro sweeps were also won by John Boyd with a 71. Second were Royce Abbott and Charles Lasher, each with a 74.

Sally Bailey, talented mezzo-contralto, will open the Farmington State summer session lecture-concert series on Wednesday, July 7, in Thomas Hall at 7:30 p.m. She will sing a program based upon the compositions of Handel, Purcell, Brahms, Bizet, and Debussey, together with groupings of lighter pieces by established composers. The Farmington community is invited to share this opening program with the College as its guests.

25 years ago

The streets of Downtown Farmington were lined with spectators for the annual fourth of July Parade to celebrate the independence of America. The day was warm, in the 80’s, but the sun didn’t shine until the fire trucks brought the parade to a close on Intervale Road.

The selected parade marshal was Robetross, judged first place in the horse class. The high stepping Robetross drew a two seated buggy. Passengers were Nicole and Tiffany Ernest of Temple. Second place horse in the parade was Ethan, ridden by Kriya Davis of Farmington.

Ivan “Kide” Spencer, Vice-President of Manufacturing for G.H. Bass and Company, a division of Philips Van Heusen, presented a check for $1,000 to Ron Stewart, Chairman of the Main Street ’90 Committee in Wilton. Mr. Spencer said he was very excited that Bass was able to contribute to the project and wished the project every success. Stewart and Wilton town manager Richard Davis, who was also the treasurer of Main Street ’90, expressed their appreciation and thanks.

Doug Osgood and the Farmington Falcons were up to their old tricks again this week, pulling together a second consecutive no-hit, 13-0 win, upping the team record to 6-0. This time, the victim was inter-city Babe Ruth rival, Elks, but once again the game only lasted 5 innings, as the Falcons outclassed their opposition in the Hippach Field contest.

The Bean’s Corner Baptist Church held its annual Bible School June 18-22. The theme was Island in the Sun, a Gospel Light production. There was an average attendance of 123 and an enrollment of 129. The closing program was held June 22, when the songs and parts of the lessons were presented. Also, many crafts were on display. Refreshments were served at the close of the program.

The directors were Sharon Farrington, Patricia Verrill and Nancy Brooks. Teachers and helpers included Eleanor Snell, Marilyn Turner, Susan Gooch, Charleen Decker, Nancy Blidburg, Marjorie Russo, Maureen Clair, Joy Turner, Pam Wasco, Fran Beaulieu, Ann Barrett, Judy Hayden, Dianne Robinson, Cynthia Galen, Melanie Pratt, Teri Ross, Joanne DiDonna, and Leslie Richards. Junior helpers were Heidi Girardin, Sarah Pratt, Rachel Verrill, Arthur DiDonna, and Chris Decker. Those participating in the daily skit were Melissa Jones, Matt Trundy, and Teona Beaulieu.

Compiled by Barry Matulaitis