100 Years Ago: 1918

“Well, what do you all think about that,” exclaimed a man when his party came out of Howard’s Drug Store, South Paris, the other day after having a soda, and started for the big touring car with New York tags. “I guess Maine is up-to-date after all.” A clumsy, coughing, sputtering, noisy tractor, making its way up Main Street, dragging an equally ungainly road machine was the reason for these remarks. The party of New Yorkers watched the procession as it made its way along the thoroughfare. Others too watched the procession, not because South Paris isn’t used to the sight, but because it is always interesting. The town owns and operates the big tractor, but finds it is not only a labor saver, but a dollar protector. It hauls the road machine in the work of smoothing the roads. After a heavy rain such as the prevailing rains the past week or 10 days, it is a wonderful help.

50 Years Ago: 1968

25 Years Ago; 1993

The committee to study the pros and cons of Minot withdrawing from Union 29 elected officers had its first meeting Monday night. The panel discussed the issues it needs to consider and how it will obtain the information needed to come up with informed recommendations. Donald Verrill was elected chairman and Helen Clifford was elected recording secretary. In his openings remarks, Verrill stressed the importance of keeping an open mind. “I hope no one has come here with preconceived notions,” he said. “Our aim is to see what administrative setup can provide the most benefits to the town, what will allow the most money to go directly to the education of our students.” Questions and issues that committee members agreed needed to be addressed included the legal steps that might be taken in order to withdraw from the union, and determine the administrative functions the town would be obligated to provide and estimate the costs for these services, as well as space and equipment needed to do so.

The material in Looking Back is reproduced exactly as it originally appeared, although misspellings and errors may be corrected.