100 Years Ago: 1922

The Maine State Fair eclipsed all previous records yesterday in its opening day from the point of attendance and variety of program. The weatherman kept back the showers which looked threatening, and the crowds began to pour forth through the turnstiles long before noon. There was program enough to interest all and the officials were highly complimented for their efforts in making the 1922 exposition what it is. Light harness and running teams filled the grandstand in the afternoon.

50 Years Ago: 1972

Local school officials have announced that the kindergarten class will start on Wednesday in the training room of the Sabattus Fire Station This room is being utilized as a classroom on a temporary basis due to the new construction program at the Webster Elementary School which necessitated relocating one class from that building. Mrs. Mary Dickinson of Lisbon Falls will be the teacher.

25 Years Ago: 1997

The Greater Farmington Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Sept. 10. will hold an open house at its new residence in the Red Schoolhouse at routes 2 and 4.

From 4 to 7 pm., there will be tours of the schoolhouse, an old-fashioned cider press, hamburgers, hot dogs and an apple pie bake-off. The baking contest is open to everyone. The only rule is that the pies must be made with apples and must be home baked. The judging will be during the first half-hour so the entries can be served for dessert.

The Red Schoolhouse housed Farmington-area students from 1852-1956. Maintained in recent years by the Farmington and Wilton historical societies, the school looks much as it did when youngsters played in the dooryard during recess. Hundreds of school books, maps and other memorabilia fill the shelves. and desks representing several eras, each with its own slate await another era of youngsters ready to learn the three Rs.

Recently, the Greater Farmington Chamber of Commerce was offered a chance to move into the school, occupying what was first a firewood storage area, and then a lunchroom. Chamber member businessmen volunteered time and materials to winterize the new office, install wiring and plumbing. and give the exterior a coat of paint

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