A new industry in Bowdoinham is that of the catnip vender. This is an enterprising business conducted by some of the small boys of the town, who have undertaken the contract of supplying many of the pet pussy cats with their favorite herb. Judging by the popularity of the small catnip vendors and the enormous appetite of the denizens of Catland, there will be an ever increasing demand for this pungent herb throughout the long months of winter.

50 Years Ago, 1956

A spectacular two-alarm fire early yesterday afternoon destroyed St. Dom’s Arena in Lewiston, causing damage estimated at a half million dollars.

Fanned by the first major snowstorm to hit the Twin Cities this season, flames destroyed the modern ice-skating area in shocking suddenness.

25 Years Ago, 1981

Mighty Dallas fell to the mediocre Detroit Lions last Sunday by a field goal. That’s nothing unusual in the game of football. The joker in the deck was that when Detroit kicked the field goal in the final seconds, it had 12 men on the field.

Using 12 men isn’t the sporting thing to do but in the last confusing moments, the Lions couldn’t count and neither could the referees. The refs let it go by the boards and the League Commissioner Pete Rozelle says the 27-24 score stands.