•The ice cutters are making good progress and with favorable weather it will take only a short time to complete the harvest. The ice is from 14 to 16 inches thick and as clear as crystal.

•Arrangements have been made whereby the ice track on the Androscoggin will open Saturday, Dec. 31, under the auspices of the Lewiston and Auburn Driving Club. At least two races will be held on the opening day. A meeting of the L. & A. Driving Club will be held in the rooms of the New DeWitt next Monday evening at which time the final arrangements will be made for the opening of the ice racing season in these cities. Some fine sport is promised this winter.

50 Years Ago, 1954

The most sales in a single day during the present Christmas buying season were recorded yesterday as hordes of final-minute shoppers pushed and shoved their way into stores, hoping to make their purchases before the counters go bare. And William Tewhey, executive vice president of the Chamber of Commerce, said last night that merchandise counters in some stores “already are showing signs of wear from eager gift buyers.” Tewhey termed yesterday’s store business “simply wonderful.” He said the snowfall didn’t keep the shoppers away, not did it interfere with their spending.

25 Years Ago, 1979

It looks like Lewiston-Auburn residents will not be skiing, sledding or skating in the streets this year. Those who love a white Christmas may have to follow the dictates of the Bing Crosby song and merely dream about it. The National Weather Service said Sunday night the last Christmas without snow at Portland International Airport was in 1973. Christmas 1979 looks a repetition, according to the service. Officials there predict showers and mild temperatures for Tuesday, unless “something changes.” Records for the last 80 to 100 years show that snow has been on the ground in southern Maine at least two-thirds of the time.

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