Our Back Pages

Compiled by Danna Brown Nickerson

10 years ago: A late night fire of suspicious origin scorched the 200-year-old Peabody Tavern in Gilead.

Western Maine Supply had begun construction of a 30x120 foot addition to its Cross Street store.

Approximately 200 walkers raised $10,500 for the March of Dimes during the 4th annual WalkAmerica event in Bethel.

Birth: Madison May Hayes,

Deaths: Elvia M. Abbott, Joyce E. Bennett.

20 years ago: A fire driven by strong winds totally destroyed the East Bethel Road residence of Al Beckwith, as well as a nearby garage.

An estimated 500 people joined hands and voices on the Common in Bethel’s “Join Hands for the Land” ceremony organized by the Bethel Conservation Commission.

Brenda June Taylor received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.

Deaths: Francis W. Mills, Mary W. Nichols.

30 years ago: The Telstar Regional High School Concert Band and Swingin’ Rebel Jazz Band traveled to Mystic, Conn., for the Heritage Music Festival.

The golf course at the Bethel Inn opened on Saturday, April 26.

Mundt-Allen Post 81 had a ceremony and celebration to burn the mortgage of their Post Home.

Deaths: Lewis Morton, Jr., Mrs. Vivian E. Bemis, Mrs. Agnes M. Chase.

40 years ago: The SAD 44 spring concert was dedicated to Miss Alice Ballard in honor of her 43 years of teaching in the Bethel schools.

Gould Academy students Susan Hatch of Dark Harbor and Kris Larson of East Machias had poetry selected for publication in the “Young America Sings” anthology.

The Bethel Savings Bank offered interest of 5¾ percent on one-year CDs, 6 percent on two-year CDs, and 5 percent on regular savings accounts.

Birth: Launa Gaye Brown.

Death: Clarence F. Ring.

50 years ago: Thirty-six members of the Bethel Bowling League attended a banquet at the Town and Country Inn at Gorham, N.H.

The two-story, 30x54 foot Bear River Grange Hall was moved from its site at Newry Corner to a new location opposite the home of Herbert Morton, Jr.

Bethel Town Manager and Mrs. Harold Bean hosted the monthly meeting of the Western Maine Managers Association at Bethaven Inn.

Birth: Mark David Packard.

Deaths: Mrs. Ethel W. Peabody, Carroll Buck, Mrs. Elli Pulkkinen.

60 years ago: Mr. and Mrs. Percy O. Brinck observed their 50th wedding anniversary at the Hotel Sudbury.

Robert Billings was building a residence near his sport shop on Railroad Street.

Construction of a tea room by Buddy Clough was underway on the lot between Blake’s Garage and the sub-station.

Death: Ellery Edson Farwell.

70 years ago: The Bethel tax rate was reduced .0005 from the 1939 rate to .0455.

One car went through the cemetery fence at West Bethel when two New Hampshire cars collided.

Deaths: George M. Rolfe, Charles E. Tidswell, Bessie I. Sloane, Alton F. Bartlett.

80 years ago: An eclipse of the sun was observed April 28.

The Gould Academy senior class play “Charley’s Aunt,” was presented under the direction of Miss Ellen Cattrell. Addison Saunders was outstanding as Charley’s Aunt.

Herman Skillings was awarded $3,750 in a damage suit against William Carlson of Bridgton, for injuries when he was struck in the face by a board projecting from a truck driven by Carlson when they met on the Androscoggin bridge.

Extensive repairs were underway on the First National Store.

90 years ago: Three Bethel men were entered in the June primary election: Paul Thurston, Democrat, sheriff; Fred Howe, Democrat; and Fred Bean, Republican, for representative to the Legislature.

Rev. C.L. Wheaton moved from Oakland to Bethel to become pastor of the Methodist Church.

Death: Lucinda E. Bean.

100 years ago: Sixteen Granges were represented at a meeting of Oxford Pomona Grange at Bethel, with an attendance of 150.

Edward P. Lyon purchased the stock of the late George P. Lawrence, planning to continue the jewelry, watch, and repair business in the store occupied by Mr. Lawrence.

Seventy-six gravestones in the West Paris cemetery were moved, overturned, or broken.

The annual meeting of the Universalist Church was held with D.S. Hastings as moderator, Ellery C. Park as clerk and Olive M. Mason as treasurer.

The Bethel Village Corporation purchased a new fire alarm at a cost of $800. The Corporation also approved a new contract with the Bethel Water Company.

Oxford Pomona Grange 2 met at Bethel Grange 56 and initiated nineteen candidates in the 5th degree.