In Times Past in April, 1909 and April 1959

It was reported in The United Opinion 100 years ago this month.


Spring floods on the Connecticut were higher than during the previous 22 years. The Piermont correspondent wrote that were it not for the recent repairs to the Piermont Bridge, it might have been lost.


The Newbury news included the following: "Several of our staid and dignified citizens have the automobile bug buzzing, and are contemplating purchasing a machine."


They could have purchased a Four Cylinder 20-22 h.p Ford Touring Car from the Jackman Co, in East Corinth for $850.


In time for Easter, Doe Brothers store in Bradford was offering men Spring Suits for $9-$18.


The newspaper carried a month-long series of the adventures of ex-President Teddy Roosevelt as he undertook "A Trip to the Big Game Country" of Africa. His adventures included both lion and elephant hunting.



It was reported in the Journal Opinion 50 years ago this month:


The investigation into the December 31st murder of Newbury's Orville Gibson was underway, with new evidence and interviews being held. By the end of the month two Newbury men were charged with the murder and trial plans were underway.


Piermont reported that a large crowd had gathered in the Town Hall for a minstrel show. The performance "was a lot of fun from start to finish and gusts of laughter greeted the many jokes."


Easter hams were on sale at the Fairlee and Wells River First National Stores for 55-63 cents per pound. The First National Store in Fairlee was located in the now-destroyed Colby Block.

The new Bradford Armory was accepted and equipment was moved in.

The Bedell Bridge restoration project got underway with the formation of a committee.


Hill's Five and Ten bought out John's 5 cents to $1 Store. Within the next month John's had a giant closeout sale that drew a large number of customers. A panel discussion on the 50 years of business will be held at Hill's on Wed., April 29, 2009 at 7 p.m. Open to all.

Bradford merchants announced that beginning May 1, Bradford stores would be open late on Friday nights rather than Saturday night.


Fairlee's 6th grade students petitioned the government to exempt their teacher and principal Donald Lindsley from being drafted. The drive began when Calista Chapman wrote a letter to President Eisenhower indicating the difficulty rural communities had in securing good teachers such as Lindsley.