100 years ago, 1914
Five men pleaded guilty Wednesday in the Auburn municipal court to netting suckers in inland waters of this State and were each fined for this offense. Besides heavy fines, each man was ordered to accompany an officer to his fishing ground and give up the nets which are to be confiscated by the State. They were fishing on the Androscoggin near Wagg brook. Those fish that are called suckers in Maine are eaten for mullet and mountain trout and Florida bloaters in New York. Maine fishermen were selling tons of these fish in the latter cities. The arraignment of these men brings a realization of the magnitude of the industry. Beginning eight years ago it seems, the industry has grown until at present it is estimated that 40 or more were engaged in it along the Androscoggin river. The fishermen think they should be given a permit to catch those fish which they say are no earthly good to people hereabouts.
50 years ago, 1964
Incumbent Ward Five Alderman Robert L. Couturier chiseled his name in Lewiston’s history Monday by being elected the Textile City’s youngest mayor. Couturier captured the seat by out-distancing 3-1 a field of three candidates in his bid to succeed Mayor Roland L. Marcotte. The city’s 24-year-old mayor-elect made history by upsetting a record established in 1939 when Atty. Edward J. Beauchamp was elected mayor at 29 years of age. In addition, Couturier is the Textile City’s second bachelor mayor.
25 years ago, 1989
A decision to reopen the former Marcal papermill in Mechanic Falls may be taken before the end of the year, Town Manager Harvey W. Urquhart said Thursday. Reopening of the mill, Hicks said, would occur in about two years, with the lead time needed for installation of new equipment. One of the new items to be installed, he said, is a closed-loop paper-making machine for high-grade toilet tissue, which is expected to arrive from Italy in the spring. Hicks said he expects that between 80 and 250 people would be employed at the reopened facility.
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