Ben Pinette

Showcasing what happened in the Skowhegan-area on this date for the week of Jan. 1-8
Visit Centralmaine.com/archive to view nearly 200 years’ worth of history at your fingertips.

Welcome!

Dec. 31, 1996: New chickadee license plates coming to all Maine cars beginning July 1, 1999, Nynex & Bell Atlantic telephone companies to merge, and it’s either a cab or a night in jail this New Year’s Eve

Dec. 30, 1985: Woman plummets 35 feet in Eaton Mt. lift accident in Skowhegan, new business magazine coming to Maine later this winter, and fixed-rate home mortgages are gaining popularity in Maine

Dec. 29, 1993: Hallowell restaurant owner ‘grudgingly’ partially removes roof of his structure in ordinance with court order, Augusta-area homeless shelters are empty or below capacity, and are two competing bridal shows coming to Augusta?

Dec. 28, 1977: Waterville Area Humane Society to move to brand new shelter on Drummond Avenue next month, Winslow town manager candidates narrowed from 53 to five, and a Pittsfield hotel & restaurant is back on the public bidding block

The Way It Was in Skowhegan: Week of Jan. 1-8

Dec. 27, 1986: Hallowell postman to retire after 31 years on the job, new water system for Readfield Corner area expected next summer, and the Kennebec Valley YMCA to entertain overnight on New Year’s

Dec. 26, 1995: New mandatory seat belt law goes into effect tomorrow in Maine, Mainers enjoyed a sunny mild Christmas Day yesterday, and new techniques are being introduced for brain surgery at Mid-Maine Medical Center in Waterville

J.P. Devine Podcast: Memories of shopping at the Maine Mall in South Portland

Dec. 24, 1969: Power failures are widespread across central Maine after ‘staggering’ ice storm, and special section of legislature to consider $5 million in appropriations

Dec. 23, 1976: Second bridge to span Waterville-Winslow needed by late 1980s says Maine DOT, Augusta council touts Winslow man for state job, and managers at local department stores say this will be a big year for toys