10 years ago – April 18, 1992

(As reported in the Bangor Daily News)

ORONO – Building a local Native American Studies Program was the topic of discussion Thursday during Native American Awareness Week at the University of Maine.

George Cornell, an Ojibway Chippewa Indian, addressed the students, faculty and community members attending the event, giving a history of ethnic studies and overview of his program.

Cornell is director of the Native American Institute, Center for Urban Affairs, at Michigan State University.

The associate professor said that since the 1960s, a rise of ethnic consciousness had taken place, and with it the growing need for more accurate knowledge and information on ethnic groups.

.

ORONO – History will be made at Alumni Field on the campus of the University of Maine this Sept. 26 when the Russian National Football Team journeys to Orono to take on the University of Maine in what is being billed as the “Friendship Bowl.”

The contest will mark the first visit to American soil for the Russian squad, which plays in the Euro-Asian Association of American Football.

25 years ago – April 18, 1977

ORONO – It wasn’t exactly an ace shot no matter how you slice it, but the young golfer responsible for the shot turned out to be something of an ace himself. With that one shot he put a helicopter out of action- and that’s got to be some kind of birdie.

The freak accident took place on a soccer practice field on the University of Orono campus late Sunday afternoon as a helicopter from the 112th Medical Company of the Maine Army National Guard prepared to lift off on an ROTC support exercise.

The young golfer who was practicing across the field chose that moment to take a hefty swing with the nine-iron. He was less than on target and the ball sliced viciously off to one side and smack into the spinning blade of the helicopter’s rear rotor.

.

DURHAM, N.H. – The University of Maine track team, getting a trio of double-win performances from Mike Roddin, Alan Sherrard and Ben Reed, opened their seasons Saturday with an 80-73 win over the University of New Hampshire. Roddin took top honors in the mile and 880, Sherrard got his wins in the shot put and discus while Reed captured the 120 high hurdles and the two-mile event.

50 years ago – April 18, 1952

ORONO – Lucerne in Maine will be the scene Saturday night for the finals of a weekend of activity celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rho Rho chapter of Sigma Chi at the University of Maine.

The weekend festivities will begin early Friday afternoon at the chapter house at the university when registration of returning Rho Rho alumni will begin.

Bill Feeney, chairman of the anniversary committee, said that about half of Rho Rho’s more than 40 alumni are expected to return to participate in activities.

.

OLD TOWN – The Grange observed its 39th anniversary by presenting a program honoring the 50- and 25-year members this week in the Pierce building. About 115 members and guests were served a supper in the VFW hall.

Harris Dunn, master of Old Town Grange, welcomed the group in open session and a response was given by Mrs. Foster of Riverside Grange.

Highlighting the program was the presentation of certificates to the 50- and 25-year members by Sam Shorey of Lowell, a past master of North Penobscot Pomonas.

100 years ago – April 18, 1902

BANGOR – The great and only Herrmann the Wizard, said to be the most expert of magicians, will mystify the Bangor Opera House tonight. Hermann is a name that is synonymous with all that is mysterious, and most mystifying and incomprehensible feats of magic are performed by him with a charm of manner and running fire of wit. For his engagement he brings many novelties, including several sensational illusions.

.

BREWER – On Friday night comes the dance in Vickery’s Hall at South Brewer by the Eastern Baseball Association, and a number from the “upper end” are going down to participate.

It is now the proper thing to go up and inspect the new suspension bridge. People who expected that it would be a dizzy, swaying affair are disappointed and the timid are convinced that the ropes won’t break. One enthusiast was sorry that it couldn’t stay up all the time, it would be such a nice place to enjoy the moonlight of a summer evening.

Compiled by Mark Haskell