10 years ago – Oct. 2, 1993

(As reported in the Bangor Daily News)

BREWER – Eleven months ago Brewer residents were introduced to two Cambridge, Mass., attorneys, brothers David L. and John A. Taylor, who had come to Brewer to give the city a gift of $5 million to build a home for the “aged and infirm.”

The gift was the result of a trust established in 1926 by Mable Tyrell of Wakefield, Mass. She had put money into a trust fund to provide for her brothers and sisters. Anything left over was to accumulate and be spent on setting up a home for elderly people in Brewer after the last of her nieces and nephews died.

In May 1992, David Taylor visited Brewer, believing he would have to buy land and hire someone to build the home. He was introduced to Dorothy Igoe, executive director of the Housing Authority of Brewer.

With the assistance of John Melrose, Brewer’s former development director, the Taylors drew up plans for a $1.5 million congregate care facility. The remaining money will be used for future expansion, with some set aside to provide maintenance.

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BANGOR – a $10.9 million contract for construction of a parking apron and refueling system for the Maine Air National Guard base at Bangor has been awarded to a Stillwater firm.

The contract award, which will go to H.E. Sargent, was announced by U.S. Sens. William Cohen and George Mitchell.

Groundbreaking for the project will be held in early November, according to Brig. Gen. Wilfred Hessert, commander of the 101st Air Refueling Wing. The project is expected to be completed in 18 months to two years, he said.

The construction is part of a long-range, master plan for the base. The new ramp will be located north of the base’s fire station and require the demolition of several buildings.

25 years ago – Oct. 2, 1978

OLD TOWN – The Franco-American festival, popular the last several years in the predominantly French cities of Lewiston and Biddeford, will be presented for the first time in the community.

The first annual Old Town Franco-American Festival will coincide with the opening of the Bangor Mall and expects to attract many of the Canadians and northern Mainers in town for the event.

Featuring a soiree, French cafe, street dance and various well-known musicians and demonstrations, the festival is being coordinated by Project FAIRE, under the sponsorship of the city of Old Town with the assistance of city merchants.

Project FAIRE’s director, Charlene LaVertue, said the festival came about because of the large population of French people in the area. “We felt that the best way to start this was with Franco-Americans. After this year we want to encourage other ethnic groups to participate,” she said. “Hopefully, this will be an example to other groups.”

This weekend is a good time for the festival because, said LaVertue, “people who really like to shop can enjoy the shopping center and the Frenchness they’re having here.”

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OLD TOWN – A proposal to revise taxi fares in Old Town will be considered by the city council.

The amendment to an ordinance on vehicles for hire – in vehicles with meters – calls for a rate of 50 cents for the first two-fifths of a mile and 25 cents for each additional fifth of a mile. The proposal also would allow taxi owners to charge an additional 50 cents for a passenger over age 6 and charge 10 cents a bundle for carrying groceries, laundry and other items.

In vehicles without meters, the first mile would cost $1.25, with 25 cents added for each additional fifth of a mile. The same rates for additional passengers and bundles applies to taxis without meters.

50 years ago – Oct. 2, 1953

BANGOR – A large array of arts, crafts and collections of every type will be displayed at the Bangor City Hall auditorium this weekend when the Arts, Crafts and Collectors Show opens for the benefit of the Bangor-Brewer Community Chest.

Every member of the community has been invited to display his art or craft, or exhibit his collection of any sort of item at the show, which is being arranged under the direction of Mrs. James Stanley.

Arts and crafts will be represented by oil paintings, early American decoration on tin and wood, textile stenciling, hand weaving, sculpture, wood carving, flower arrangements, carpentry, water colors, creative art, block printing, hooked or braided rugs, needlepoint, Swedish weaving, photography and cameras, driftwood articles, decorated candles and many other forms.

The Bangor Amateur Emergency Radio Corps will have a display, and there will be a comprehensive exhibit of model railroads and model airplanes.

Among the collections already offered for display are firearms, knives, 17th century dolls, cups and saucers, party foods, nature study, stamps, coins, buttons, pitchers, auto parts, Indian craft and oriental rugs.

100 years ago – Oct. 2, 1903

HAMPDEN – A pretty home wedding occurred at the residence of Mrs. Emma Taylor in Hampden when her daughter, Lou Stella, was united in marriage to Mr. Leslie Miller. The Rev. George H. Hull, pastor of the Congregational church, performed the ceremony, using the Episcopal service.

At 8 o’clock the bridal party entered the spacious drawing room to the strains of Wagner’s wedding march. Miss Laura Taylor, sister of the bride, was maid of honor, Miss Grace Colby, bridesmaid and Mr. Ossian Taylor, groomsman. The ushers were G. Burt Taylor and Oliver Nason. The bride was gowned in Swiss muslin, the maid of honor in blue muslin and the bridesmaid in white organdie.

The rooms were tastefully decorated with evergreen and white asters, with a large arch of evergreen beneath which the ceremony was performed.

Only the nearest relatives of the bride and groom, and few of the bride’s closest friends were present.

Solid silver, cut glass, hand-painted china and other useful and beautiful articles figured among the many gifts. Refreshments of salad, ice cream, cake and coffee were served.

Miss Taylor is one of Hampden’s well known and popular young women. She has been an assistant teacher in Hampden Academy for two years, which position she resigns to enter a new one. Mr. Miller is from Hermon and has a host of friends there and in Hampden. Both bride and groom are alumni of Hampden Academy.

Mr. and Mrs. Miller left for a canoe trip through the lakes of northern Maine.

Compiled by Ardeana Hamlin