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Newspaper
Bath Independent
Location
Bath, Maine, United States of America
Date
Jul 12, 1956
Page
1
The New Meadows Yacht Club hosted the Kennebec River Power Squadron Saturday drawing over 300 members and guests for a chicken barbecue. Despite rough seas at the river mouth several boats could not attend while Cromwell's orchestra played in the club ballroom.
Bath area observed a calm Fourth of July with two minor police complaints and no fire calls. State police noted heavy coastal traffic but orderly travel. crowds flocked to Reid State Park and Popham Beach while 100000 gathered in Portland for fireworks.
Mrs. R. C. Nelson trapped a mother possum and two young in her hen house then beat them with a club. She hauled the bodies to the city dump but found a $50 fine notice and returned to retrieve them. The mama and two youngsters reappeared walking away uninjured.
A special traverse jury was chosen July 5 for the Sagadahoc Superior Court term opening July 16 to try Richard B. Woods at Brunswick Naval Air Station. Woods is charged with first degree murder in the Apr 7 killing of Wilfred J. Blais in Topsham during a $140 robbery. The list includes 30 Bath and nearby town residents, with presiding judge Leonard F. Williams and court stenographer Fred Hayen.
Former major league outfielder and baseball coach Bibb Falk was also an outstanding football tackle. He earned renown for his leadership on the field and on the sidelines, shaping players across sports.
City Manager Stanley W. Judkins released a June summary covering Police 77 arrests eight non fatal crashes 212 complaints 54 unlocked entrances and 26 lights out. Fire had 14 alarms. Building Permits 11 for 33100 dollars. Highway crew cleaned 351 catch basins patched streets with blue rock 46 feet culvert 80 feet sub drain and 86 yards gravel. Cemetery noted four monument foundations 37 perpetual care plots repaired 14 lots mowed and 11 burials. Public Welfare aided 56 persons with 2442 pounds surplus foods distributed. Recreation reported park openings attendance figures mid June and Sagadahoc Lincoln Twi light League season start. Health logged 16 communicable cases 55 health inspections and four polio clinics with 1238 inoculations.
Torrent, a Bath hand engine, topped six entries with a 162 ft 3 in stream to win top money in the second class at the Newburyport Muster. Hancock of Ashburnham took second, Gerry of Marblehead third, Hydrant of Holliston fourth, with Tiger Newmarket and Androscoggin Topsham also competing. In the first class Neptune of Newburyport won at 181 ft 6 in, Okos Marblehead second, Protec third.
Bruns wick resident H Layton Jackson will preside at the tenth annual Harpswell Day Observances in the Town House at 2 PM. Speakers include Mrs Elinor M Graham Mrs Miriam Stover Prof Alton H Gustafson and Dr Clarence Hatch. Exhibits feature marine history with Sea and Shore Fisheries and local societies. Luncheon follows at Harpswell Center Improvement Hall run by the Harpswell Garden club civic committee.
Police Chief Edward L. Gaudreau said two boys were hit by pellets from air rifles in as many days. One boy was struck behind the ear and hospitalized to have the pellet removed. another was struck in the back and a doctor removed the pellet. The department issues its final warning on air rifle use.
The Metacomet, a U S Fish and Wildlife Service vessel based in Boothbay Harbor, finishes its third cruise surveying herring along the Maine coast from Boothbay to Eastport and into Passamaquoddy Bay. An aerial survey from Machias Bay to Cape Mace found no herring schools despite six flights.
Bath faces a ward six special election on August 8 as Roy Bradford and Frank E. Harvie file nomination papers with City Clerk Harry E. Ring Jr. for the Ward Six seat to fill the late William Blair’s term. Former candidate Harvey V. Rowe is expected to file by the July 9 deadline. Bradford is pipefitting chief at Hyde Windlass Co. and Harvie is a Bath Iron Works bookkeeper. The council will certify results August 9.
The Hospital Auxiliary executive board announced a new ice machine will be purchased and installed at Memorial Hospital to serve patients during warm weather. Mrs. Bowen Torrey chaired the Wednesday meeting with reports from secretary Mrs. Katz treasurer Mrs. Doyle and project chairs. Members and volunteers logged hundreds of hours across Cozy Corner Clearing House and sewing projects, and Mrs. Stetson joined as a new Auxiliary member.
Dromore Grange hosts a Civil Defense evening with Thomas L. Totman of Bodwell Grange and Frank Cutting outlining national defense aims. The program included songs by Grange members, a solo by Elfreda Perkins, a cake raffle won by Lucy Smith, and Ada King’s closing thought about helping others.
Members of the Armed Services Industrial Mobilization Council New England met at Bath Iron Works for a July session. The agenda covered mobilization planning ship construction procurement and inspections of key defense plants with tours of BIW and Hyde Windlass facilities.
The Bath National Bank on Front Street was nominated by the Bath Area Chamber of Commerce as the first local firm to receive the award of merit for progress and civic improvement. The nomination cites extensive improvements to bank property and was announced at a City Hall board meeting.
Peace Pilgrim, the world peace envoy walking from Los Angeles to New York, visits Bath as part of a 10 000 mile trek to promote disarmament and peace. She has covered 8 850 miles in three and a half years, lives simply, and plans to visit all states, Mexico, and Canada, believing age is irrelevant.
More than 2,000 spectators watched the second season race at the New Meadows Lake course. Bill Hemenway of Lincolnville Beach and Ken Pickard of Bath led the day with multiple wins in classes B and D, plus the free-for-all. Grover Connors and son Grover Connors Jr. swept several utility and hydro classes. Next races set for July 22 with some entries aiming at the Kennebec River Marathon on August 15.
The Bath Area Chamber of Commerce approved a tentative six months budget of 4400 and 300 for the industrial development committee. The committee works on a possible new Bath industry. A civic improvement awards program will be sponsored by the directors. Richard B MacLennan will attend Yale Institute courses Aug 5 to 11. Welcome signs at Woolwich and West Bath entrances are being painted and lettered.
The white village church at Popham Beach has been renovated with exterior painting interior repairs new posts and a furnace and will resume Sunday evening services at 830 pm conducted by Rev Norman Duke. The work was funded by residents supporters and summer fairs with the Popham Circle and Popham Beach Improvement Society coordinating. A summer fair is planned for July 24 to aid the church and Popham Library. The church was first dedicated in 1895 or 1896 and suffered storm damage in past years.
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