Turning Back The Pages

75 years ago — February 1936Reflections of the Season (editorial): The oil tank and coal bin are now engaged in a hot contest to see which can dig deeper into the old man’s pocketbook. The latest returns indicate that the two are running a “dead heat.”SALISBURY — Maurice O’Halloran has accepted a position at the William Piel farm on the Lime Rock road.Those over 65 who wish to apply for Old Age Assistance should do so at once.ORE HILL — Michael Meehan is confined to the house with a severe cold.50 years ago — February 1961Because of the howling gales of the fourth major snow storm of the winter, which started as a northeaster late last Friday evening and ended as a northwester early Saturday night, it was almost impossible to accurately measure how much snow fell. First Selectman William Barnett estimated the snowfall at 18 inches, but in some places, such as the Salisbury School Hockey Rink, it was four feet deep.Louise W. Robinson, daughter of Mrs. Orpha Brown Robinson of Salisbury, has been named “1961 Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow” at the Housatonic Valley Regional High School. She received the highest score in a 50-minute written examination on homemaking knowledge and attitudes, taken by all senior girls, and will receive a gold pin and a certificate of merit.25 years ago — February 1986A developing and complex issue over legal title to roughly 75 acres along U.S. Route 44 in Salisbury has attorneys mulling over the terms of a 900-year lease granted by the Town of Salisbury on May 11, 1748.Use of the lands, whose borders were laid out by a proprietary committee, was granted to Obed Harvey and Joseph Lee Jr. for agricultural purposes in exchange for 175 ounces of silver. The location was identified as being in the town’s “fifth division,” beginning at a stake on the west side of the highway 108 rods north to a dry white pine pole, and 100 rods to the south to a heap of stones.FALLS VILLAGE — Ella Fitch, whose colorful plantings have brightened the highways and byways of Falls Village for more than a decade, has been nominated for the state’s 350th anniversary Hometown Heroes program.Taken from decades-old Lake-ville Journals, these items contain original spellings and phrases.