St. John Valley area From our Files – Week of November 1, 2023

1 year ago

50 Years Ago — Oct. 24, 1973

  Madawaska had a population explosion – A population explosion hit Madawaska over the weekend in Oct. of 1973. Saturday climaxed the Grand Opening Promotion of the Valley Shopping Plaza. Official estimates place the number of people in attendance between three and four thousand. In the words of Lou Lamont, Manager at Zayre’s, “it was a very successful weekend.”

25 Years Ago — Oct. 28, 1998

Santa Claus visits Birch Point – Santa recently made the trip from the North Pole on Sea Doo. There, he was met by Mrs. Claus and an elf to help him distribute gifts to the people at the campground. An auction was held for all the children. A traditional Christmas meal of pot-en-pot, tourtiere, corn on the cob, baked beans, chicken stew, salads, and sweets were served. Camp fires burned brightly, as did festive Christmas lights and decorations. 

10 Years Ago — Oct. 30, 2013 

Season’s first snow covers Valley — Snow fell and stayed on the ground for the first time this season, Oct. 28, 2013. Four inches were reported in St. Agatha, according to Corey Bogel, a meteorologist with the National Weather service office in Caribou. Bogel said that nearly three inches were reported in Frenchville.