From our Files – Week of April 6, 2022

50 Years Ago — April 6, 1972

   First retirement — Donald Higgins is the first man to retire from Northern Trading Company in Madawaska. Jack Vollman presented him a check and watch for his seven years of service with the company.

Ken Higgins, plant superintendent, was also in attendance. Higgins retired March 18, 1972, and was given the tokens of appreciation. He and his wife moved to Warren, where he spent time fishing, hunting and golfing.

25 Years Ago — March 26, 1997

Good food, good price — This sums up the business philosophy at Bridge Street Restaurant, says owner Gilbert Cyr Jr., who purchased the business from his mother in 1995 in order to carry on that tradition. Bridge Street Restaurant prides itself on quickly providing a satisfying meal to those working at Fraser Papers, other businesses and the people of Madawaska with homemade cooking and free delivery for breakfast and lunch. Without seeking money from community, state or federal grants, Cyr has managed to keep five people employed, putting approximately $30,000 in payroll dollars back out into the community.

10 Years Ago — April 4, 2012

First catch in open-water season — Phil Duval and Ron Jandreau, both of Fort Kent, each caught a muskie at 8:30 a.m. on April 1, 2012, in the St. John River. Both measured 41 inches and 22 pounds. “Not too bad…By the time the Muskie Derby comes around these fish would have weighed 30-plus pounds,” said Phil Soucy, director of the derby, in an email.