Knights Templar, Photo: Sanford Tribune, Thursday, May 27, 1926
By Lawrence Furbish
Memorial Day events were significantly featured on the front page. Commander Carl Libby of Camp 44 of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War announced his trust that all members “will clearly see their duty and be with us” at church on Sunday and Memorial Services on Monday. The parade was to include the Sanford Mills Band, Spanish War veterans, Post 19 of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Boy Scouts, and automobiles driven by members of the Grand Army of the Republic, disabled veterans, town officials and clergymen.
One headline read “There is no Poppy War” as the American Legion Post and the Veterans of Foreign Wars announced they would both be selling the little red flowers emblematic of World War I. Both post commanders agreed there was no reason for discord in trying to raise a little money for disabled veterans. One post was to sell poppies in the mills on Friday, the other in theaters on Friday night, and both on Saturday.
Bethany Commandery, Knights of Templar of Sanford were holding a Grand Military Dress Drill and Ball at Sanford Town Hall. The event was to include a drill escort from the Portland Commandery, described as one of the “best drilled and most highly efficient” units in New England. Music for the ball was to be provided by the Philharmonic Orchestra of Biddeford. Admission was $1.
A blind and aged man living with his wife in Lyman had been rumored to be selling cider, but no “squealers” had come forward to report him to authorities. Taking the initiative, the local liquor deputy recruited a group of fellow deputies and armed with an empty vinegar jug borrowed from his wife, approached the farmhouse saying he and his friends were bound for a dance and wished to purchase a jug of cider. When the beverage was produced, it was suggested that more would be needed at the dance, so the cider maker provided an additional five-quart container, for a fee, and it was also filled. The final bill was $3.50. The deputies left but not for the dance. On Monday, the violators were arraigned in Kennebunk Municipal Court. Because of his blindness and the fact that this was a first offense, the case was continued, and the miscreants promised to “exit from the cider business.” Officers seized and hauled away seven barrels of cider.
An interesting ad promoted an appearance at Sanford Town Hall by Earl Howard’s Whispering Serenaders, a “Colored Orchestra.” The group had played at the Lamb’s Night Club in New York City “up until the time is was padlocked.” Sanford was apparently the smallest town they had ever played in. Dancing was to be from 8 pm to midnight. Admission was 50 cents, and a free concert was to be held in front of Town Hall.
Thayer-Diggery had men’s suits on sale ranging from $25 to $45. Straw hats were going for $2.50 and Panamas for $5:00.
The Colonial Theater was running John Barrymore in “The Sea Beast” and on Friday night, a Charleston contest was open to everyone in town with three cash prizes and winners decided by applause.
At Charles Trafton’s establishment, you could buy a 1,200 lb. chestnut mare described as a good driver, worker, farm, or grocery horse for $125.
Lawrence Furbish is president of the Sanford-Springvale Historical Society. The Historical Society Museum in Springvale has many resources regarding Sanford’s history. It is open Thursday and Saturday, 10 am-2 pm and Friday 10 am-4 pm.
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