25 years ago: The First Congregational Church of Portland met needs and looked to the future as it began a $205,000 expansion program. The church renovated due to the need for additional space for school activities as well as for improved office and storage space, according to Donald W. Goodrich, chairman of the Building/Renovation Fund Drive Committee.

25 years ago: It was announced that the Pratt House Museum in Essex would open its doors for the summer season to allow a chance for visitors to feel what life might have been like during the 17th, 18th and early 19th centuries. The architecture featured hand-hewn beams, carved fireplaces pillasters, bolection molding and feather-edge sheathing with beaded edges consistent with the domestic architectural flavor of the Connecticut River Valley and the blacksmith enterprise run by ten generations of Pratts who lived in the house for over 250 years.