We are looking back at the happenings of Reading using the Digital Archives of the Reading Public Library. The following news items were published in the Reading Chronicle.
10 Years Ago – 2013
- Sunday Morning, a man drove through the Walkers Brook Drive Starbucks window. Six people were in the coffee shop at the time; there were no injuries. 2/4/2013
- Quannapowitt Players will perform “8” this weekend at the Playhouse. The play is a courtroom drama based on the federal lawsuit over Proposition 8, the California ban on same-sex marriage. 2/6/2013
- Friends of Reading Recreation will hold their 4th annual “Daddy/Daughter Dance” on Friday at Parker Middle School. 2/7/2013
- Forecasters predict “The Blizzard of 2013,” arriving this afternoon, could be the largest snowstorm in state history. Schools were closed Friday, and the Public Library will be closed Saturday and Sunday. RMLD and DPW say they are prepared. 2/8/2013
15 Years Ago – 2008
- Birch Meadow principal Tom Daniels leaves his post at the end of the school year. Superintendent Patrick Schettini outlined the process to fill the position to the School Committee at their last meeting. 2/4/2008
- Incumbent Lisa Gibbs will be joined by new School Committee member Karen Janowski, who defeated incumbent Carl McFadden. James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya have been elected to the Board of Selectmen. 2/6/2008
- Tickets for the RMHS Talent show will be available in the new Box Office for $5 in the lobby of the Performance Center. The show is this Friday at 7 pm. 2/7/2008
- Local author David Kruh was the featured speaker at a Reading College Club event at the Senior Center. Kruh’s recent book “Scollay Square” documents the history of the former entertainment district. 2/8/2008
25 Years Ago – 1998
- Creative Arts will hold its “Get in the Mood for Spring” concert this Sunday at Reading Public Library. 2/4/98
- Reading resident and “This Old House” star Tom Silva will appear at The Reading Antiquarian Society meeting Sunday. All are welcome to this free event. 2/5/1998
- FinCom discussed the $1.5 million budget shortfall with the School Committee. Superintendent Harutunian has requested a 10.7 percent increase from the last fiscal year. 2/9/1998
- Rental rates at Parker Middle School will increase. New rates starting July 1, 1998: Auditorium: old rate – $27.50, new rate – $125 for 4 hours or less. 2/10/1998
45 Years Ago – 1978 The Blizzard of ‘78
- Monday – shops and stores closed early. No School Tuesday. Reading Square “took on a ghostly appearance during the height of the storm on Tuesday”. 2/8/1978
- The spire of First Baptist Church broke off during the storm. Wind gusts peaked between 75 mph and 100 mph. 2/8/1978
- Reading had between 25” and 30” inches of snow in the 36-hour storm on February 6-7. 2/8/1978
- Selectmen declare a state of emergency on February 8th. On-street parking is banned indefinitely. School has closed for the rest of the week. Check on elderly neighbors, and please mark and clear fire hydrants. Any citizens with snowmobiles or 4-wheel drive vehicles are asked to volunteer. 2/8/1978
75 Years Ago – 1948
- The Rocketeen Club plans its winter carnival events for next Monday evening. Events for the carnival include basketball, skating, and a gala ball. 2/5/1948
- All four precincts might be shorthanded for Town Meeting members unless more candidates pull papers for the upcoming election. 2/5/1948
- Boy Scout Troop 2 from the Old South Church and Troop 4 from the Congregational Church will observe the Boy Scouts’ 38th birthday with exhibits and scouting demonstrations at Shepardson Hall at Parker Junior High. 2/5/1948
- The Great Dane “Dempsey,” a familiar sign around Reading Square, passed away recently from old age. Many noticed his absence. 2/5/1948
- Shop & Save at 157 Haven Street sales for Feb. 10, 1948” Boneless Chuck Roast 1 lb. 59¢ | Cut-fowl 1b. 35¢ | Baldwin Apples 5 lbs. 25¢ | Robin Hood Flour, 25-lb. bag $1.95 2/5/1948
100 Years Ago – 1923
- The Electric Light Board is reducing the per kilowatt rate by two cents per hour. The new net, 9.9¢, will go into effect for next month’s meter readings. 2/9/1923
- Art Shop in Reading Square has Valentines and a lending library.
- Reading Theatre in Reading Square: Saturday Hobart Bosworth in “Cup of Life,” “In the Days of Buffalo Bill,” Kinograms, and Rolin Comedy. Matinees each day at 2:30 pm.
- Fire gutted J. Clarence Oxley’s residence at 70 Woburn Street. The fire drove the family out into below-zero temperatures. Firefighters battled for two hours in extreme cold. The loss will probably reach $2000.
- Reading Council 1031 K of C annual concert and ball was a pronounced success.
