10 years ago

From the Journal Tribune: “The Coastal communities in York Country have long been the summer stamping grounds of visitors from around the globe. From the hustle and bustle of the night life in Old Orchard Beach to the cultural hub of Ogunquit, the downtown districts of Southern Maine have something to offer for everyone. Directly in the middle sits Dock Square, Kennebunkport, a bustling tourist destination from June through October.”

50 years ago

From the Biddeford-Saco Journal: “Three Biddeford youths have appealed convictions in the Saco 10th District Court to the May term of Superior Court. Patrick Gagne, 18, and John L. Polewarzyk Jr., 18, both of Hills Beach pleaded innocent to charges of assault and battery, were found guilty, and fined $50 each.”

100 years ago

From the Biddeford Daily Journal: “P“It is understood that this year our sweet girl graduates will be in dainty muslin gowns, than which there is nothing more becoming and girlish. But what is more significant it is said that the young ladies of the graduating class of 1916, Biddeford high school, are to limit their desires to one dainty gown for all exercises of graduation week. The movement for simpler and less expensive graduations is sweeping the entire country …”

— Christopher Murphy and Krysteana Scribner

Today in History

Today is Friday, April 1, the 92nd day of 2016. There are 274 days left in the year. This is April Fool’s Day.

On this date:

In 1933, Nazi Germany staged a daylong national boycott of Jewish-owned businesses. In 1945, American forces launched the amphibious invasion of Okinawa during World War II. (U.S. forces succeeded in capturing the Japanese island on June 22.) In 1954, the United States Air Force Academy was established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 1962, the Katherine Anne Porter novel “Ship of Fools,” an allegory about the rise of Nazism in Germany, was published by Little, Brown & Co. In 1984, recording star Marvin Gaye was shot to death by his father, Marvin Gay,Sr. in Los Angeles, the day before his 45th birthday. (The elder Gay pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, and received probation.) In 1986, “New Kids on the Block,” the group’s debut album, was released by Columbia Records. In 1992, the National Hockey League Players’ Association went on its first strike, which lasted 10 days.

Today’s Highlight in History:

On April 1, 1976, Apple Computer was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak and Ronald Wayne. The federally created Consolidated Rail Corporation (Conrail for short) began operations in the northeastern U.S. (it was taken over in 1999 by CSX and Norfolk Southern).

Ten years ago

Former hostage Jill Carroll arrived in Germany, where the freelance American journalist strongly disavowed statements she had recorded during her captivity in Iraq and shortly after her release, saying she’d been repeatedly threatened. Two American pilots were killed when their Apache helicopter was shot down near Baghdad.

Five years ago

Afghans angry over the burning of a Quran at a small Florida church stormed a U.N. compound in northern Afghanistan, killing seven foreigners, including four Nepalese guards. Jimmer Fredette was named The Associated Press player of the year after leading the nation in scoring and BYU to one of its best basketball seasons; Notre Dame’s Mike Brey was named coach of the year.

One year ago

Eleven former Atlanta public school educators were convicted of racketeering for their role in a cheating scheme to inflate students’ scores on standardized exams. California Gov. Jerry Brown ordered officials to impose statewide mandatory water restrictions for the first time in history. Cynthia Lennon, the first wife of John Lennon, died at her home in Spain; she was 75.