50 years ago this week: Jan. 20

Marijuana possession merited jail time, women’s involvement in politics was considered unusual, and milkmen still delivered their wares door-to-door.

Readers sometimes assume that winter is a slow time for news, but January 50 years ago brought a number of crime stories.

Addison County was busy and bustling 50 years ago this fortnight, with Field Days in New Haven and an air show in Middlebury drawing large crowds seeking summer entertainment during the first week of the month. The tone changed in the second week of Augus … (read more)

Addison County was busy and bustling 50 years ago this week, with Field Days in New Haven and an air show in Middlebury drawing large crowds seeking summer entertainment. Here are some of the top stories that appeared in the Aug. 6, 1970, edition of the I … (read more)

Fifty years ago this week Addison County was preparing for a long weekend full of entertainment with the opening of not only the annual county fair, but also Brandon’s Festival Days and an air show organized by the Middlebury Rotary Club. Here are some of … (read more)

With summer weather at its height and many people with more time on their hands out on the roads 50 years ago this week, Addison County saw a substantial number of car crashes. In just one week, eight crashes in Addison, Ferrisburgh, Middlebury, New Haven … (read more)

Recent crimes were in the top news 50 years ago this week as a session of Addison District Court was just getting underway. Here are some of the other top stories that appeared in the July 23, 1970, edition of the Independent: •  Burglars used a blowtorch … (read more)

Recent history seemed to be repeating itself 50 years ago this week, when a fire broke out in Bridport exactly one week after a serious blaze struck downtown Middlebury. This week’s fire was much harder on animals than the fire a week ealier. Here are som … (read more)

While this past Saturday’s Independence Day celebrations were subdued due to the ongoing pandemic, Addison County’s Fourth of July 50 years ago was made considerably more exciting when a serious fire broke out in downtown Middlebury. Here are some of the … (read more)

Addison County residents were gearing up for Independence Day celebrations 50 years ago this week. Here are some of the top stories that appeared in the July 2, 1970 edition of the Independent: •  New Haven Mills Church, built in 1797 but inactive, was sl … (read more)

The arrival of summer in Addison County 50 years ago was marked by a flurry of summer weddings — eight alone in one week. Here are some of the top stories that appeared in the June 25, 1970, edition of the Independent: •  Eight-month-old Heidi Shackett of … (read more)

As high school seniors all over Addison County celebrated graduation, young people filled the headlines 50 years ago this week. Here are some of the top stories that appeared in the June 18, 1970, edition of the Independent: •  Fourteen-year-old Donna Mar … (read more)

There were lots of numbers in the news 50 years ago. Here are some of the top stories that appeared in the June 11, 1970, edition of the Independent: • The 1970 census report showed Addison County had a population of 24,001 people. Of all the towns, Middl … (read more)

ADDISON COUNTY — June began quietly in Addison County 50 years ago this week with the local newspaper brimming with stories that look similar to life today but also different. Here are some of the top stories that appeared in the June 4, 1970, edition of … (read more)

Free from the constraints of social distancing, Addison County 50 years ago this week prepared to celebrate Memorial Day on Saturday, May 30, with the usual speeches, parades and wreath-laying ceremonies. Back then Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30 re … (read more)