75 years ago, 1941

In London, U.S. Army Brig. Gen. G.M. Barnes was quoted as saying that the British and Americans were producing a secret weapon that would prove “a great surprise” to the Germans. He did not hint at what type the weapon was.

The Town Hall Theatre in Wilton was showing “Reap the Wild Wind” with Ray Milland, Paulette Goddard, and John Wayne.

Milford’s night officer, Robert Courage, and William McBain of the state police brought to a gun-shooting finish one of the wildest automobile rides in the history of local police, nabbing the speed demon, Waltger E. Gilbert, 24, of Somerville, and freeing his terror-stricken companion, Miss Grace Alexander of Somerville. The chase started in Massachusetts when Gilbert allegedly stole a car and drove at speeds up to 85 mph into New Hampshire. It ended in Pine Valley when Courage fired three shots as the police vehicle drew near the stolen car. Gilbert stopped in the middle of the road and offered no resistance. He was given a 30-day jail sentence.

A Navy recruiting station was established at the Ricciardi-Hartshorn American Legion Post in Milford.

——

55 years ago, 1962

The Wilton High School boys’ soccer team was to play New London in the state finals after going undefeated in the regular season and the opening tournament games.

Milford closed its stores on Veterans Day, but stores in nearby towns and cities were open. One local businessman told The Cabinet, “It’s hard for me to see how it helps the community for me to give my help the day off so they can do their shopping in Manchester and Nashua.”

The Rev. Paul D. Tillermann, pastor of the Second Congregational Church of Wilton, resigned to take a pastorate in Toronto, Canada.

Amherst was trying to decide whether to continue its tuition agreement with Milford or form a school with Bedford.

Spike Tilden and Roberta Milligan were starring in the Milford High School senior class production of “Our Town” by Thornton Wilder.

——

30 years ago, 1987

The Souhegan Wood Products plant in Wilton was destroyed by a smoky fire but Betsy Dunn, an owner of the company, said the plant would be back in full operation within a week at rented space at the former Abbott Machine Co. building.

Democratic presidential hopefuls Michael Dukakis, Al Gore, and Bruce Babbitt held a joint session at New England College, answering questions from the audience.

Amherst Town Library board of trustees’ Chairman John Moorhouse discussed the library’s proposed budget of $197,994, a 30 percent increse over the previous year, with selectmen, saying most of the hike resulted from a new wage scale.

Milford hunter James E. Cahaly bagged a 203-pound trophy buck in Brookline on the first day of the hunting season.

——

20 years ago, 1997

Bill Cosby was to appear in concert for two shows at the Lowell Memorial Auditorium. His appearance was sponsored by Nashua’s Rivier College.

“It Had to be Done So I Did It,” the story of rural New Hampshire women at work between 1900 and 1980, was coming to the Milford Town Hall Auditorium in a performance sponsored by the town’s historical society and the Wadleigh Memorial Library.

Bob Courage was preparing to retire as head of Milford’s Department of Public Works. He began with the department as a laborer in 1954.

Mont Vernon turned down a request to shorten a review process and allow US Cellular to build three temporary communications antennae on top of the town’s fire station as the company continued to negotiate for space on the Congregtional Church.