1931

 The writer would like to convey to the people who will take our places 25 or 50 years from now, some of the habits, customs, thoughts and pleasures of the average person living in Bethel in 1931, so that you who may read this in 1956 or 1981 may compare your lot with ours.

About everyone has an automobile of some kind, which will travel over our roads safely at the rate of 45 miles per hour. The majority of these cars cost approximately $600 new, and 70% of the cars one sees are in this class, about 60% being purchased on the installment plan.

Our main thoroughfares are mostly of tarvia with stretches here and there of cement and macadam. Without doubt you in 1956 will have cement roads, or something even better.

About everyone has a radio, this being invented only about eight years ago and every day becoming more active as a source of pleasure and interest. Recently we have heard a great deal of television, but as yet it has not been placed on the market.

We have two airplanes in Bethel. Many of us have been up, but there are still some who cannot be induced to fly. It is now possible, and has been accomplished several times, for flyers to fly to almost any section of the world. There are established air routes between every important city. One wonderful record has just been made by two American aviators, who flew around the world in less than ten days.

Talking pictures afford a great deal of pleasure, these being improved upon every day. Very fine productions and talent have been given the public at very reasonable prices, hence their immense popularity.

Rents in Bethel are from $12 to $25 per month.  Groceries are the lowest they have been in 20 years. Wages are from $3.00 to $3.50 per day for the ordinary workman.

For the past year and a half, we have been passing through the greatest depression of all times, and extending throughout the entire world. If, however, History repeats itself, conditions will be better before long.

We look back 50 years and see many changes that have taken place during those times and these, and try to imagine what the future holds for you. What changes and improvements you will be subject to, we can only guess. Nevertheless, please remember that with the things mentioned above, short skirts and prohibition? Our lot could be worse.

Our last word to you is that we hope you, of 1981, will find life as good if not better, than we of 1931.

 

 

 

The Bethel Journals

Message from 1931 –by George Thompson

Chapter 1—Page 3 The Oxford County Citizen, Special Edition, August 3, 1931

 

In 1931,  George N. Thompson was superintendent of the N.S. Stowell & Co Spool and Dowel Mill in Bethel

The Thompson home on Church Street now part of the Gould Academy campus.

Both photographs were taken by Frank A. Goddard, Goddard Studio, Bethel, as were most of the photographs in this publication.

George N. Thompson was born in Dixfield, Maine October 18, 1880 the son of John N. and Ida (Waite) Thompson. He was educated in Dixfield schools and supplemented by a course at Portland Business College. He married Miss Grace Decker of Dixfield.

He began work in the mills at Dixfield and has continued in business since.  For six years he was in charge of the mills for N.S. Stowell in New Portland and Andover and spent two years in developing the same interests in Finland.

In 1924 Mr. Thompson came to Bethel as the resident superintendent of the N.S. Stowell & Co. mill here.  Mr. and Mrs. Thompson built the cottage bungalow on Church Street where they now reside. They did much to beautify their lawns and gardens.