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★ DERRY COMMUNITY ONLINE ★
"Serving Derry Residents Since 1993"
Derry, Maine • Penobscot County • Pop. 34,109
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it was sleeping in 1993 it was sleeping and gathering strength
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Derry News Archive
Calendar Year 1993 — In Reverse Chronological Order
Compiled and maintained by Michael Hanlon, Head Librarian, Derry Public Library
The year 1993 was, by most measures, a quiet and prosperous one for our town. School enrollment rose, the library expansion was approved by referendum, and the Derry Community Online site itself launched in November as part of the town's modernization initiative. Headlines from this year are presented in reverse chronological order, most recent first.
Note for researchers: This archive is presented as a baseline against which the events of subsequent years may be compared. Readers who go on to examine the 1994 archive may find the contrast illuminating.
— M. Hanlon, October 1994
Other archives: Derry News 1994 • 1985 [restricted] • 1958 [restricted] • 1929-30 [restricted]
December 1993
DERRY NEWS — DECEMBER 15, 1993 — FRONT PAGE
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
DRAWS RECORD CROWD
DRAWS RECORD CROWD
An estimated 1,200 residents gathered in the Derry Town
Common on Saturday evening for the annual Holiday Tree Lighting ceremony.
The 32-foot blue spruce, donated by the Pickering family of Outer Witcham
Street, was illuminated at 5:30 PM by Mayor Keene to applause and
cheering.
Hot cocoa was served by the Derry Lions Club, and the Derry High School chorus performed traditional carols. "Tonight, we are reminded of what makes Derry a community," the Mayor told the assembled crowd. The event concluded at approximately 7:00 PM with the singing of "Silent Night."
Hot cocoa was served by the Derry Lions Club, and the Derry High School chorus performed traditional carols. "Tonight, we are reminded of what makes Derry a community," the Mayor told the assembled crowd. The event concluded at approximately 7:00 PM with the singing of "Silent Night."
November 1993
DERRY NEWS — NOVEMBER 20, 1993 — SECTION B
DERRY COMMUNITY ONLINE
LAUNCHES ON WORLD WIDE WEB
LAUNCHES ON WORLD WIDE WEB
The Town of Derry has officially launched its own presence on the
"Information Superhighway," joining a small but growing number of Maine
municipalities with websites on the World Wide Web. The site,
accessible at derry.me.us, includes town hall information, a
bulletin board, a directory of local businesses, and a guestbook.
"This is the future of community communication," said Mayor Keene at a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Town Hall. "Residents will now have 24-hour access to town services. We are proud to be among the first." The site is maintained by the Derry Information Technology Department.
"This is the future of community communication," said Mayor Keene at a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Town Hall. "Residents will now have 24-hour access to town services. We are proud to be among the first." The site is maintained by the Derry Information Technology Department.
DERRY NEWS — NOVEMBER 5, 1993 — SECTION C
DHS TIGERS WIN STATE
QUARTERFINAL OVER LEWISTON
QUARTERFINAL OVER LEWISTON
The Derry High School Tigers defeated the Lewiston Blue Devils
27-14 on a chilly Saturday afternoon at Tigers Field,
advancing to the Class B state semifinals for the first time since 1988.
Senior quarterback Brian Hassard threw for 198 yards and three
touchdowns.
The Tigers next face the Brunswick Dragons on Saturday, November 13th, at a neutral site in Augusta. "These boys deserve this," said head coach M. Donnelly. "They've worked hard all year."
The Tigers next face the Brunswick Dragons on Saturday, November 13th, at a neutral site in Augusta. "These boys deserve this," said head coach M. Donnelly. "They've worked hard all year."
October 1993
DERRY NEWS — OCTOBER 31, 1993 — SECTION A
HALLOWEEN FESTIVITIES A SUCCESS;
NO INCIDENTS REPORTED
NO INCIDENTS REPORTED
Trick-or-treating across Derry proceeded without incident Sunday evening,
according to the Derry Police Department. An estimated 900 children
participated, with the highest concentrations of activity reported in the
West Broadway, Witcham Street, and Kansas Street neighborhoods.
"It was the way Halloween should be," said Officer M. Nell. "Kids in costume, candy, smiling parents. Nothing more, nothing less." The Derry Lions Club operated a candy donation drive at the Civic Center for families unable to purchase treats; an estimated 200 pounds of candy was distributed.
"It was the way Halloween should be," said Officer M. Nell. "Kids in costume, candy, smiling parents. Nothing more, nothing less." The Derry Lions Club operated a candy donation drive at the Civic Center for families unable to purchase treats; an estimated 200 pounds of candy was distributed.
DERRY NEWS — OCTOBER 12, 1993 — SECTION B
HISTORICAL SOCIETY HOSTS
"DERRY IN 100 PHOTOGRAPHS"
EXHIBIT AT LIBRARY
"DERRY IN 100 PHOTOGRAPHS"
EXHIBIT AT LIBRARY
The Derry Historical Society, in cooperation with the Derry Public
Library, has opened a public exhibit titled
"Derry in 100 Photographs" in the library's main reading room.
The exhibit features images from the town's collection dating to 1872 and
runs through November 30th. Admission is free.
Mr. Michael Hanlon, who curated the exhibit, said: "There are photographs in this collection that have not been displayed publicly for over fifty years. They tell the story of who we have been — and, perhaps, who we still are."
Mr. Michael Hanlon, who curated the exhibit, said: "There are photographs in this collection that have not been displayed publicly for over fifty years. They tell the story of who we have been — and, perhaps, who we still are."
September 1993
DERRY NEWS — SEPTEMBER 1, 1993 — FRONT PAGE
SCHOOL YEAR BEGINS;
ENROLLMENT UP 3%
ENROLLMENT UP 3%
Classes resumed Tuesday across the Derry School District, with total
enrollment up approximately 3% over the previous year.
Superintendent Dr. Harold Gardener attributed the increase to "steady
growth in our community and continued confidence in our schools."
New this year: an expanded music program at Derry Elementary, a renovated science wing at Derry High School, and three new teaching positions district-wide. The school district employs 142 faculty and staff.
New this year: an expanded music program at Derry Elementary, a renovated science wing at Derry High School, and three new teaching positions district-wide. The school district employs 142 faculty and staff.
August 1993
DERRY NEWS — AUGUST 10, 1993 — SECTION A
STRANGE LIGHTS REPORTED OVER HAVEN,
30 MILES NORTH OF DERRY
30 MILES NORTH OF DERRY
Residents of Haven, a small town approximately 30 miles
north of Derry, have reported seeing a "greenish glow" over the
forested area north of the village center for several consecutive nights.
Maine State Police are investigating.
"It's not the northern lights," said Haven resident Ev Hillman, 59. "I've lived here all my life. I know what the lights look like. This is different. This is something in the woods." Several localized power outages have also been reported, along with what Haven's volunteer fire chief described as "unusual radio interference." The state police have asked Haven residents to remain calm and to report any further unusual activity to authorities.
"It's not the northern lights," said Haven resident Ev Hillman, 59. "I've lived here all my life. I know what the lights look like. This is different. This is something in the woods." Several localized power outages have also been reported, along with what Haven's volunteer fire chief described as "unusual radio interference." The state police have asked Haven residents to remain calm and to report any further unusual activity to authorities.
DERRY NEWS — AUGUST 28, 1993 — SECTION C
DERRY GARDEN CLUB ANNUAL
FLOWER SHOW DRAWS 400+
FLOWER SHOW DRAWS 400+
The 47th annual Derry Garden Club Flower Show concluded Sunday afternoon
at the Derry Civic Center with awards presented in 23 categories. The
"Best in Show" ribbon was awarded to Mrs. Eleanor Bouchard for her
arrangement of late-summer asters and goldenrod entitled "Penobscot Dawn."
Garden Club president Mrs. L. Chasse thanked the volunteers, judges, and the 412 attendees who made the event possible.
Garden Club president Mrs. L. Chasse thanked the volunteers, judges, and the 412 attendees who made the event possible.
July 1993
DERRY NEWS — JULY 5, 1993 — FRONT PAGE
INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION
AT BASSEY PARK
AT BASSEY PARK
The annual Derry Independence Day Picnic at Bassey Park drew an estimated
1,500 residents for an afternoon of food, games, and
fireworks. The 6:00 PM parade down Main Street featured the Derry High
School marching band, the VFW Post 158 honor guard, and a contingent of
Boy Scout Troop 17.
Mayor Keene presented the annual Derry Citizen of the Year award to Mrs. Dorothy Fournier, town clerk for the past 22 years. Fireworks over the Kenduskeag concluded the evening's events. "A perfect Derry summer night," said Mrs. Albright of Witcham Street.
Mayor Keene presented the annual Derry Citizen of the Year award to Mrs. Dorothy Fournier, town clerk for the past 22 years. Fireworks over the Kenduskeag concluded the evening's events. "A perfect Derry summer night," said Mrs. Albright of Witcham Street.
June 1993
DERRY NEWS — JUNE 15, 1993 — SECTION A
LIBRARY EXPANSION PROJECT
APPROVED BY REFERENDUM
APPROVED BY REFERENDUM
Derry voters approved a $425,000 bond issue Tuesday for
the expansion of the Derry Public Library, by a margin of 1,847 to 612.
The funds will be used to construct a new children's reading room, expand
the periodical archives, and upgrade the building's heating and electrical
systems.
"This is a gift to our children and to the children of generations to come," said Head Librarian Michael Hanlon. "I am deeply grateful." Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 1994.
"This is a gift to our children and to the children of generations to come," said Head Librarian Michael Hanlon. "I am deeply grateful." Construction is anticipated to begin in spring 1994.
May 1993
DERRY NEWS — MAY 1, 1993 — FRONT PAGE
DERRY WINS "CLEANEST SMALL TOWN"
AWARD FROM STATE
AWARD FROM STATE
The State of Maine has named Derry the recipient of the
1993 "Cleanest Small Town" award in the category of municipalities under
40,000 residents. The award, presented annually by the Maine Department
of Environmental Protection, recognizes excellence in waste management,
public sanitation, and visible community cleanliness.
Mayor Keene accepted the award at a ceremony in Augusta on Friday. "Derry is a town of pride," the Mayor said. "Our residents take care of our streets, our parks, and our homes. This award belongs to every one of them."
Mayor Keene accepted the award at a ceremony in Augusta on Friday. "Derry is a town of pride," the Mayor said. "Our residents take care of our streets, our parks, and our homes. This award belongs to every one of them."
April 1993
DERRY NEWS — APRIL 22, 1993 — SECTION B
EARTH DAY VOLUNTEERS
CLEAN KENDUSKEAG STREAM BANKS
CLEAN KENDUSKEAG STREAM BANKS
Approximately 180 volunteers gathered along the
Kenduskeag Stream on Saturday for the annual Earth Day cleanup. By the
end of the day, organizers reported the removal of more than
40 bags of refuse from the stream banks between Memorial
Park and the Canal District. The Bassey Park Rangers organized the event.
Volunteers were rewarded with free pizza and lemonade donated by Sal's Pizzeria of Main Street.
Volunteers were rewarded with free pizza and lemonade donated by Sal's Pizzeria of Main Street.
March 1993
DERRY NEWS — MARCH 20, 1993 — SECTION B
DPW BEGINS STORM DRAIN
INSPECTION PROGRAM
INSPECTION PROGRAM
The Derry Department of Public Works has begun a multi-year program to
inspect and document the town's extensive storm drain and underground
tunnel system. DPW Superintendent Richard Macklin, appointed in 1992,
said the program is part of a broader infrastructure modernization
effort funded under the town's 1993 capital improvement budget.
"Derry has one of the most extensive storm drain systems of any city its size in New England," Mr. Macklin said. "We owe it to our residents to understand it fully and to ensure it is properly maintained."
"Derry has one of the most extensive storm drain systems of any city its size in New England," Mr. Macklin said. "We owe it to our residents to understand it fully and to ensure it is properly maintained."
February 1993
DERRY NEWS — FEBRUARY 1, 1993 — FRONT PAGE
RECORD SNOWFALL;
SCHOOLS CLOSED 3 DAYS
SCHOOLS CLOSED 3 DAYS
A weekend nor'easter dumped 27 inches of snow on Derry,
setting a new record for the month of January (previously 24 inches set
in 1978). Derry Public Schools were closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday;
classes resumed Thursday. DPW snowplow crews worked through the night to
clear Main Street and emergency routes by Monday morning.
No major incidents were reported. Officer M. Nell of the DPD asked residents to "be neighborly — check on your elderly neighbors."
No major incidents were reported. Officer M. Nell of the DPD asked residents to "be neighborly — check on your elderly neighbors."
January 1993
DERRY NEWS — JANUARY 10, 1993 — FRONT PAGE
TOWN POPULATION GROWS
TO 34,109 PER CENSUS ESTIMATE
TO 34,109 PER CENSUS ESTIMATE
The U.S. Census Bureau has released revised population estimates for
Maine municipalities. According to the new figures, Derry's population
has grown by approximately 1,200 residents since the
1990 census, to a current total of 34,109. The growth
rate places Derry among the fastest-growing small cities in northern
Maine.
Mayor Keene called the figures "a vote of confidence in our community." Town Planner Mrs. Albright noted that the growth has been concentrated in the West Broadway and Outer Witcham Street residential areas.
Mayor Keene called the figures "a vote of confidence in our community." Town Planner Mrs. Albright noted that the growth has been concentrated in the West Broadway and Outer Witcham Street residential areas.
1993 was a good year for Derry. I include this archive not for what it contains, but for what it does not. Read it carefully, then read the 1994 archive. The change is not gradual. The change is a switch being thrown.
— M. Hanlon, October 1994
Next Year (1994) » • Historical Society • Library • Home
haven was the warm up the green lights were the warm up
one year of quiet one year of holding its breath one year of waiting
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© 1993-1994 Derry Community Online • Derry, Maine 04401A service of the Derry Town Clerk's Office & Information Technology Dept.
Page last updated: October 14, 1994
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All incidents of missing persons should be reported to the Derry Police Department at (207) 555-0191.
a quiet year a quiet year while the door was opening underneath
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