June 1975
Stepping forward as possible new owners of the abandoned Civil Defense Building were the proprietors of the Windsor Coach and Carriage Company, which was in the business of building, repairing, and restoring horse-drawn carriages and wagons.
A promoter specializing in shopping centers took on responsibility for attracting tenants to the new shopping center on Ayer Road. The manager of a chain of local grocery stores told the promoter that his company had decided against coming into Harvard, because its market surveys had shown the area could not support a supermarket.
An editorial opined: “The controversy over development in Harvard—how much, what kind, how fast—is one that seems to flare up and die down again with dismaying regularity.”
Selectmen voted to reactivate Harvard’s historic militia company, the Harvard Garrison. The unit was formed to honor the revolutionaries of two centuries earlier, and for researching typical Colonial military costumes, accessories, and drills, as well as providing assistance in obtaining authentic uniforms. Men age 16 and older were invited to the organization meeting.
June 1984
As the Finance Committee made its recommendation on 16 warrant articles to be presented at a Special Town Meeting, a FinCom member said, “We are burning cash faster than it’s coming in … it’s time to slow down this wild spending.”
On the STM warrant was an article calling for a new committee to study housing for the elderly.
D.M. Watt and Sons Dairy of Still River announced it would be closing its pasteurizing plant July 1, and instead of retailing its milk would be selling it wholesale to a pasteurizer.
June 1994
A headline announced: “Planning consultants hired by selectmen and the Land Bank at Devens [MassDevelopment] give in: there will be housing on Devens.”
Selectmen lauded the formation of a townwide committee whose purpose was to “figure out how to curb the drug problem at the schools.” They also reaffirmed their support for the police chief’s position that parents serving or condoning large-scale drinking at teenage parties would be liable for arrest and prosecution.
The Board of Selectmen gave consideration to quitting the Joint Boards of Selectmen and breaking with the Devens Land Bank.
