Looking Backward

The north

10 years ago

Oct. 31, 1999:Residents of Carthage and West Carthage will meet to discuss findings of a study on consolidation. The study looks at the feasibility of joining the villages' boards of trustees, fire departments, public works departments and law enforcement departments.

25 years ago

Oct. 31, 1984:Gov. Mario M. Cuomo said that negotiations on the $400 million expansion of the St. Regis Paper Mill in Deferiet may soon reach a successful conclusion. Gov. Cuomo said he has met with officials of St. Regis Paper in New York City, and talks are continuing now that the firm has merged with Champion Products.

50 years ago

Oct. 31, 1959:The new industrial building on outer Bradley Street, now nearing completion, will be officially turned over to the American Process Corp. by the Jefferson County Chambers of Commerce Nov. 10. The American Process Corp. is the county's new industry in the manufacture of fractional horsepower motors.

75 years ago

Oct. 31, 1934:The state Temporary Emergency Relief Administration issued a report that shows that from September 1933 to September 1934, more than $395,000 has been spent in Jefferson County for work relief wages on local projects. Many were urgently needed but could not have been done without the partial reimbursement by the Temporary Emergency Relief Administration.

100 years ago

Oct. 31, 1909:The Masonic Temple in Gouverneur is today blackened by smoke, and the basement is ruined by fire, the result of a blaze that did about $15,000 in damage.

125 years ago

Oct. 31, 1884:The Republicans of the 1st Ward are preparing to get out a mammoth lantern brigade for Saturday night. Republicans from other wards are invited to march with them. Colored globes will be furnished all having lanterns.

The world

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Today is Saturday, Oct. 31,the 304th day of 2009. There are 61 days left in the year. This is Halloween. A reminder: Daylight-saving time ends Sunday at 2 a.m. local time. Clocks go back one hour.

Today's Highlight in History:

On Oct. 31, 1517, Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the door of the Wittenberg Palace church, marking the start of the Protestant Reformation in Germany.

Thought for Today:"There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them." — Andre Gide, French author and critic (1869-1951).