This Week in Concord History: Massive Flooding; Library Raises Overdue Rates

Each week, Concord Patch is hitting the history books and microfilm at in search of interesting and amusing tidbits that offer some insight into what was happening on this week in local history.

Here’s a look at what happened in Concord between March 13 and 19, as originally reported by the Concord Journal.

75 Years Ago…

• A massive flood soaked local businesses, closed major roads and left firemen on standby. Residents at the time called the flood the worst in town since 1886.
• The Concord Legion Band played at the Boston Garden during a Bruins win against the Chicago Blackhawks.

50 Years Ago…

• Herbert P. Wilkins was named chairman of the Board of Selectmen, while John B. Finigan was named clerk.
• hosted an educational fair, examining the fields of science, mathematics, chemistry, physics and biology.
• The raised its rates for overdue books from two cents a day to five.

25 Years Ago…

• Monument Street resident John Boynton signed an agreement to purchase the former railroad depot in West Concord. News of Boynton’s agreement prompted Concord residents to urge town officials to purchase the station themselves.
• Officials considered police proposals to place restrictions on liquor licenses in town, including outlawing after-hours drinking by employees at restaurants.