Tomorrow we will have entered the New Year of 1977.

Once again, let us look back to about the turn of the century and observe a square that has changed drastically from that time.

A few weeks ago I wrote about the Hayes Hotel and its tragic fire, which resulted in the final chapter of that fine old building. And as I write this article, I cannot help but think of the many changes that have taken place around Depot Square.

Of course, it all started on April 19, 1894 when the original Damon Block was totally destroyed by fire. It was a two-story building.

Later a new Damon Building was erected which was much larger and had three stories and a hall on the third floor. At one time this building was considered the most beautiful one in town.

In 1946 this building was damaged by fire, so much so that the third floor had to be removed and it is once again a two-story structure.

Across the street, the railway station has been taken down. The old baggage building was moved to Lords Square to the yard of John Sweeney. The water tank is no more and the American Express Building is gone. A modern block now occupies this space.

On the opposite side, the International House was moved up on Central Street and today houses the House of Hinlin studio. The diner has passed from the scene. Even the two crossing tenders' shanties and the railway gates are different.

Remember the little white building over on the northern corner of the square? Many a haircut I have received here when Jodoin's Barber Shop was there.

Hardly a building is left to identify the square of long ago. There is one thing that hasn't changed. Depot Square was and still is the wettest place in town. There were always bars there and probably always will be.

—HAROLD D. BOWEN