Regular readers of this column know that over the past 33 years I have been employed by the City of Attleboro Water Department as a state-certified plant operator at the Russell F. Tennant Water Treatment Facility and the old Pumping Station prior to construction of that current plant.

Having said that, I may only hope you'll grant me the minor indulgence of recalling the item below which I came upon while researching editions of past Attleboro Suns, this particular report being from January of 1958.

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Dissatisfaction with a report of City Solicitor Franklin McKay on the settlement of claims in the land taking for the Luther Dam and Manchester Pond reservoir areas was expressed in the City Council last night by Councillors Arthur Hinds and Harold Bellavance. Mr. Hind said that the attempt at secrecy was "Iron Curtain tactics" that belong on the other side of the ocean, and added that he has obtained some of the figures on settlements and is continuing inquiries.

Mr. Bellavance, who moved the request at the Dec.18 meeting, that the solicitor bring in a report, said that the reply was not satisfactory, and that the general public is entitled to know since it is official city business. The report, which came belatedly to the council, was referred to the Claims Committee on the motion of Chairman Earl Baumgartel.

The mayor...had noted he was transmitting a communication from the city solicitor, but City Clerk Blandin said there was no report accompanying the mayor's letter. Then, after other business had been taken up, Mr. McKay came in and handed his letter to the city clerk. It was read following a recess.

The solicitor said there had been 16 claims against the city on land taking in the Luther Dam area and 10 in the Manchester Pond area. Nine of the claims in the Oldtown area have been completely settled and six are in the process of settlement, Mr. McKay reported, adding that one may go to court.

There is a wide difference on claim and offer in the one case that does not seem likely to reach early settlement, the solicitor indicated. In the Manchester Pond area, six of the 10 claims have been settled and four are in the final stages toward settlement, but one or two may have to be tried in court.

Councilor Bellavance said that he believes the people involved in the claims know what is going on but the public is being kept in the dark on the expenditures of city funds. "I don't think that withholding it, or giving out the information will make any difference," Mr. Bellavance said.

Chairman Lawrence Fitton of the water supply committee said he believed it would be better for the council to go along with the solicitor on some cases. This brought Mr. Hinds up with his" Iron Curtain" statement.

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In that same edition from 1958, my eye was captured by a couple of items from the same page on which the story above appeared.

One was an advertisement for an attraction which I had the good fortune to see on several occasions during my boyhood. The ad read "It's the B I G show: The Greatest Show on Ice" Jan. 14 -Jan. 23 Rhode Island Premiere. Reserved Seats: $2., $2.50, $3 and $3.50. Tickets now on sale at Fox's Sporting Goods, the Gob Shop in Attleboro, and also Gob Shop of North Attleboro.

Oh, and in other "minor news" reported on that January day, "Rock n' Roller Reports for Army Physical." Elvis Presley reported that day for a preinduction physical examination. Lt. Sy Silin said it would probably be six months to a year before Presley, 22, would be called upon if he passes the examination.

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It's saddening to have to say it, but lately it seems that so many family and friends are being diagnosed with, or are already battling cancers of one kind or another, that all I can think of in response is to wish and/or pray that the Merciful Father take you firmly by the hand and lead you either to health and full recovery or to blessed deliverance from trials and pain within his embrace. Courage and strength to all of you...

So, let's be good to one another out there and try to do someone a good turn daily. Please try to remember and do what you can for your brothers and sisters who are suffering; try to help the hungry and the homeless around us. Every face you pass is fighting a battle of some kind. Peace...

TOM McAVOY of Attleboro is a community columnist. His column is available online with expanded material at www.thesunchronicle.com/vip/nostalgia.