Shown here in his horse-drawn carriage on Congress Street in 1884 is J. Warren Nye, undertaker for Wood & Nye, 24 Exchange St.

The following article, originally printed in the Milford Gazette on Sept. 1, 1890, details a reporter's account of a man charged with sex crimes against children, and includes the opinion that "such rascality cannot be too severely punished." A CONTEMPTIBLE CRIME. Charles Boone, a night watchman at the New York & New England station, unmarried and about 40 years of age, has been amusing himself of late through the day by enticing girls of from 6 to 10 years into his house with promises of candy and money, and taking improper liberties with them, while various rumors are afloat as to his …

The following article, originally printed in the Milford Daily News on Feb. 12, 1906, is an amusing recap of a court appearance by a "quintet of drunks."  The story is copied here from Robin Philbin's files. Quintet of Drunks Got Court Medicine Today Five individuals, accused by the officers with having too freely sipped at the flowing bowl, Saturday and Sunday, were lined before Judge Dewey this morning to take their medicine as his honor should dictate, after consideration of the circumstances attending each “jag.” Michael A. Sheehan, obviously the worst offender, got a sentence of three …

Last month, we showed you this picture of the impact of the July 1938 floods on downtown. This picture, taken around the same time, shows the Beach Street railroad crossing. The tracks were washed out by the rainstorms.

Until this week, our "From the Files of Robin Philbin" column has consisted exclusively of old photos that are part of the Milford history collector's extensive collection. Today, we're finally getting to share with you some of the print goodies he has tucked away on floppy discs and other data storage devices. The following article, originally printed in the Milford Daily News on Feb. 21, 1940, details selectmen's decision to grant a raise to members of the Police Department. The story is copied here from Philbin's files. ELEVEN PATROLMEN GRANTED 10 PER CENT PAY INCREASE; CHIEF GETS …

All it takes is a look back in time to gain the perspective that sometimes, the grass isn't always greener. (An aside: remember when we could see grass? Sigh.) This winter hasn't given us a break, and there's even more snow on the way, but at least the town isn't flooded, right? This photo shows flooding at the railroad crossing on lower Main Street after the rainstorms of July 1938.

What looks more unusual about this photo: the fact that it was taken almost four decades ago, or the fact that there's no snow on the ground and the officer isn't wearing a jacket? This photo, which Milford history buff and collector Robin Philbin has let us share with you, was taken in August 1972. It shows Patrolman Carlos doCurral operating the traffic control box at Exchange and Main streets.

In this 1948 photo, taken at Lincoln Square, John F. Kennedy is shown campaigning for Congress in Milford. Pictured from left to right are John Crowley, W. Emil Moore, Michael Visconti, John F. Kennedy, William Murray and John F.X. Davoren.