1. In 1959, there was a severe earthquake that affected Maine and several other states in the Northeast. The earthquake registered as a 6.0 on the Richter scale and was centered near the town of Bath. It caused damage to buildings and roads, but fortunately, no one was killed.

2. On August 31, 1924, the 66th annual Maine State Fair opened in Lewiston, Maine. The fair has been held annually since 1911 and continues to draw crowds from all over the state. It is known for its agricultural exhibits, carnival rides, and unique food vendors.

3. In 1877, the Portland Observatory was opened to the public for the first time on August 31st. The Observatory is a 72-foot-tall tower that offers views of downtown Portland and the surrounding area. It was originally used to help ships navigate into Portland Harbor.

4. On August 31, 1949, Maine passed a law that allowed women to serve on juries for the first time. This was a major milestone for women's rights in the state and paved the way for greater participation in the legal system.

5. In 2020, the town of Biddeford, Maine celebrated its 30th anniversary as a "sister city" with the Japanese city of Nishiwaki. This partnership was formed in 1990 and has brought cultural exchanges, student visits, and economic opportunities to both communities. August 31st was designated as "Nishiwaki Day" by the Biddeford City Council in honor of the anniversary.