Looking Back

100 Years Ago, 1906

It’s a more serious matter than many suppose to take a swim in the stream known as the Lake Auburn outlet where it runs through the village of East Auburn. It has been found by City Marshal Rowe that technically, the stream between the dam and the Lake proper is really a part of the Lake or Wilson Pond as it is also known. There is a fine of $50 for anyone caught swimming in the Lake and this will cover the stream as well.

Last Sunday the Marshal was led a merry chase by some young chaps who were sporting in the water and making their presence objectionable. The police intend to put a stop to the nuisance and now feels that they have plenty of law to back them. It is a particular thing but one East Auburn man who made the complaint against the boys swimming in the stream was seen taking a bath there himself yesterday.

50 Years Ago, 1956

President Eisenhower is here. Almost his entire Cabinet is here. And maybe most important of all, Irving B. Kahn is here.

The electronic truth is, if Irving B. Kahn falters, the Republican National Convention literally will be speechless. And the same was true for the Democrats in their convention last week.

For Kahn is president of teleprompter Corp., and whereas most people must wait patiently to see bigwig politicians during hectic times like these, Kahn illustrates and brings up to date an old aphorism. It now reads:

If you build a better teleprompter, the whole world, including the President’s Cabinet, will beat a path to your door.

25 Years Ago, 1981

It looks better and smells better. There is fish and plant life in it. But the Little Androscoggin River, which meanders its way, south through Paris, Norway, Oxford, Mechanic Falls and Minot into Auburn, is still considered one of the most unhealthy rivers in the state of Maine. It had a greater distinction at one time, being one of the nation’s most polluted rivers.