A traveling man who was in town yesterday said that he found the sidewalks here worse than in any of the other cities he had visited. “Why, you don’t clear the snow off the sidewalks here! You just get a path through and let it go at that.” He said that there seemed to be more snow in Lewiston than in Bangor, where he had just come from. In Bangor the sidewalks were cleared off, as they were in other Maine and Massachusetts cities he had visited this year.

50 years ago, 1959

Paul Nolin, Lewiston jeweler, will speak to members of the Art and Literature Club on the history of diamonds at the coming meeting to be held at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 23 at the home of Miss Marion Parker, 23 Dexter Ave., Auburn, To illustrate his talk, Mr. Nolin will show a film taken at the diamond mines in South Africa. Various methods of mining will be explained as well as how to choose a diamond and the value of certain stones.

25 years ago, 1984

The Auburn Parks and Recreation Department offers sledding, foul-shooting contests, a trip to the Ice Capades and more during “February Vacation Fun Fest” this week as youngsters take a rest from school.

Though the winter may remain uncooperative, a family snow sculpture contest is planned, and the prize is a meal from the contest sponsor, George’s Pizza of Center Street. Trophies will also be awarded for the top three sculptures.

A family ice skating session is scheduled from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Pettingill rink.

The department is also offering a trip to the Ice Capades show at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland Thursday.