100 years ago, 1912
A large crowd attended the annual fool’s carnival which was held in Auburn Hall Monday night. Folks were rigged out in all sorts of colors and cuts of clothes, imitating all nationalities and occupations. Prizes were offered for the best costume. Forrest Dawes, in his garb of the prince, won the gentleman’s prize of a drinking cup. The most striking gown of the whole affair won the women’s prize of an ebony-backed hand mirror for Miss Germaine Fournier. It was a red harem skirt with green trim that struck the eye of the observer like the headlight of the Mechanic Falls car. It was blinding.

50 years ago, 1962
A possible explanation for the mysterious “balls of fire” seen in the sky over Lewiston last night was offered by the head of the Physics Department at Bates College. Prof. Karl Woodcock, who is also an instructor in astronomy, quickly discounted any Martian phenomenon, saying they were frost “fireballs” most probably caused by the reflections of lights of the city on particles of moisture or frost in the air.

25 years ago, 1987
The Androscoggin River is expected to cause extensive flooding in the Twin Cities when it crests Wednesday afternoon. A Bureau of Civil Emergency Preparedness employee said the river could crest nearly 22 feet above its normal level and emergency personnel were being called in to deal with possible heavy damage in low-lying areas.