100 years ago, 1912
According to the U.S. Census returns, the city of Auburn shows the greatest relative gain (88 percent) of the value of products from 1904 to 1909, of any city in the State of Maine, this being due chiefly to the increased activity in the boot and shoe industry. In 1899, Lewiston ranked first in value of manufactured products, but in 1904 Portland had taken first place, which it retained in 1909. In Lewiston, cotton goods contributed 66.4 per cent of the total value of its manufactured product. In Auburn, boots and shoes were 71.4 per cent of its total. Of the total value of the products of boots and shoes in the state, Auburn contributes 40.7 per cent.

50 years ago, 1962
The program for the third in a series of summer concerts by the Montagnard Brass Band of Lewiston in the Lewiston City Park was announced today. The band performs each Sunday night from 7:30 to 9 p.m. under the baton of Director Roland Gagnon. The concert next Sunday will get off to a stirring start with two circus marches, Ringling Brothers Grand Entry and The Old Circus Band. As a special request for Father’s Day the band will render “Oh My Papa.” The concert will include pop tunes and will be rounded out by “Stout Hearted Men,” “Two Guitars” and a few other marches.

25 years ago, 1987
Rassemblement des Artistes Franco-Americains ’87 will be held in Lewiston from Friday, June 26, to Sunday, June 28, at Bates College. Rassemblement is a yearly gathering of Franco-American artists from different media — literary, visual, musical, etc. This year’s gathering will be the sixth in as many years.