100 years ago, 1912
A movement is on foot in Auburn, which tends to develop one of Maine’s, and particularly Androscoggin’s resources. With the probable intention of forming an association, the Auburn Fruit Growers held a well-attended meeting, their first, in the offices of the F. R. Conant and Company box factory on Friday night. This was but a preliminary affair, but it was found that the sentiment was such that another meeting will be held in the near future. The consumer will be the beneficiary is the sentiment of this body.

50 years ago, 1962
The rectangular “round table” at Marois’ Restaurant today was ringed by surprised faces when both Congressman Clifford G. McIntire and his Democratic opponent showed up to share the same luncheon table. It is extremely unusual for a pair of candidates for the same office to get together in an informal gathering to gab about the campaign and exchange views. The luncheon group, made up of local attorneys, businessmen and professional people, gathers daily at the restaurant for a break in the humdrum affairs of the day, and all discussion is in confidence. It can be reported, however, that no sparks were struck during the session and much of the talk was within the limits of “How’s your wife?”

25 years ago, 1987
The voters are in, and in Lewiston, it’s Democrats 16,108, to Republicans, 3,340. City Clerk Gerald P. Berube and his staff recently completed their first update of Lewiston’s voting records since 1985. While the numbers might not symbolize power to the Grand Old Party, Republican leaders are satisfied. They’ve gained 284 members in the last two years, despite being located in Maine’s Democratic stronghold. Thomas P. Peters II, vice chairman of the Androscoggin County Republican party, believes there are even more GOP thinkers than records indicate. “Obviously there has been a conservative change in our country,” Peters, said, “and with Ronald Reagan being president a lot of people have moved in that direction. I think a lot of people in Lewiston realize that there’s a benefit in not allowing either party to have everything wrapped up.”