100 years ago, 1912
The apple canning factory of J. W. Pratt, situated on Front Street, Farmington, was destroyed by fire of unknown origin at about 6 o’clock Sunday morning. The fire department was called to the scene too late to save the building. Its loss was total. While some of the machinery was saved, the larger and more valuable parts were destroyed, together with a large quantity of goods canned and packed ready for shipment. The total loss was estimated at about $4,000 on which there was partial insurance. The season’s work had been nearly completed. About 25 hands were thrown out of work.

50 years ago, 1962
Residents of the Fairview Avenue and Marcotte Street, Auburn, area held a belated Halloween celebration last night with a bonfire on a vacant lot in the neighborhood. Some 100 children attended last night’s festivities, which included free donuts and cider. The event was scheduled for Wednesday night, but because of bad weather, was postponed.

25 years ago, 1987
Where have all the women gone? “I have to say that in all honesty, that was the first thing that I thought when I looked at this year’s City Council candidates,” said Lewiston Ward 7 Councilor Lucy Guay, the lone woman among seven men. “I’m really saddened not to see women running for council. We need to live in 1987, not the past.” There have been just three female city councilors in Lewiston’s history and only one woman, Lil Caron, was ever elected mayor.