100 years ago, 1912
Local contractors predict an unusually busy season in the building line the coming year. One builder said, “I have already taken contracts for about all I will be able to handle. I believe the number of private houses to be erected will far exceed the number built the past season. Everything seems to be booming in these cities.” Work will begin in a few days tearing down the old wooden buildings 28-30-32-34 Lisbon St., preparatory to erecting the Woolworth company’s new brick block.

50 years ago, 1962
Lewiston High School students started their Christmas vacation earlier than expected today, as the entire student body had to be sent home this morning less than half an hour after school opened. “No heat” was the reason given for the early dismissal. The furnace had apparently run out of oil during the night. Temperatures between 42 and 52 degrees were reported in some classrooms.

25 years ago, 1987
Leroy Frank knew he would make a good Santa Claus when children began stopping him on the streets of Poland more than 20 years ago and giving him their Christmas lists. A retired mill worker, Frank was a fixture for a decade at the former Peck’s Department Store in Lewiston. Frank, 80, has been playing Santa in the Twin Cities for the past 19 years, with his most recent post at the Auburn Mall. Although recovering from heart bypass surgery, Frank puts on the traditional red suit and works full-time seven days a week in a Santa booth at the mall. One day last week, a little girl told Frank all she wanted was his telephone number. “I wrote it on a coloring book,” said Frank. “Just before I went to bed, she gave me a call and gave me her list. That was a new one.”