100 years ago, 1913
Fred Bickford, formerly of Auburn, was injured at the Mansion House, Poland Spring, Wednesday. He was at work on the round tower and a board on the staging, being covered with ice, slipped beneath his feet and he fell to the roof of the piazza, a distance of about 35 feet. He was badly shaken up, the bones in his foot were broken and his back somewhat injured. He was quickly attended by physicians and he is resting comfortably at the Spring House. His brother, Leroy Bickford of Auburn, said to The Sun that he is receiving the best of care there and is getting along all right. Hew has worked at Poland Spring for about 10 years, is unmarried and a son of George Bickford of Webster.

50 years ago, 1963
Auburn police broke up a scheduled “rumble” last night when late yesterday afternoon they received a tip that such an affair had been planned. Several extra officers were held on duty for possible aid should trouble develop. The “rumble” had been scheduled for the Union Street area. Police kept a close watch on the area and spotted several cars congregating there. Officers took the names of the young occupants of the cars and found that several of them already were on probation for other violations. Stern warnings were issued to the youths and police said the gang members apparently took heed of the warning. The reported gang fight supposedly would have been between groups from Brunswick and Auburn.

25 years ago, 1988
About 45 children in Auburn’s new string program will give their first full concert of the school year at Webster School Monday night. Works of Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven will be performed by the advanced orchestra, comprised of students in the higher elementary grades. Also offered will be a French Canadian fiddle tune called “La Bastraigne.” A trio from the Middle School will perform “Suite for String Trio” by Handel. Traditional songs, including “Old MacDonald” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” will be performed by the beginners’ orchestra of younger students. All groups are directed by Greg Boardman, string instructor for Auburn schools.