100 years ago, 1913
The forest fire on Androscoggin ridge on the Leeds shore of Wayne Pond has crossed the road and is approaching the lake, on the shore of which farther south, are many summer cottages. The fire started in a cut down Sunday. Monday’s wind caused it to break out with renewed force. A large crew is fighting its progress.

50 years ago, 1963
Only a few flags were on display in the Lewiston business district yesterday, Independence Day, but there was a reason for it. William P. Tewhey, executive vice president of the Lewiston Chamber of Commerce, said that the main reason for so few flags was that two summers ago “new sidewalks were put in and that the holes in which the flags used to rest were taken out.” Tewhey said he brought the matter to the attention of the Lewiston Police Commission and received permission to have local merchants clip their flags to parking meters. In Auburn, the flags were out in full force, according to the Auburn police.

25 years ago, 1988
Most businessmen and realtors agree that the economy in Lewiston is booming. A drive down Lisbon Street, however, reveals a dozen or so real estate placards with bold letters that read “for lease,” “for rent,” or “for sale.” A recent survey of Lewiston merchants and employees shows a market demand for service-related establishments. According to Downtown Development and Management Corporation Director Leighton Coonie. Two or three new businesses are being considered, fueled by poll results. “There’s a fundamental change downtown from soft- and hard-line retail to services for the 5,000 people who come to work every day,” Coonie said. “In the past, all of the clothing and shoe stores were found downtown. A lot of it went to the malls. There is less retail and more specialty downtown, and it’s evolving into an area that services workers.”

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