100 years ago, 1914
A spicy and lively debate was heard by a special committee at the Webster grammar school room of Miss Wilson in Auburn on Friday afternoon. The question was, “Ought Lewiston and Auburn To Be United in One City?” About 25 disputants, girls and boys, took part. Among the reasons given for union were economy of administration, increased prominence and efficiency due to increased population, justice for Auburn people who pay heavy taxes in Lewiston as well as in Auburn but have no voice in the government. Among reasons against union was fear of the saloon in Auburn, opened on Auburn’s side at Lewiston’s dictation, and the reasonable desire of the Auburn shoe interests to preserve their identity as Auburn factories. The girls were advised by one of the committee that the problem would be somewhat changed should the girls, as grown-ups, have the right to vote within 10 years, as is likely. A poll of the school at the close of the debate showed 21 for union and 19 for maintenance of the present independent relations.

50 years ago, 1964
Maine’s first youth training program started today at the Auburn Shoe Training Center. The project, which now has 13 young people involved in it, deals only with the shoe heel industry, in its four week course. There are three students each in the classes in heel building, emery man, and top lift nailer; and two each in the classes for groover and turner, and heel coverer classifications. The program will start over again in four weeks with another class of students. In addition to the youth training program, the Center also has some 60 adult students learning the shoe trade. Preference for training is given to youths from low income families and school drop-outs.

25 years ago, 1989
Whether it’s feasible for area businesses to band together and form their own day-care center for employees remains open to question, concluded business representatives at the first meeting on the subject Monday. However, the businessman spearheading the day-care effort said he was pleased with the interest shown at the meeting and urged businesses to meet again to continue investigating the issue. “The meeting went well,” said Michael Gotto, president of Technical Services Inc., a surveying and engineering firm in Lewiston. “We had a good turnout.”