100 years ago, 1914
Lewiston’s Public Works Commission continued its discussion of the sprinkling problem, its expense and how it should be apportioned. The opinion of the board and the city solicitor was that the railroad together with the abutters and the city should bear the cost. The contract was made by the last administration at the instigation of the Chamber of Commerce and the entire cost was met by the city this year.

50 years ago, 1964
Widespread corn crop loss threatens Androscoggin area farmers unless steps are taken immediately to protect the crop. Two area farms thus far have sustained considerable crop damage as the result of an outbreak of Army Cutworms, usually uncommon in this area. H. Donald Hatch of 514 Court St., Auburn, reported that an estimated 10 acres of corn field was lost overnight due to the invaders. Hatch told the Journal that his entire 30-acre crop was dusted early this morning in the hope that the situation be brought under control. Some stalks were chewed within inches of the ground. Charles Eastman, twin county agricultural agent, said the worms “feed at night and can completely defoliate a field of oats or corn in very short order. They work so fast that a farmer should inspect his fields daily to see if there is a start anywhere and begin treatment immediately.” Eastman said they grow to a length of about two inches and are dark gray in color with some rather distinctive yellow stripes down the lower side and more indistinct ones higher up.

25 years ago, 1989
A hose and nozzle swinging from the back of a Lewiston fire truck returning from a call damaged two vehicles and slightly injured one person late Friday afternoon before the driver discovered anything was amiss and stopped the truck. The engine’s hose came loose from the rear of the truck and started to drag on the street. Making turns caused the hose to whip around.