100 years ago, 1915
One of the most inspiring incidents in Auburn Thursday happened in front of the residence of Dr. B. G. W. Cushman on Goff street. In some way the sewer became clogged and the street was flooded with water. As there were no city workmen in sight the doctor donned his rain coat and rubbers and undertook the job of cleaning up things generally. With pick and spade, with hoe and crowbar he worked away like a Trojan until he discovered the proper outlet into the sewer and prevented further annoyance and damage. He was as wet as a drowning man, but manfully he stuck to his task and completed the job. The other men in that vicinity carefully watched the Herculean labors of the doctor from their cozy homes and are now loud in their praise of his fidelity to duty.

50 years ago, 1965
An Auburn businessman today announced that he has purchased the well known L. & P Cash Market at 101 Ash St. in Lewiston. No immediate changes will be made at the store, it was reported. George W. Gowell of 200 Lake St., Auburn, proprietor of Gowell’s Variety Store and the George W. Gowell Co., distributors for commercial and industrial lighting fixtures, 121 Hampshlre St., said the sale of the Lewiston property was finalized earlier this week. The Auburn businessman purchased the property from Miss Eleanor Talbert and Joseph Hebert who have owned the business for the past five years but have been associated with the firm for a long time. Gowell stated that the pair will continue to operate the market.

25 years ago, 1990
Nine Oxford Hills High School students will be among 45 Maine students headed for Eastern Europe next summer as part of Close-Up Europe. Although students from other states will take part in this year’s Close-Up Europe trip, only the Maine students will visit the formerly closed Eastern European countries. But before traveling to Europe, they will concentrate on learning more about Maine and its economy.

The material in Looking Back is reproduced exactly as it originally appeared, although misspellings and errors made at that time may be edited.