100 years ago, 1915
The ice went out of Lake Auburn sometime during the dark hours Tuesday night (April 13) or Wednesday morning (April 14) so there is chance for an argument. Fishermen lost no time in getting busy and three boats were reported to be out, Wednesday afternoon. The first fish will be the next chapter of important news.

50 years ago, 1965
What will be developed into a summer recreational area for adults and children is in the making in Auburn as the result of action Tuesday night by the Auburn Planning Board. On the recommendation of Harry E. Reynolds, Auburn parks and recreation superintendent, the planners voted to recommend to the council that a parcel of land on the east shore of Taylor Pond be retained by the city for the creation of a recreational area. Reynolds said the area has a shore frontage of 170 feet and that the area extends 200 feet back from the waterline. It is located just southerly of the East Shore Road.

25 years ago, 1990
A granite curbstone retaining wall that collapsed during last spring’s flood will be repaired within the next few weeks, according to Auburn City Engineer Steve Ranney. The wall is part of the bridge spanning the Royal River as it flows beneath Old Danville Road near the New Gloucester town line. The project went out to bid earlier this month, with CLH & Sons Inc. the low bidder at $18,787. The situation poses no danger at this time, Ranney said, because the remaining portion of the wall is stabilized, “but with continued high water, it would erode,” he added. Ranney said the road may have to be closed for a couple of days while the work, expected to take four to six weeks, is done.

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