100 years ago, 1915
News of the loss of the four-masted schooner, Lewiston, off Maranham, Brazil, was received at Boston today. All of the crew reached shore safely in the ship’s boat. The Lewiston, which was carrying coal from Norfolk, struck a reef 12 miles from Maranham. Capt. T. G. Ginn of Auburn, who was in command of the schooner, brought about the construction of the splendid vessel and had been in command of her since the date she took to the water. He coaled the schooner at Newport News and cleared for sea five weeks ago and was expected at Marano, Brazil, about this time. His wife who was at her home in Auburn, first learned of the wreck from a Lewiston Journal reporter. The Lewiston was launched from the Cobb-Butler yard, Rockland, on Sept. 24, 1908. The Lewiston was 711 net tons, 190.5 feet long, 39.5 beam, 14.9 draft, and carried a crew of eight.

50 years ago, 1965
An official of the firm which is tearing down the old DeWitt Hotel complained to Lewiston police today that children are playing in the wreckage at night and they could be seriously injured. Chester Weymouth of the Augusta firm of Weymouth Brothers told police that last night a group of children were even up on the roof of the five story structure. He said that there is little in the way of vandalism which can be done to the building, but keys have been stolen from several doors.

25 years ago, 1990
A survey by a local education group found 55 percent of Auburn taxpayers would support a property tax increase if it were used to keep education and city services at the same level. About 41 percent of taxpayers would rather cut city services than education if budget cuts must be made, the survey by the Auburn Education Council also found. However, 48 percent of those surveyed said they think if cuts are made, they should be in both areas.

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