100 years ago, 1915
A recent stranger in Lewiston, interested to see for himself how the prohibitory law is being enforced in this city, made it a point to visit several places which have the ear marks of saloons. “I had no trouble whatsoever,” he said, “in getting what I asked for. I simply stepped up to the bar, said, ‘Give me a half pint of whiskey,’ and I got the bottle and paid the quarter and walked out. I must confess that I felt rather troubled when I stepped into one place and saw a young woman behind the bar. I almost hesitated to ask her for liquor but I did.” She took up a bottle which was nearly empty, said she guessed there wasn’t enough there, went into a rear room and returned with a fresh quart bottle. She poured a halt pint into a small bottle and gave it to me taking my quarter in return.”

50 years ago, 1965
(Photo Caption) CHIMAERA TAKES SHAPE — Emile L. Bolduc of 312 Lisbon St., Lewiston, a home decorator, is pictured atop a staging as he progresses with his painting of Chimaera, the male and female species, adorning the corridor of the Lewiston city building. Bolduc undertook the program a few days ago when it was learned that Mayor Robert L. Couturier had ordered the sculptures removed. The sculpture of Greek mythology is that of the head of a lion, the body of a goat, and the tail of a dragon or a serpent. There are two other pairs on the basement floor of the city building.

25 years ago, 1990
Poland’s old town office building, replaced as town headquarters early this year by the newly constructed town office, is to be made available for rent. The board of selectmen voted Tuesday to advertise for tenants at the rate of $400 per month. Professional organizations will be considered, but not retail sales companies. The tenant for the building, which is just to the south of Town Hall on Route 26, will be responsible for utilities charges, except for water and sewage which will be covered by the rental fee.

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