100 years ago, 1915
It is probable that it will be several weeks yet before the International Paper Co.’s Rumford mill will be burning oil exclusively as fuel in the mill. The work of changing from coal to oil is being done gradually, and the oil is being used in an experimental way, as yet, but when the work is complete, it is hoped that the new fuel will prove more economical, and will do away also with the, heavy smoke from the smoke stack. The plans call for two and three oil burners under each boiler, according to the size of the boiler, there being twelve boilers in the mill. As yet, but a part of the boilers are equipped for burning oil, which comes from the Mexican Petroleum company, being delivered here in huge tank cars from the storage plant at South Portland.

50 years ago, 1965
It was established today by investigating authorities that a break occurred at the Saunders Florist building at 578 Main St., Lewiston, sometime early last night, before a two-alarm fire broke out in the building. But police and fire officials have not yet reached the conclusion that the blaze, which caused over $10,000 worth of damage to the office and storage areas, was set. Police Det. Sgt. Robert E. Cloutier said today that entrance to the building was gained by removing a large pane of glass in a greenhouse situated at the rear of the main building.

25 years ago, 1990
The 619th Transportation Company of the U.S. Army Reserve, with headquarters on Minot Avenue, Auburn, will be activated Thursday in support of Operation Desert Shield. The unit will be arriving at Fort Devens, Mass., Thursday to begin at least a week of training. A spokesman said he did not know if the unit would be sent to Saudi Arabia or used somewhere else. The 619th is equipped with tractor-trailers and a variety of lighter trucks and can transport most types of general and containerized cargo. The unit has an authorized strength of 181 soldiers, 166 men and 15 women.

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