100 years ago, 1915
A delightful dancing party was given to the younger set at Mechanic Falls, Friday evening, by Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Harris. The party was held at the home of Mrs. Newton Earle where the Gipsy Carnival took place a few weeks ago. The barn was decorated in evergreen and Japanese lanterns placed at intervals about the barn within which were electric lights. Music was furnished by a Victrola at which Ralph Cobb presided. Refreshments of punch and crackers were served. The party was in the nature of a Halloween affair and many of the young ladies were in costume.

50 years ago, 1965
Plans to demolish some of the buildings at the Hebron Sanatorium were revealed Friday night, and it is expected that the State Bureau of Purchases will ask for bids on the work in the near future. The demolition will include only the older wood-frame structures. The brick administration building and a few other structures would remain. The Hebron Sanatorium has been a controversial issue since it was closed several years ago., Several suggestions have been made by various citizens for use of the institution as a home for the aged, a school, a Job Corps training center, and similar purposes.

25 years ago, 1990
The first store to open at Auburn’s newest shopping center does so today when T.J. Maxx unlocks its doors at 9:30 a.m. Auburn Plaza, developed by New Market Development Co. Ltd. of Atlanta, Ga., has been under construction since breaking ground in early January. Located next to Arby’s fast food restaurant on Center Street, Auburn Plaza, when full, will house approximately 28 businesses encompassing a total of 256,509 square feet, according to Susan Hampel, vice president and director of marketing. T.J. Maxx will be followed by the opening of Rich’s department store Oct. 30 and Service Merchandise Nov. 1.

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