100 years ago, 1915
(Advertisement) America’s Electrical Week, Dec. 2 to Dec. 9, will be observed throughout the nation. The subject of Electricity is no longer unfamiliar, as statistics show that seventy per cent of the people today are users of it, yet its benefits and advantages are still unknown factors to many. The sole objective of this week is to help and assist those who desire to learn how to “Do It Electrically.” Join the nation in this great celebration of Electrical progress in making this Electrical Week an unqualified success. Yours for Electric Service, Androscoggin Electric Co., Lewiston, Maine.

50 years ago, 1965
Auburn residents today were urged to keep their dogs at home, and not allow them to accompany youngsters to school. There have been several reports of children being bitten by them. Schools Supt. Lewis E. Webber told authorities today that it appears there are a large number of dogs visiting the schools and the pets are causing some problems. The superintendent pointed out that there were two instances of children being bitten by dogs at Chamberlain School and two more were bitten at Lincoln School. Chief Alton E. Savage asked that dogs be kept at home and he urged school officials to notify police whenever dogs present a problem at the schools.

25 years ago, 1990
As bundled-up brass players attempted to keep their mouthpieces warm, Santa Claus paraded into Auburn Monday night, lit the city Christmas tree at Great Falls Plaza and inaugurated the holiday season. “I just wish we could get an audience like this in summer,” joked Milt Simon, conductor of the Auburn Community Band, as he surveyed the crowd of about 400, mostly children, who lined Court Street. The band, which performs regular open-air concerts in the plaza during the warmer months, welcomed the distinguished visitor with a program of carols, traditional and popular Christmas music. About half their 40 members had braved the cold Monday, Simon said. “It’s tough to play when your fingers are numb and the instrument sticks to your lips,” he said. “These people are really giving it their all.”

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