100 years ago, 1915
Mrs. Mary O. Smith and Walter Frost of Auburn have jointly invented and applied for a patent for one of the most remarkable articles that either of them has ever invented, and both are well known experts in the line of invention. This is an attachable sewing machine needle threader. It is, in fact, a self threader, and does its work instantly. It is exactly what has long been needed by every woman who owns and operates a sewing machine. Up to this Invention this work has always been done by hand or by the use of a small hand threader, and these are by no means in common use.

50 years ago, 1965
The Lewiston-Auburn Jaycees this holiday season will again conduct its annual Christmas Lighting contest, it was learned today. Each year the organization urges Lewiston-Auburn homeowners “to beautify the Twin Cities during the yuletide season” by the use of outside lighting. An official entry blank will be available in a later edition of the Journal along with official rules and other important information. Area residents interested in taking part in the contest must fill in the entry blank and submit it to Jaycees officials. As in the past, awards will be presented to the winning home owners. Serving as general chairman of the event is Ronald Fox, assisted by co-chairmen Roland Cote and Marc Lafayette.

25 years ago, 1990
Despite rumors, a University of Southern Maine official said Wednesday there is no plan to close USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College as a way to curtail spending to help meet a state revenue shortfall. Provost John Deegan said all of USM’s facilities have been given initial targets for cuts to meet an overall budget reduction goal of $2.5 million. Deegan, who also is USM’s vice president for academic affairs, said the Lewiston facility “is not any more vulnerable than any other component of USM.” “It (the rumor) may have been a natural reaction from people who highly regard the university presence there,” said Deegan.

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