100 years ago, 1915
This is the most delightful of all Christmases ever known in Lewiston -— a warm October-like day, after a torrential rain, the sun rising like a ball of gold. We are glad to learn from those who visit the poor that the condition of all is greatly improved over a year ago — less unemployment, less want, less illness, less hopelessness. What a blessing is peace! What a comfort is prosperity! And yet, over and above these physical comforts, hangs the cloud — the sufferings of our neighbors across the sea.

50 years ago, 1965
Work progresses on the new BonAn Footwear Co., Inc., plant being constructed on the Merrow Road in Auburn by the Goodyear Rubber Co. of Middletown, Conn. ‘The new plant, covering approximately four acres, is expected to begin operations this spring. It will employ between 500 and 600 persons in the manufacture of canvas and rubber footwear. The plant is the newest member of Auburn’s growing industrial family.

25 years ago, 1990

With her husband in Saudi Arabia since October, Greene resident Anita Beaulieu says life these days “is like having half of you gone.” Two months ago the 170 men and women of the U.S. Army Reserves’ 619th Transportation Company left for Saudi Arabia. Beaulieu’s husband Regis, a staff sergeant in the unit, was among them. Now, as holidays arrive and tensions build over the threat of war between the U.S. and Iraq, life on the home front is getting tougher. The families’ only contact with their loved ones in Saudi Arabia is an occasional phone call or a letter telling about long days, lousy food and hard work supplying troops with ammunition and supplies. To cope, the families are developing bonds with others left behind. Each Monday about 20 family members and friends of activated soldiers meet at a support group run by Operation Home Base, an effort to help the families left behind. The support group — open to both men and women — is sponsored by the Tri-County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

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