100 years ago, 1915
The finding of a brooch in Mechanics Row, Auburn, Sunday morning resulted in the discovery that D. L. Mitchell’s Jewelry store, 34 Court street, Auburn, had been broken into some time during the preceding night. It was found that fully $200 worth of watches, pins, brooches, and other articles had been stolen. Police had obtained no clue Monday forenoon. The features of this case make it appear particularly bold. The jewelry store is but a few stops from the police station and the brooch was found beside the police headquarters.

50 years ago, 1965
A liberalization of visiting hours on the children’s ward at Central Maine General Hospital is being tried during the holiday season and may soon result in a permanent change in policy in that department. “For the time being,” according to Dana S. Thompson, hospital executive director, “there will be no limitation on visiting hours in the pediatric unit. All visitors to a child must be either members of the child’s immediate family or individuals who are responsible for the care of the child. Grandparents are considered members of the immediate family. “The change was made,” according to Dr. Thatcher, “because we feel that patients in the pediatric age group, particularly from ages 1 to 5, are definitely helped by the presence of family members. This is a radical departure in policy and we hope that the understanding cooperation of everyone concerned will help to make it work for the benefit of our young patients.”

25 years ago, 1990
The future of the ill-fated Farwell Mill project remains in limbo as the Dec. 31 deadline for paying a 1988 tax lien approaches. If the 1988 lien of $3,466.76 and $789.64 interest and costs are not paid by the end of the day on Monday, title to the property will revert to the town. Original plans for the former textile mill on the banks of the Sabattus River in Lisbon Village, called for it to be converted into a modern 84-unit apartment complex.

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