100 years ago, 1916
The alterations and improvements made in the Mechanic’s Savings Bank, Auburn, greatly improve the appearance of these spacious banking rooms. The ceiling has been redecorated in old ivory, and the walls in light green. This color scheme makes the banking rooms much brighter, and more attractive. When J. W. Stetson was interviewed by the Sun, Monday, he said that the bank is paying the semi-annual dividend at the rate of 4 per cent per annum. In his opinion, the prospects for a business boom are good. The shoe shop business is improving all the time, and the bank business improves accordingly. The bank now has over 2000 depositors, with total deposits of over $771,000, and a reserve of $51,000, together with profits on hand exceeding $17,903.87, showing the institution to be in a very prosperous condition.

50 years ago, 1966
Support of Maine farmers in getting enough foreign harvest laborers was pledged Wednesday by Maine Commissioner of Agriculture Maynard C. Dolloff, speaking at the 25th Agricultural Trades Show at Lewiston Memorial Armory. Dolloff said he is “always optimistic” about the future of Maine agriculture, and he presented statistics for the first nine months of 1965 revealing record farm income for the state. The commissioner said last fall’s attempt of Maine orchardists to get domestic labor following a ban on foreign labor by U.S. Labor Secretary W. Willard Wirtz was “a sad experience.”

25 years ago, 1991
Ever since St. Dominic Regional High School, Lewiston, was founded in 1941, Brothers of the Sacred Heart have served as its principals. But when it opens its doors to begin its 50th year in September, a lay person may well be at the helm. Brother Mark E. Hilton, who has been principal of the 260-student school since July 1989, will be leaving that post when his contract expires June 30. “There just aren’t enough brothers left who are qualified for this position, and interested. When I came here, we all recognized the possibility that I’d be the last brother” to serve as principal, Brother Mark said Tuesday.

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