100 years ago, 1916
Both shows at the Union Square Theater this week are brimming with class, as indeed they should, considering that they cost more than any vaudeville talent that ever entered Lewiston. Every act on both changes is a high class and high salaried production. This will be a week that none of you should miss.

50 years ago, 1966
Rabbi David Berent of Congregation Beth Jacob of Lewiston, has written President Ho Chi Minh of North Viet Nam, urging him to go to the conference table and take the “outstretched hand of peace that is being extended to you at this very moment.” Rabbi David Berent read a copy of the four-page letter he has sent the North Viet Nam, leader, at services at his congregation’s synagogue, Friday night, presenting the communication in place of his usual sermon. The Lewiston rabbi said he was taking a cue from comments by Secretary of State Dean Rusk in his appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

25 years ago, 1991
Lewiston police officers, armed with their department’s new domestic violence policy, are ending more and more domestic disputes with arrests. During the 12-hour period that began at 6 p.m. Monday, for example, of six arrests Lewiston police made, four were on domestic violence charges. “It’s an increase,” said Lt. Gerard Baril. In domestic violence situations, “the impetus (now) is on arrests rather than mediation.” Maine law requires officers to make arrests if they have reason to believe abuse has occurred. “If there’s aggravated assault, we must arrest,” Baril said. “If there’s a violation of a protection-from-abuse order, we must arrest. If we find probable cause ( to believe there’s been) abuse, we’re encouraged to arrest.”

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