100 years ago, 1916
Republicans and Democrats rallied last night, listened to lengthy speaking programs in smoke-filled halls, partook of ale and went home, filled to the brim, if not with the latter, then absolutely with the fine points of the issues of the day. Between one party and another there seemed to be only a shade of difference, judging from the standpoint of alcoholic assimilation. However, one man came from the Democratic Ward Six rally at Lithuanian Hall to the Republican Ward Four rally at Le Messager Hall and informed those at the latter place that the Democrats were serving ale in small glasses, only half filled at that.

50 years ago, 1966
The Island Avenue pumping station in Lewiston was closed on a temporary basis early Friday morning when a transmission line split in Auburn. Public Works Department Director William R. Adams Jr. reported this shuts off all water to Lewiston from Lake Auburn. At the same time, the Lewiston official urged residents of the Textile City to “conserve”‘ on the use of water at least until the situation is remedied. Director Adams would not estimate how long it would take for the break to be corrected. He indicated a decision would be reached when the pipe is replaced by a new piece. It’s possible, he noted, that additional trouble may be discovered when the “old pipe” is finally removed.

25 years ago, 1991
“You talk about playgrounds, you can fill the room (with parents). You talk about textbooks, you have administrators and teachers here,” Chairman Phil St. Pierre observed during the Lewiston School Committee’s budget meeting Monday night. In fact, the politics of playgrounds occupied more time and generated more discussion than any other item during the two-hour session. Up for review were the administrators’ 1991-92 budget requests and the superintendent’s recommendations for five elementary schools: Martel, McMahon, Montello, Pettingill and Wallace.

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