100 years ago, 1916
Music Hall will be the scene of a big preparedness meeting in the near future according to plans now under consideration by officials of the Maine National Guard. Officers and men of the local companies are to attend the opening performance of “The Battle Cry of Peace” at the Empire. Examination for first and second class gunners were held at the Ninth Co. armory, last evening. The preparedness meeting will be similar to that recently held at Bath. The speakers will be Capt. Fogg of Portland and probably Dr. Tubbs of Bates College, The remainder of the program will be made up of appropriate motion pictures and music by the Coast Artillery Band of Portland. The local guardsmen are planning on a big night when “The Battle Cry of Peace” opens a week’s engagement at the Empire. The picture has attracted much attention and will be of special interest to the artillerymen.

50 years ago, 1966
A group of pre-school age youngsters successfully blocked off an Auburn street early this afternoon, until police intervened. An unidentified Auburn resident notified authorities that the youngsters were lying down on a local street and wouldn’t move for passing automobiles. Officer Roger O. Ouellette found six pre-school children playing at road side. Officer Ouellette warned the youngsters in no uncertain terms relative to punishment which might be forthcoming if the action were repeated and suggested that they go to their homes, and stay off the streets.

25 years ago, 1991
In a secret balloting Thursday, employees of the United Ambulance Service in Lewiston voted 20-4 to decertify the Teamsters Union as their bargaining representative. They had been members of Local 340 only since November 1989. “We brought in the union a year and a half ago, but nothing was ever resolved — we never could reach any bargain,” said dispatcher Andrea Metayer. “In the meantime, the company brought in a new manager and it became a much better place to work,” she said. “We just figured we might have made a mistake.”

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