100 years ago, 1916
In spite of the rain that rendered the judges decisions difficult, the firemen’s muster which was held on Bates street was an entire success. The enthusiasm, yells of encouragement, argument, and offers to bet ran high. Although the hose-reel race was scheduled to commence at 12:30 it was two o’clock before the preparations were made and the first team started. The Auburn team made a quicker start and run to the reel than either of the other teams did, but the hydrant man insecurely put the hose on, and when the water was turned on, the hose dropped off. The water struck one of the runners and knocked him down.

50 years ago, 1966
(Photo Caption) There’s a law against the use of fireworks on the Fourth of July by individuals, but it doesn’t apply to cannons (as far as we know) and Michael Palange of 22 Grove St., Lewiston, appears set for a noisy Fourth. But neither his neighbors nor police should be concerned. The pictured full-size cannon and cannonballs were made out of wood by Palange, and while it might look ominous, the weapon and flag provide nothing more than a fine Fourth of July setting. It has been admired by many a passerby, not to mention the Palange neighbors

25 years ago, 1991
Wilton’s third affordable housing unit project at 67 Canal St., a large white home built in 1856, was given a large boost last week when a group from the Wilton Presbyterian Church in Wilton, Conn., worked on the house for five days. Last year a group from the same church worked on the two other affordable housing units in Wilton. The crew of 52, which worked throughout Franklin County, included older and younger men and women, high school and college students. They were divided about equally, one-half over 21 years of age and one-half under 21, Jim Wells, an older worker, said. Eighteen worked in Wilton. A group from Wilton, Conn., has been coming to the Farmington area for a decade, coordinated with Mission at the Eastward through the Rev. Scott Planting, working on different projects.

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