100 years ago, 1916
Yesterday was the big day at the Lewiston and Auburn Gardener’s Union Flower show at City Hall and a good crowd kept coming and going both in the afternoon and evening. Among those who came from out of town were parties from Turner and Poland Spring. The flowers carefully looked after were in good condition and attractive as ever last evening. A collection of sweet peas had been brought for exhibition by Mrs. Charles Bailey. A huge sunflower stalk fourteen feet tall was shown by W. H. Sawyer. Mr. Sawyer is so interested in the work of the Union that he has promised the officials that he will grow something especially for the flower show another year.

50 years ago, 1966
Youngsters of the Auburn Recreation Department playground at Pettengill Park held a pet parade of stuffed animals Friday. Quite a menagerie was on display in cardboard “cages” constructed by the youngsters. Playground children from all over the city participated in an art exhibit at Auburn Central School park Friday. The blue ribbon for best workmanship at this event went to Roger Auger of St. Louis playground.

25 years ago, 1991
Hurricane Bob swept through Maine Monday, downing power lines and raising streams and rivers before it “lost its identity” over Rockland and got downgraded to tropical storm status at 10 p.m. The Twin Cities escaped major damage and serious injuries, but a torrent of storm-related calls kept police and fire officials busy. No serious injuries had been reported in the Twin Cities by late Monday night, but a number of residents reported close calls. Scott Michaud of 580 Pleasant St. was typical. “I was heading back to my house when the tree came down in front of my car,” Michaud said. “It was a big one, about 80 feet tall. It crashed down right across the street and brought all the wires down with it.”

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