100 years ago, 1916
About 325 people attended the celebration of the centennial of Wales at the Grange hall today. Many former residents were back, and chatting with old friends was no small part of the pleasure of the day. The historical address was given by Isaac M. Witherell in the morning. Other addresses were given by N. B. Tracey of Auburn; Hon. J. H. Maxwell, Livermore Falls; and Prof. L. C. Bateman of Lewiston. Original poems were read by Mrs. John Strout and Mrs. Flora Blaisdell. One read by Miss Hattie Given was written by Mrs. Lizzie Pulsifer. The evening’s entertainment was given by Mrs. Lottie York of Winthrop. Dancing followed.

50 years ago, 1966
A 6.7-mile circumferential highway and a new river crossing for the Lewiston-Auburn area costing approximately $9.4 million is submitted by Wilbur Smith and Associates as part of a comprehensive transportation planning study. The study further indicated the need for about $23.6 million in improvements of 34.5 miles of roadway in the Lewiston-Auburn-Lisbon area over a 20-year period. Area officials speculated the new bridge would be located north of the Boxer Island.

25 years ago, 1991
The public will have a chance to visit six historic 18th and 19th century homes in New Gloucester, followed by an Apple Festival. New Gloucester’s oldest two-story house, built by the Rev. Samuel Foxcroft in 1765, is featured on the tour. Little has changed after more than two centuries. The Foxcroft house retains its central staircase, wide pine floors, fireplaces, wainscoting and other 18th century characteristics. Known as the John Haskell House, another 18th century home, it has six fireplaces, and retains its original windows, doors and cornices, as well as a central hallway and winding staircase. Also, two large early 19th century farmhouses offer contrasting appearances, although both were built about 1812. The first, in the Intervale section of town, is made of bricks of a double thickness, believed to have been created from the clay of the riverbed behind the farmhouse.

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