100 years ago, 1916
A brilliantly illuminated sign, one of the first of its kind to be erected in Lewiston, was placed over the new Chinese restaurant on Lisbon street, Wednesday. This sign, which is all metal, was designed by Otto Hiitt of Auburn and a will be a great addition to Lewiston’s attractions. It is lighted by 250 bulbs with reflectors and three-quarters of the sign will be lighted all the time. At the top are two flags, lighted to give the effect of waves, and crowning these is a large eagle. Plans for the interior of the restaurant are completed and work will begin at once, the rooms to be opened to the public in a few weeks.

50 years ago, 1966
The Androscoggin Democratic Committee has set up two registration booths in the Twin Cities in an effort to get potential voters registered for the upcoming election. The booths are at the Northwood Park, Lewiston, IGA Foodliner and at Foodtown, Auburn.

25 years ago, 1991
The Lewiston City voted to acquire a downtown building for demolition Tuesday. The building at 278 Bates St., vcant for two years, will come down “as part of our urban strategy … (to) relieve density and blight,” said Development Director Robert Thompson. “It’s a major parcel that affords an opportunity to make an impact on the whole neighborhood,” he said. Through a Housing Opportunity Zone application currently being negotiated by the city, “we may be able to put together some spin-off deals with adjacent properties.” A bank will deed the structure which is at the corner of Birch and Bates to the city for $1, Thompson said. “There are no concrete plans for reuse” yet, he said.

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

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