100 years ago, 1917
The changing of the beats of Patrolmen Libby and Painchaud of the Lewiston Police Department, following a raid on a house on Park Street, has been made the source of comment. Patrolman Libby stated in court that he watched at the window of the house and saw young men playing cards and later heard some talk indicating that money was being played for. He said that he had received complaints and felt sure the place was resorted to for gambling. Patrolman Lewis, who was called into the case by Patrolman Libby, could not furnish testimony to indicate unmistakably that gambling was going on. An armless boy was charged with maintaining a gambling place, but he was found not guilty and discharged. Two young men were found guilty of gambling and fined $10 and costs.

50 years ago, 1967
Members of Lewiston Post 22 of the American Legion sent Christmas packages to Lewiston-Auburn servicemen in Vietnam, and they were appreciated. It was great, the young men in combat areas felt, that somebody besides family cares back home. Among excerpts from the many letters received by the American Legion post, SP-4 Joseph Berube, wrote saying: “You just don’t know how good we feel when we find out that our people back home are and back us up while we are serving for our country.”

25 years ago, 1992
Chances are pretty good that you own at least one piece of clothing that has a Bell Manufacturing woven label inside. The Lewiston company makes more than five million labels per week on its high-powered looms. A film crew from WCBB-TV, Channel 10, was on hand Friday afternoon to film employees at Bell Manufacturing Co. as part of its “Made in Maine” series. The series, now in its fourth year, is WCBB’s most popular local production. Among the Maine customers of Bell Manufacturing, which has been operating in Lewiston since 1946 and is one of the largest woven label makers in the country, are Dexter Shoe, Bass Shoe and L.L. Bean. Other customers include Hanes, Converse Shoe and Cannon Towels.

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