100 years ago, 1917
The closing lecture of the course in salesmanship which has been held under the auspices of the Woman’s Christian Association in Lewiston was given at ten o’clock yesterday forenoon by L. MacDonald of Porteous, Mitchell & Braun, Portland. In his practical and interesting talk Mr. MacDonald gave a definite explanation of the characteristics of a successful saleslady. Yesterday’s lecture was well attended by representatives from the different local stores.

50 years ago, 1967
The public relations program of the Bates Manufacturing Co. Inc. is the subject of a cover story of the Jan. 5 issue of America’s Textile Reporter, a national trade magazine. The story, titled “Public Relations and Imaginations” — praises the efforts of H. L. Gosselin of Lewiston, assistant to the president of the company, to make the pubic aware of the importance of the textile company to the community.

25 years ago, 1992
Budget cuts at the Lewiston Public Library have put the Mouse Hole in the hole as library officials look to restock the playroom with toys. Director Rick Speer told library trustees last week that fiscal hard times forced him to forgo purchasing new toys for the Mouse Hole, an enclosed play area in the children’s section of the library. Speer announced a plea to the public to donate used toys that are in good condition and safe for unsupervised use by children eight and under, especially toddlers.

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