100 years ago, 1917
Sympathy with the position publicly taken by former State Superintendent of Schools Payson Smith, now of Massachusetts, with regard to compulsory military training in the public schools, seems to characterize the attitude of Superintendent H. H. Randall of Auburn, and Superintendent C. W. Bickford of Lewiston. Supt. Randall, when head of the Maine Teachers’ association a year ago, came out with a public statement along that line, following the substance of State Superintendent Smith’s stand, which, in brief, says that if compulsory military training ever were necessary it should not be required of part of our sons — those only who attended public high school and college.

50 years ago, 1967
That silver fox wrap that wasn’t collected Monday by a refuse crew from the Lewiston Public Works Department didn’t get carted off again Thursday. The Sun was told again Thursday night to note that the wrap, which a Lewiston woman had deposited in a trash barrel, was left behind for the second time this week. Earlier this week it was thought the item was left because it might have resembled a dead cat. “There’s no excuse,” said the caller, why the wrap hasn’t been removed to the city dump. The party concerned is hopeful that when the PWD crew comes by next week, the wrap may be carted off. PWD Director William R. Adams, contacted Thursday’ night, noted he hasn’t followed the report through. It’s believed he will now.

25 years ago, 1992
The annual filling of frost heaves with gravel at roadway culverts has begun, said Auburn Public Works Director Bob Belz. This activity will continue until “frost out” in the spring. With little snow cover in the ditch lines, the surface drainage systems, including culverts, are freezing up. The Public Works steamers have been deployed as necessary to thaw and open culverts.

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