Looking Back on April 17

100 years ago, 1917
This incident is worth recording if only as a warning. It happened at the home of that staunch patriot, B. C. Brett, on Goff street, Auburn, Saturday. The city marshal had been informed that a German flag was flying at the Brett home and at once started to investigate. It turned out that Mr. and Mrs. Brett, in the enthusiasm of their patriotism, had a Canadian flag by the side of the stars and stripes. As Canada and the United States are allies in war it seemed to be perfectly proper that the two flags should be side by side. Mrs. Brett, naturally much displeased, says to the Journal that busy meddlers would use their time to better advantage by studying the flags of the different nations. They might then save much annoyance for all concerned.

50 years ago, 1967
(Editorial) We commend the Maine Water Improvement Commission for denying the request of the Job Corps at Poland Spring to dump treated sewage into Middle Range Pond. Even though the discharge involved was to be given special treatment, there is no denying that it would have lowered the quality of the water and that the gradual buildup of pollution would have caused unknown problems and possible hazards. The Poland Spring complex has had its own sewage disposal system for years. Now, with more than 1,000 girls, plus the personnel handling the Job Corps, the old sewerage system has been inadequate.

25 years ago, 1992
The library at Durham Elementary School received a “King-size” check for $10,000 this week from horror fiction writer Stephen King, who lived in the town as a boy. The check was in response to a letter from school librarian Sherry Dolloff, who wrote to King telling him of the library’s dire need for books for the children and lack of money to purchase them. Although she had hoped for some contribution, $10,000 was more than she had dreamed of getting. Along with King’s check was a note from the author thanking her for writing to him, and telling her, “enclosed you will find a check to buy the kids some books, get ’em some great stories …”

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