100 years ago, 1917
Heavy damage to highways, gardens, electric and steam railways was caused by an electrical storm of unusual severity which centered in Lewiston and Auburn late Sunday afternoon. Seven people were in the midst of this unique Maine tornado, which toppled over the Hanscom stable and adjoining barn in the town of Greene, burying the group in the debris, together with two horses, four cats and a valuable hen. None were hurt, beyond a few slight scratches. The old “Aunt Polly” Sawyer historic house nearby was untouched. The total loss is perhaps $500. Two cows on Maple Hill, Auburn, were struck by lightning and killed.

50 years ago, 1967
(PHOTO CAPTION) Shoppers in downtown Lewiston were attracted Friday afternoon to this huge cave-in in front of the Berry Paper Company at 49 Lisbon St. It was caused by a water pipe break under the road. A vehicle was said to have narrowly missed dropping into the hole which is depicted in the top photo taken shortly after the first report at 3:55 p.m. In the bottom panel, a backhoe from the Lewiston Public Works Department is breaking up the road surface, which included five inches of hard top and four inches of concrete, in an effort to get to the pipe break. It is believed repairs will be completed in time for the resumption of downtown business operations on Saturday.

25 years ago, 1992
Corrections woes in other counties are proving to be Androscoggin County’s gain. County Jail Administrator John Lebel said Tuesday that he hopes the budgeted annual revenue from boarding other counties’ prisoners, $200,000, may be exceeded by as much as $100,000. Other counties pay $75 a day to board a prisoner in Auburn.

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