100 years ago, 1917
The sixteenth annual reunion of the National Society of the Brackett family was held in the grange hall at East Auburn, Thursday. There was a large attendance, as this family is a very numerous one and some of its members may be found in every state. It is safe to say, however, that Maine and Massachusetts have the greatest number of the name and these have all descended from Capt. Anthony Brackett, who came from England about the year 1630. This immigrant and his wife were both killed by the Indians some twenty years later, but they left behind a large family and the tree has since steadily grown.

50 years ago, 1967
Tax hearings resulting from the recent Auburn revaluation by the firm of Cole-Layer-Trumble got underway this morning with about 25 persons being heard. Apparently more people have signed up for hearings than was originally anticipated as the original two week hearing period has been extended for at least another week.

25 years ago, 1992
The now trash-to-energy facility built by the Mid-Maine Waste Action Corp. in Auburn proved it was up to muster this week when it passed its seventh consecutive day of burning trash. The acceptance test for the $44.5 million facility ended at 4 a.m. To pass the acceptance test, the incinerator had to operate at full capacity for seven consecutive days. The plant used 20 of the maximum 25 hours of down time it was allowed — but never was more than one of its two units down at the same time.

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