100 years ago, 1917
Lewiston and Auburn will employ no child labor after September first when the new legislation regarding the employment of children comes into effect. Not very many children are employed now. “Last winter,” said the agent of one of the leading cotton factories, “I was talking with the Commissioner of Labor at Augusta, and there were at that time but 54 children in the Lewiston Mills. We have 12 now in our employ between 14 and 16 but Saturday every employee under sixteen will be discharged. We could retain those over fourteen so long as they worked but eight hours, and it is not impossible that we will give intermittent employment to these — legally, of course. Duffers, for instance, are usually boys, but their hours compared to the other mill employes are shorter and we can give them work if we like. It is likely, however, that we will not bother with children under sixteen.” Asked what would become of the children discharged from the mills, this man said, “That is a matter for the truant officer, if they do not go back to school.”

50 years ago, 1967
The Pine Tree Warriors have been presented with the Finnish National Flag by Mr. and Mrs. Alvar Immonen of 82 Pine St., South Paris, to carry with its other three national colors in the color guard. The Warriors have previously carried the American, Canadian and the French National Flags. Permission for the Warriors to carry the Finnish National Flag was given to Immonen by Mikko Immonen, consulate general of Finland, with headquarters in New York City.

25 years ago, 1992
Parents of school age children will have a new alternative for extracurricular activities in Arts After School, an arts-based program to be held at the First Universalist Church on Pleasant Street, Auburn. Founded by a group of parents with the sponsorship of the YWCA and the aid of LA Arts, Arts After School aims to help children create art, dance, sing and play.

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