100 years ago, 1917
The following people of this vicinity have donated binoculars, etc., to the Government for service, through the local Naval Recruiting Station in Lewiston —Walter H. Sawyer Auburn, one sextant set, and one pair of binoculars; George Andrews, Minot, one pair of binoculars. These articles have been forwarded to Washington, D. C., where they will be promptly acknowledged. Anyone having binoculars, spy glasses or telescopes who wish to donate same to the Government for use in the prosecution of important naval operations will send or bring the glasses to the Naval Recruiting Station, Lewiston. The Government will pay the donor one dollar for each glass donated as it cannot accept them without some consideration.

50 years ago, 1967
The Auburn Highway Department waste removal crew carted away some Christmas trees Tuesday and Roland Saucier, the highway superintendent, said the department probably will designate a day later this week for a special collection of the trees. Saucier reported that a double collection was made Tuesday due to the Monday holiday. Most households, however, leave their trees up a few days after Christmas so the special collection will be made later. It is not decided whether there will be a burning of the greens ceremony this year.

25 years ago, 1992
Thousands of dollars worth of bikes are stolen in the Twin Cities each year. Although many are recovered by the police, most are never returned to their owners due to lack of identification, police officials said. Auburn Police Lt. Dan Lajoie said, “We need to remind people to have some way to identify their bike,” adding, “Serial numbers can be filed off. The owner should make a file mark or drill a hole underneath somewhere unnoticeable.” Over 104 bikes have been reported stolen in Auburn since last January. Lewiston reported a number of bike thefts in the past two months as well, many from the Bates College area.

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