100 years ago, 1918

The faculty and students of Bates College, voting as a body, this morning adopted resolutions demanding complete national prohibition during the remainder of the war and for one year thereafter, and calling upon the President, Senate, House of Representatives and other federal authorities to use their powers and influence toward this end. So far as known, Bates is the first New England college to take such action.

50 years ago, 1968

A crystal ball has been installed in the ceiling of the Edward Little High School Gym — thanks to the Hi-Y Club — and it’ll be utilized for the first time Friday evening at the school’s junior-senior prom. The ball, donated to the school by the Edward Little club, was purchased for $350, and was installed at a cost of $699, making it a $1,049 gift in all. The crystal ball  was purchased by the club in December and arrived in time to be installed in time for the school’s big formal.

25 years ago, 1993

Friday’s overcast skies couldn’t put a damper on the spirits of the participants in the Androscoggin County Special Olympics. The half-day event, which was held on the track and football field at Bates College, prepares athletes for the statewide meet held June 10-13 at the University of Maine campus in Orono. “They get their times and distances here,” said Sherry Poland, area director for this year’s event. “Everybody’s eligible. The athletes don’t have to qualify (for the Olympics in June) but they register with the times and distances.” In this way they are “put in groups and heats according to their abilities,” she said.

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