Looking Back on July 28

100 Years Ago: 1918

Poland Spring today is in a blaze of glory. Never before in its long history has the foliage been so varied and magnificent, and its lawns so spacious. Shrubbery of every sort and description may be seen on all sides while in the greenhouses by the stone chapel are many tropical plants of great beauty. In fact, this may be considered one of the chief attractions of this famous summer resort. In late years, many English walnuts have been planted on the grounds, and these splendid trees furnish many a dainty meal for the grey squirrels that are constantly frolicking to and fro. Not less than 100 acres of lawn is around the great buildings and these are kept smooth and green. The great pine grove around the Maine State building is still another attraction. When one of these shows any signs of decay it is taken in hand by the tree doctor and the patch filled with cement to prevent any further disintegration. The seats and swings beneath these huge pines are a favorite resort for the guests as here it is always cool, even in the warmest days. The breezes that swoop down from the white hills serve to make this a delightful retreat and there is no more popular spot on the grounds.

50 Years Ago: 1968

An excursion to Thomas Point will be the main feature of activities next week for youngsters taking part in the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department summer playground program, according to the weekly schedule announced Friday by Norm Ingersoll, APRD superintendent. Some of the playgrounds will make the trip Thursday and the remainder on Friday. Some playgrounds are planning special activities during the week. At Pettengill Park a talent show will be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday and a barbecue will be held at Fairview playground Wednesday night. Moulton playground is planning a croquet tournament and at Fairview children will take a hike to Crescent Beach for a picnic Tuesday afternoon.

25 Years Ago: 1993

Norman Leavitt, a hard-working G.H. Bass employee for the past 45 years, has just become a loafer. Officials at the shoe company honored Leavitt by renaming their nationally renowned Classic Penny Loafer after him. A company best-seller since 1936, the Weejun, as it is known, is now the Leavitt Loafer, announced Ron Howard, G.H. Bass personnel manager. Until this month, company founder George Henry Bass was the only other person to have a shoe named in his honor, Howard said. “Norm’s unique, any company could be lucky to have him work for them,” Howard said. Currently, the director of product quality, Leavitt, an East Wilton resident, said he was pleased and amazed with the announcement. “It’s mind boggling. It was a big surprise to me. It’s been a nice company to work for. It’s hard to beat,” Leavitt said.

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

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