100 Years Ago: 1921

An object strange to the younger generation, but recalling happy memories to many an “old timer,” rests on the desk of Chief Samson of the Lewiston fire department. It is an immense silver speaking trumpet, elaborately ornamented, and inscribed. It resembles a cornucopia or perhaps one of the long trumpets always carried by angels and other privileged visitors in the moving picture allegories. The trumpet was once won by Jacob Parker of the old Androscoggin Engine Company No. 3; and it was  presented to the Lewiston Fireman by his son, Herbert Parker, now of New Bedford.

50 Years Ago: 1971

Members of the cast of “Fiddler on the Roof” held a production party at the Community Little Theater Clubrooms after the final performance. Decorations were in the wedding motif and a special cake was served in honor of Paul O’Clair who is to be married soon. Assisting with the decorations for the party was Mrs. Robert Kraut, chairman, with Mrs. Stanley Gibson, Mrs. Andrew White, Paul Jalbert, Vicki Littlefield, Marie Donahue and Jackie Gendron. Appropriate presentations were made to the cast directors with Ruby Dodge receiving a charm replica of a fiddle, Mrs. Edward Laine, technical director, a charm of a bride and  bridegroom, and Lois Camire, choreographer, a wedding cake charm, all of which were engraved. Roland Gosselin, production manager, and Bill Berube, stage manager, also were presented with a token gift. In turn, Ruby Dodge received a pin in the shape of a fiddle with Roland Gosselin making the presentation. Barry Best then presented a gift on behalf of the Bottle Dancers to Mrs. Morin for making the Cosack costumes which were used in the scene. A gag was presented to Mrs Stanley Bernard and individual gifts were received by the two leads in the play, Louie Levy and Mrs. Frederick Peterson. Not to overlook each individual Involved in the production received an engraved bookmark which was in keeping with the theme of “Fiddler on the Roof.”

25 Years Ago: 1996

The search for a new principal at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington has been put on hold because interim Principal Charles Parlin will likely stay on through the 1997-98 school year, he said. Parlin was hired last summer to fill the position for one year after former Principal Bruce Lindberg resigned and left in June. Parlin, a former assistant principal, planned to retire in June. But now he’s saying he would like to keep the top administrative job for two years. “There are things I’d like to follow through, such as updating courses and other curriculum changes, and that will take more than one year,” he said. Also, the new leadership team “seems to be the right chemistry,”  he said.

The material used in Looking Back is produced exactly as it originally appeared although misspellings and errors may be corrected.