100 Years Ago: 1922

A bolt of lightning, entering the kitchen of William Wood’s home in Leeds, this week, whizzed under the cook-stove, removed a streak of fur from the cat’s back, and then knocked Mr. Wood down. He picked himself up uninjured, only to be knocked down a second time as another bolt followed the first into the kitchen. Some people say that lightning does not strike twice in the same place, but neither Mr. Wood nor the cat agree with them.

50 Years Ago: 1972

The new Kmart discount department store on Center Street. Auburn, which will open sometime around the end of the month, will employ approximately 140 men and women, with additional employees to be added to the staff during peak seasonal periods.

Manager Robert E. Barnard said today the opening date will be announced “as soon as we finalize our department layouts for ease of shopping.”

The Auburn store will be one of more than 1,140 Kmart, Kresge and Jupiter Stores operated by the S S Kresge Company. headquartered in Troy, Mich.

25 Years Ago: 1997

Army Cpl. Christopher R. Thoma has been decorated with the Army Commendation Medal.

The medal is awarded to individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievement or meritorious service in the performance of their duties.

Thoma is a nuclear biological chemical specialist with the 588th Maintenance Company at Fort Sill, Lawton, Okla. He is the son of Debbie G. and William J. Thoma of 195 Riverside Drive, Auburn.

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

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