100 Years Ago: 1924

“The Silver Grays” enjoyed their usual jolly dancing party Thursday evening at ST. Rocco’s Hall. Waldo Street. in Rumford. The committee in charge being, Dr. C.F. Davis, Alfred Sparks, Robert Harris and Harold Poor.

50 Years Ago: 1974

A new city electrician was hired today by the city of Auburn.

He is David Turmenne, 27, of DeRosay Ave., Auburn, a graduate of Edward Little High School, who has completed two years of electronic schooling at Southern Maine Vocational Technical Institute.

Turmenne served two years in the Army and received six months electronic training while with the military. He served a tour of duty in Germany.

The new city employee, who is not married, will begin his duties April 22.

Turmenne, who will serve as an assistant to City Electrician Raymond Pelletier. His main duties will be the maintenance of traffic signals in the city. There are currently 13 traffic light setups at various intersections of Auburn. Turmenne will also be trained in fire alarm box maintenance. His official title is “traffic signal technician.”

25 Years Ago: 1999

Another festival may have found a home in the twin cities.

American Indian representatives from all over New England are celebrating Native American Appreciation Days this weekend at the Central Maine Civic Center.

“There’s so much enthusiasm here we’re looking forward to bringing it back annually,” said F. Scottie Wilcox of East Lebanon, organizer of the three-year-old-event. He said the spring program outgrew locations in Portland and South Portland. A program scheduled for Topsham in September is likely to be another Lewiston event next year, he said.

The civic center resounded with rhythmic drum beats and haunting melodies Saturday afternoon. One corner of the floor was devoted to American Indian dances. Novice routine as well as several highly skilled dancers whirled around them in colorful traditional costumes. Strong male and female voices often accompanied the drums with haunting minor key melodies.

Booths set up around the floor featured intricately carved walking sticks, baskets dream catchers, and mandalas, bone tipped arrows and knives, bead work and jewelry. Several booths sold tapes and CDs of American Indian music as well as books.

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

Copy the Story Link