100 Years Ago: 1924

Fire which broke out in the shed at the rear of the Park street poolroom at 11 o’clock Friday night, swept its way into the Victoria Hotel overhead and the adjoining four story rooming house, 209 Middle Street, owned by Henry Free, causing the tenants, scantily clad, to flee for their lives, several of whom were only saved by the assistance of several Lewiston citizens nearby when the spectacular blaze broke out.

What caused the fire was still a mystery to officials Saturday. The total losses from the blaze which was checked by the gallant fight made by Chief Monto and his men, were estimated at about $40,000 Saturday morning.

Owners of the buildings seemed to be well insured. Many families rooming in both the Victoria and the Middle Street tenements, lost practically all of their belongings.

50 Years Ago: 1974

Although incidents of the fine art of “streaking” seem to be on the decline, four hardy individuals apparently decided to revitalize the prank in Lewiston today.

Shortly before 10:30 this morning, two young men came into The Journal office to report that a quartet of streakers had ridden their trail bikes through the Northwood Park Shopping Center parking lot, clad only in their regulation helmets and boots.

25 Years Ago: 1999

The power of the Force was with Hoyts Cinemas here Monday as the theater learned it would be showing the well- hyped “Stars Wars: A Phantom Menace” when it makes its way into movie theaters on Wednesday.

Harriman [of Hoyt’s Cinema] said he’s never seen the type of buzz about a movie as the new “Star Wars” has caused locally.

“There’s so much hype around it, it’s crazy,” said Harriman. “I’ve never seen anything like this before around here.”

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