100 Years Ago: 1924

Santa Claus arrived in Gardiner at noon Thursday and was accorded the regal reception due a visitor of his distinction. Hundreds of children joined in the procession that moved to the Johnson House where Headquarters have been established during the holidays.

A brass band met Santa who arrived mid the jingling of sleigh bells but his sleigh was drawn by horses on account of the slippery hills which his reindeer were unable to traverse.

At the Johnson house a huge Christmas tree has been erected, brilliantly lit with myriads of tiny electric lights. It was there that Santa greeted the children and promised them all sorts of good things for Christmas.

50 Years Ago: 1974

More than 80 Junior Woman’s Hospital Association volunteers at the Central Maine General Hospital were honored Wednesday evening for their total of 15,200 hours of service to the hospital.
The Candystripers volunteer their time during summer vacation, after school hours, and on school holidays, assisting patients and visitors. In addition, they undertake such projects as special holiday gifts for patients and fundraising functions.

Miss Susan Jordan of Auburn was presented the highest award for 1,000 hours of service to the hospital. Receiving awards for 500 hours were Rachel Boileau, Lewiston; Julie Fournier, Auburn; Janice Healey, Auburn; Nannette Lecomte, Lewiston; Nancy Michaud, Lewiston; Joan Mulkern, Auburn; Debbie Poole, Auburn; and Debbie Shaw, Auburn.

25 Years Ago: 1999

A surprise 50th wedding anniversary celebration for Roger and Irene (Couture) Maheux of Lewiston, was held on July 31 at the Ramada Inn in Lewiston. The celebration was hosted by their children and spouses, Arlene and Robert Simpson, Sandra and Franco Certo, Suzanne and Alex Cordoba and Michael Maheux.

Mrs. Maheux was presented a corsage by her maid of honor, Vi- vianne Berube Bernier and Mr. Maheux was presented a bouton- niere from his brother and best man, Roland Maheux. Mrs. Maheux was then presented with roses from each of the grandchildren, Angela Belmonte, Jessica Godin, Desiree Cordoba, Ian Simpson, Krystal Cordoba, Ashley Maheux, Alexandria Maheux and Samantha Maheux. The couple then renewed their vows, with the Rev. Claude Albert of Holy Family Church officiating.

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