100 Years Ago: 1925

Albert Dubois of 146 Lincoln Street, Lewiston, is 13 years old. He is a Lewiston Journal newsboy. He is one of those known as a “corner boy” for the reason that his stand is at Main and Lincoln streets. These statements alone stamp him as a real live boy, but the fact that he has $314 on deposit in one of the local savings banks proves that along with his other qualifications he has a knowledge of the value of money and a saving disposition.

How many lads of the same age In these cities have that amount of money on deposit, every dollar of which they have earned themselves within a period of three years?

“How long have you been selling Journals?” I asked Albert the other day.

His hat was in his hand, his bright eyes sparkled, as he answered that he first took up the work in 1921. He said that he had been selling another paper, but could not make enough to save anything, so decided to get a place with the Journal. He borrowed 50 cents from his mother for capital. Knowing the results of his other venture she was not very enthusiastic, but his enthusiasm was such that she made the loan.

“I bought papers with part of that and kept the rest for change,” said Albert. “I sold three papers the first night, but kept at it until I had the corner place and am selling nearly 100 papers each night, besides delivering 30 to regular customers in stores, offices and houses in that vicinity. These customers gave me tips amounting to $8.”

He was proud of this for he recognized that the tips would not have been forthcoming but for his having performed his duties faithfully.

He saves a part of his money each day and once each month takes these savings and his bank book to the savings bank to make his deposit.

Albert is a pupil in the fifth grade at the Coburn school, and during vacations works for the Candy Production Co., earning $3 a week. This does not interfere with his work as a newsboy.

50 Years Ago: 1975

A 12-pound roast beef was reportedly taken in a night-time break at Michael’s Restaurant at 198 Lisbon St., Lewiston.

Lewiston police said entrance was gained by forcing the front door. Officer Richard Grondin and Det. Marcel Belanger investigated.

25 Years Ago: 2000

The new deputy police chief in Auburn appointed Friday is a former detective and school officer with years of experience in child-abuse cases and other youth issues. Phil Crowell, a seven-year member of the police force, was named to the position of second in command at the department.

“He’s a very good man, and he’s well rounded,” said Police Chief Richard Small. “His enthusiasm and community awareness is going to be an asset.”

Small and other city officials this week interviewed seven officers of various ranks for the Auburn police job. In the end, Crowell’s versatility and commitment to the job apparently won them over.

“He’s a heck of a nice guy, and he’s going to do a great job,” said Moe Bolduc, a clerk at the station. “Everyone here is really pleased.”

Crowell, 32, was the department’s Drug Abuse Resistance Education officer before he instituted the Police Educating Against Child Endangerment to replace the DARE program. He was most recently promoted to the detective bureau.

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