100 years ago, 1911

Prof. Herbert V. Neal, father of Margaret Neal, aged 10, who was attacked by Commander Robert E. Peary’s dogs at Eagle Island and horribly bitten, is a native of Auburn and is well known in both these cities. Little Margaret also has many friends here. The story of the attack upon her by Peary’s dogs was of unusual interest to local readers. Reports from South Harpswell stated that Margaret was doing nicely and that in all probability no permanent injury would result from the bites.

50 years ago, 1961

The Auburn City Council will meet in special session at 5:15 this afternoon to act on the sale of the Edward Little High School annex to the New England Tel. & Tel. Co., it was learned last night.

The telephone company has been reported ready to pay $50,000 for the property which is to be used as the site of a telephone satellite station.

25 years ago, 1986

Thousands of people are expected to attend Lewiston’s 10th annual Festival Franco-Americain, a week-long cultural celebration complete with Franco cuisine, the C’est Si Bon Orchestra and nightly entertainment that begins Sunday at the Central Maine Youth Center.

Opening ceremonies will take place at 7:30 p.m. inside the Birch Street arena. Festival Queen Donna Bergeron will be crowned by Mayor Alfred A. Plourde, and the French, Canadian and American national anthems will be performed.