100 years ago, 1912
The store at 50 Court St., Auburn, so long used as a confectionary store and occupied by Levi Pettengill, in that business for several years past, which was vacated by him only a short while ago, has been leased by the B.F. Wells Sporting Goods Company. Wells’ regular place of business is but one door above and it is with little difficulty that the newly leased property can be converted into an annex to the big sporting goods store. As a matter of fact, the annex and its new fittings (in the adjacent store’s windows) bloomed rather suddenly. A hammock was hung there with all sorts of lawn sports and comforts. All manner of bonnets festooned the walls and ceiling.

50 years ago, 1962
The season may be a long way off, but members of the Auburn Grandstand Club already are thinking football. The Walton Field bleachers had to be demolished for safety’s sake sometime ago. And the field has been without accommodations for the press and radio, and team spotters. Under the spearheading of Lloyd Rafnell Jr., a new press box is being constructed. It will be supported 12 feet in the air and will measure better than 6 by 43 feet. It will be spacious enough for representatives of several papers, both radio stations and spotters. It is also hoped to use a public address system during the games.

25 years ago, 1987
A new Androscoggin County jail containing all the items on a wish list would cost more than $11 million, architects told a committee working to place a jail issue on the November ballot. Minutes later, the architects joined a consultant and jail administrator John Lebel in reducing the list they prepared, and cutting the cost as well.