100 years ago, 1912
Already the cement foundations of the new convent for the Sisters of Notre Dame at Walnut and Blake streets in Lewiston are about completed and it is proposed to begin next week laying brick for the superstructure. The building will be three stories high and of substantial character. It will contain a chapel, community rooms, music rooms, parlors, etc., besides the sleeping quarters for the nuns and the service section of the house. There will be every convenience and the Sisters will find a great change over the two-story wooden house they now occupy on Bates Street.

50 years ago, 1962
There were varying views today in local industrial circles as to whether or not political candidates should be allowed access to busy manufacturing plants for handshaking tours. Some say politicians are not permitted at their plants during election times and others allow the old-time practice. H.L. Gosselin, assistant to the president of Bates Mfg. Co., said, “We have a long-standing policy which does not allow visits to our plants by campaigners.” According to Gosselin, “If the governor of Maine, or for that matter, any public official wanted to visit one of our plants, they certainly would be welcome. However, we would discourage any such visit at election time.”

25 years ago, 1987
When residents of Fourth Street, Auburn, step into the shower Wednesday, or turn on the faucet to do the dishes, they may be in for a surprise. Water pressure that has been in the 20- to 25-pound range in the past will now be 100 pounds thanks to improvements that have changed the gravity water system to a pressure system, according to Water District Supt. Normand R. Lamie. The improvements were made on Fourth Street between Broad and Dunn streets, but Lamie said Tuesday that the increased pressure will be felt “throughout the Fourth Street area.”