100 years ago, 1912
More good news for Auburn. The purchase of the Dingley-Foss Shoe Company of over 9080 square feet of land with frontage of 93 feet on Union Street is sufficient evidence that the prosperous Auburn shoe company intends to erect a large addition in the near future. They reply favorably to questions in regard to this, but announce nothing definite. The land runs back from Union Street 112 feet to the main factory. On the land are a house, stable and a grocery store and they will be vacated soon as the shoe company intends to tear them down. Not long ago, the Dingley-Foss Company purchased adjoining property and erected an addition on it. With an addition on the land just purchased, this company will occupy a block between and facing on both Troy and Union streets.
 
50 years ago, 1962
During the month of July alone, the Auburn Highway Department spread 92,880 gallons of asphalt on city streets and roads. Most outside roads in the south end of the city were covered. Streets also leading to the new ELHS were covered, as were all streets around the school. Sidewalk sections were rebuilt on both sides of High St., Main St., Dennison St., and Mill St. A 35-ton carload of calcium chloride was stored in the city garage in preparation for the winter months.

25 years ago,1987  
What could be the oldest wooden frame building in Lewiston could fall to the wrecker’s ball, its owner says, because he won’t have a paying tenant for it. The Zoning Board of Appeals Wednesday night effectively denied a variance that would have allowed a take-out sandwich shop at 418 Main St. John Murphy, the owner, says the structure is 170 years old. Debrah Richards, planning coordinator, pointed out to the board that under the city’s proposed revisions the shop would be allowed. But a board member noted, “The plan has not been approved. It is not that way yet.”