100 years ago, 1916
Bribery charges hung over the heads of the two proprietors of the Lafayette hotel on Middle Street, Lewiston. The State was ready to present evidence to substantiate such charges when the two were arraigned in the Lewiston municipal court, Monday, charged with conducting a house of ill fame, but the respondents waived examination. This letter, enclosed with a $5 note in an envelope was received by Captain of the night watch, Benjamin H. Keegan of the Lewiston police department, April 19: Lafayette Hotel, Lewiston, Me., April 17, 1916. Mr. Benj. Keegan, Capt. We come to ask to be friend with us and let us run same as the other, you will have your pay every month without delay, first of every month course $5 dollars. It isn’t very much for your people. If I was litle rich I would give more. I will not run so many girls as I use too I’ll have only two and I’ll try not to have anny trouble. Inclose $5 dollars. Let us know if that all right.

50 years ago, 1966
A traffic light at the intersection of Court and Spring streets in Auburn came out on the ”short end” of an incident involving a huge crane early this afternoon. Auburn police said the light was snapped off at its base when it was struck by a vehicle operated owned by Cianchette Brothers Inc. of Pittsfield. The crane was traveling westerly on Court Street and turning southerly onto Spring Street when the boom of the vehicle struck the traffic light as the turn was being made.

25 years ago, 1991
Ever think you’d like to be a cop? A forensics officer who scrutinizes blood, hair samples and tire tracks? A liquor-enforcement type? If you have, and you’re ages 14 to 21,there’s a place you can get some law-enforcement experience. The Lewiston Police formed an Explorer post in March that now has roughly 25 young people attending bi-weekly meetings. Eventually the post will have members divided into military-type-ranks running their own show, raising money for uniforms and organizing their own activities.

The material in Looking Back is reproduced exactly as it originally appeared, although misspellings and errors made at that time may be edited.