100 years ago, 1917
“We feel the Lewiston community war gardens are a great success,” said Mr. Cloutier regarding the 30-acre tract on Lowell Hill. “We have laid 2,500 feet of water pipe and have put up 25 faucets, so no gardener has to lug water than 100 feet to water his garden. We have set up very large placards at the entrances to the grounds, notifying the public of money reward for evidence to convict marauders. These are in English and in French. We also would like the impression removed that any malicious mischief has been done. What did happen was that a cow got into some of the gardens and devastated the corn and trampled some of the other crops, but the owner of the animal settled and there will be no further trouble from this cause, in all probability.”

50 years ago, 1967
A tip received by Lewiston police that a “gang” was headed for a dance at Lost Valley in Auburn to “get even” with Auburn officers for breaking up a riot situation last Saturday night at the Rollodrome resulted in the APD dispatching additional officers to the Valley Tuesday night, but no disturbance occurred. In addition, it was reported that all LPD cruisers were ready and equipped to head for any trouble spot that might develop. Auburn police remained at the scene until after the dance ended at midnight.

25 years ago, 1992
Lewiston Mayor James Howaniec has big dreams for the corner of downtown Lewiston once inhabited by the Ritz cinema, now the home of the new L-A Public Theater. “It’s a very strategic corner,” the mayor said. “We have an ideal opportunity to revitalize it.” The city project would go hand in hand with the L-A Public Theater’s renovation of the theater. After a season at the Auburn Mall, the group leased the building as its permanent home recently. A grand opening is scheduled for Oct. 9. In the meantime, major interior renovations are under way.

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