100 years ago,1910

From a cause unknown and while all the occupants of the house were away, the entire set of buildings at the farm of Joseph Johnson on the old “Foster Lee Randall place” on the Randall Road was burned to the ground early last evening. The loss will be over $4,000 and it is understood that there is practically no insurance. Mr. Johnson was one of the best market gardeners in this vicinity and lost a great quantity of produce.

50 years ago, 1960

A record-breaking number of long-distance telephone calls were made and completed through the Lewiston Exchange of New England Telephone and Telegraph Co. during the Christmas holiday.

More than 6,000 toll calls originating here went to all parts of the United States and many countries throughout the world.

Close to 100 percent of the calls made through the Lewiston office were completed. Some 96 percent of the toll calls went through to their destination on the first attempt. Delays didn’t exceed 20 minutes on the calls not completed on the first try.

25 years ago, 1985

Madeliene M. Croteau, keeper of the chateau at the winery estate of Barton & Guestier’s in Blanquefort, France, will speak at the Jan. 2 meeting of the Lewiston-Auburn Rotary Club.

The daughter of Rotary member Joe Croteau, Ms. Croteau has worked in France since 1970. Her topic will be “All About Wine.”