100 years ago, 1911

The sudden departure of Lewis E. Heckler and Mrs. Lillian Moody, wife of William F. Moody, both residents of Auburn and well known in church, social and business circles, has caused a shock of surprise among their friends. The couple left Auburn one day last week and their whereabouts is said to be unknown to either Mr. Heckler’s wife, Mrs. Ella E. Heckler, or to Mr. Moody. Mrs. Heckler spoke well of her husband and attributed a large share of the blame to Mrs. Moody. She believed her husband was enticed from his home.

50 years ago, 1961

It’s hardly the season for it, but mayflowers are blooming in Auburn.

That is, they were before yesterday’s out-of-season snowstorm.

Ruth Harris, 13, of the South River Road, came to The Sun office last night with several mayflowers already blossomed. She found them on the Vickery Road, near the turnpike bridge.

25 years ago, 1986

AUGUSTA — You want to be a Frenchman?

If you’re not already one, your big chance will be at the State House Friday.

It’ll be Frog Day!

Roseanne Ayotte has been holding Frog Day at the State House since 1977 and whether you’re a Scot, Irish, Slavic or whatever, if you want to be an honorary Frenchman for a day and you’re in the State House Friday, go to the fourth floor rotunda.

Every year there is considerable fuss about St. Patrick’s Day. So Ayotte figured — what the heck. Let’s have a Frog Day. That’s how it started and it’s continued every year since 1977.