100 years ago,1911

Oswald Sparsam of Lewiston, who is entered in the B.A.A. Marathon race at Boston tomorrow, will leave for the Hub today. Sparsam, who has had considerable experience in local long-distance running, has recently done some long, hard road work, doing 10 miles in an hour and five minutes. He says that he has a small hope of winning, but is determined to go the full distance.

50 years ago, 1961

Reginald Fortin was elected president of the Almeco Gem and Mineral Society last evening at the YWCA on Pine Street, Lewiston.

Other officers named are Kenneth Grover, vice president; Miss Pearl Coyne, secretary; Albert Frost, treasurer; and James Vachon, junior vice president.

A social evening was featured in observance of the club’s first anniversary.

25 years ago, 1986

Dozens of Lewiston-Auburn schoolchildren in recent weeks are suspected to have contracted fifth disease, a virally-caused rash termed mild by health officials.

Maine’s Department of Human Services Division of Disease Control does not recommend that children with fifth disease stay home from school.

The disease starts with a slapped-cheek appearance on the face. It spreads the second day, often causing itching. About the sixth day, the rash changes to a lacy pattern with little or no other symptoms.

Within a week the rash generally fades, but exposure to sunlight, temperature extremes or physical or emotional stress may cause it to reappear in following weeks.