100 years ago, 1911

George V. Turgeon, the local jeweler, has recently been granted a patent for an invention which those who have seen it declare will ultimately control the field that it invades. It is a small piece of bent and twisted wire, self adjusting, that is made for the purpose of hanging umbrellas or similar articles, for display. The wire fits over the steel-tipped rod and the umbrella hangs down.

50 years ago, 1961

A thief apparently got himself locked in the Food Town supermarket on Spring Street, Auburn, last night, and made off with $238.

The larceny was believed by Capt. Stephen Smyc of Auburn police to have occurred between 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday. The store was closed at 6:45 p.m.

Auburn police now have two cases on their hands. The other is the theft of $38.77 from the Auburn Grain Co. on Railroad Street, a short distance from the supermarket.

25 years ago, 1986

A dozen Auburn secretaries interviewed Thursday said they see a lack of progress toward a contract as yet another example that they are being taken for granted.

“I haven’t heard it said to me, but it has been said that secretaries in Auburn are a dime a dozen,” said Ruth Goding, an Edward Little High School secretary who represents the group in contract talks.

Bargaining teams for about 30 secretaries and the Auburn School Committee have attempted for nearly a half-year to reach an agreement on a contract for 1986-87.