100 years ago, 1912
Sensation followed sensation quickly in the Maine Methodist Conference at Lewiston, Thursday, when that “live wire,” the liquor question in Maine cities, was touched. Rev. Dr. Berry of the Maine Civic League presided and proffered a report which was sharp as a rapier. He and Rev. Dr. Clarence True Wilson of the Temperance Society of the M.E. Church had just come from inspection of Lewiston saloons. They had visited two of them and seen enough liquor to make an army drunken. They needed no further evidence, and if they but knew it, they had also spread consternation among the saloon keepers, for Wednesday night, after their visit, the police were excited over it and uneasy rumors were afloat.

50 years ago, 1962
A poll tax on women, as suggested by the Auburn Taxpayers Association, could provide another $20,000 in tax revenue fo the City of Auburn, it was learned today. The association dispatched to the League of Women Votes of Auburn a letter concerning the proposed poll tax for women and pointed out that in a random poll of some 100 women, 87 indicated they would gladly pay a poll tax if it would keep property taxes down in 1962. At the rate of $3 per, this would produce revenue of $20,067. The association has taken the stand that as long as women have a vote and compete with men for jobs, they also should pay a poll tax.

25 years ago, 1987
Lewiston councilors agreed Tuesday to amend an agreement with Central Maine Power Co. for the construction of a $55-million hydroelectric project, but not before the appearance of a controversial pump station was again discussed. The amendment transfers ownership of a 40-foot strip of land adjacent to the W.S. Libbey mill, including an existing utility building. Also at issue is a 24-inch water main that crosses the Androscoggin River at the site of the new facility. CMP has agreed to reimburse the city to a maximum of $129,800 to permanently relocate the main to a new location, which would begin at the site of Lewiston’s new pump station at Main and Mill streets.