100 years ago, 1912
With a construction unlike that of any cotton mill in the United States, the erection of the addition to the Bates Manufacturing Co.’s plant in Lewiston is causing greater interest than of any structure ever put up in this city. Altho many do not realize it, it will be by far the largest cement building in New England and its construction is the last work in modern building methods. The whole addition will be used for weaving. A large section of the first floor is now being laid. This floor, which rests on square re-inforced concrete piers, includes in its construction thousands of hollow tile, covered with concrete. Moulds are now being erected for the cement piers which will support the saw-tooth roof.

50 years ago, 1962
Agents of the U.S. Treasury Department apparently aren’t overly determined to press for an arrest in connection with the discovery yesterday of an apparent abandoned still in a secret room in the cellar of an Auburn house. Officials called at the house at the invitation of a new owner. It was discovered that one section of wall shelves was hinged and pulled away from the wall, revealing a crude door and hidden room. They found a quantity of bottles, a barrel which contained the coil, a gas stove, and two wooden barrels containing thoroughly aged cider.

25 years ago, 1987
Attorney E. James Burke, vice president of the Androscoggin County Bar Association, today gave tribute to the U.S. Constitution during a brief ceremony at Androscoggin County Superior Court. During a court recess to commemorate the 200th anniversary of signing of the Constitution, Burke said even with the Constitution’s adaptations to society’s norms, “It is slow, painful and sometimes stagnant, but it prevents civil war.”