100 years ago, 1915
Several automobile parties from Lewiston had difficulties on the road between East Winthrop and Manchester corner. Highway improvement work is in progress there. A closed sign was up at both ends of the work, but, as it is often the case that machines can go thru this work, thereby saving several miles of detour road, these parties took a chance and ran past the signs. Traveling was all right until they nearly reached Manchester corner. There a large steam roller, standing crosswise of the road, made it almost impossible to get by. Only small and light machines could go around it and they only by assistance of able bodied men, some cussing and a lot of perseverance.

50 years ago, 1965
Reports that the famous Poland Spring Hotel complex has been sold outright to the Federal government for a Job Corps training center were discounted Friday night. Saul Feldman, owner of the complex of buildings at the well known spa, said the property “has not been sold and we are not contemplating selling it.” Feldman acknowledged that discussions have been underway pertaining to renting a part of the property, but that “nothing has been done as yet and will not be done for a while.” Last week Feldman confirmed a report the Federal government is interested in leasing the property and that it reportedly would be used as a training center for from 300 to 500 girls.

25 years ago, 1990
The Maine Waste Management Agency has awarded $58,500 to the town of Jay for the curbside collection of recyclable goods, and a proposed consortium to include the towns of Anson and Starks will receive a $75,000 grant for regional processing. The latest awards, coupled with more than $5 million granted to recycling programs last spring, mean that 70 percent of Mainers will have access to recycling facilities, according to state officials.

The material in Looking Back is reproduced exactly as it originally appeared, although misspellings and errors made at that time may be edited.