100 years ago, 1916
A Lewiston man detained in Auburn, Wednesday, as a deserter from the United States navy, made a statement indicating that certain members of the Lewiston police department, tho aware he was wanted for desertion, did not arrest him and warned him to go away. He mentioned the names of Officers Breen and Gauthier, saying that one of them, he did not know which one, told him last Friday to “beat it” as they know what he was wanted for. He states that Officer Breen told him he did not want to arrest him because they were boyhood friends and that on Tuesday Officer Breen again told him to leave town.

50 years ago, 1966
Another major commercial development is on the way for the twin city area. This time a major shopping center is slated for Lewiston near the intersection of East Avenue and Lisbon Street. The site was graphically shown on the front page of last night’s Journal. When construction of the new center is completed, it is expected the facility will represent a cost of approximately two and one-half million dollars. The center will be unique in Maine, since it will feature a completely enclosed, air-conditioned mall. Robert Rosenthal, the spokesman for those undertaking this enterprise, said plans call ultimately for between 16 and 18 stores to occupy the 27-acre site.

25 years ago, 1991
Officials from a New Hampshire shoe manufacturer who are considering an Auburn plant will discuss their plans with Gov. John R. McKernan in a meeting scheduled for today. David Nectow of Shaer Shoe Co. will discuss the proposed expansion — which could bring up to 300 jobs to Auburn — in a morning meeting, according to McKernan. “At this point, he hasn’t signed on the bottom line,” said McKernan Thursday. “He asked if he could meet with me and I agreed.” Shaer is considering whether to open an Auburn plant or expand its existing facility in New Hampshire, McKernan said. “If he moves to New Hampshire, that could cost us 300 jobs,” as well as a smaller facility operated by Shaer in Farmington, the governor added.

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