100 years ago, 1917
The Little Androscoggin Water Power company, operating the Barker mill in New Auburn, by a vote of its directors, has subscribed for $10,000 of the Liberty Loan bonds, which will be offered to their operatives on the weekly subscription plan. The company has also subscribed $750 to the Y. M. C. A. general war fund, the amount being pledged with the understanding that it is to be used at the points where the Maine troops are located.

50 years ago, 1967
Auburn police today issued a warning to local youngsters who have been using an access way between Wilson Street and Pettingill Park. Police Chief Stephen Smyc stated that his department has received a number of complaints from Wilson Street residents. The complaints dealt with the use of motor vehicles such as jeeps and motorcycles on the narrow path. He said that several people have expressed a fear that someone would be hurt. The section in question is in the vicinity of the ski shack at the park and the access way which leads to Wilson Street. Chief Smyc pointed out that the use of the access by motor vehicles is prohibited and said violators will be prosecuted.

25 years ago, 1992
A large swarm of wild honeybees numbering between 20,000 and 30,000 chose the fence in front of Cooper’s Restaurant on Sabattus Street, Lewiston, as a likely resting place Tuesday afternoon. Shortly after 1 p.m., owner Arlene Laliberte looked out the restaurant window and saw a large, black glob float through the air, and hover on a fence post. The fence runs parallel to the sidewalk. Lewiston Police Department Officer Ronald Dumont set up “Do Not Enter” signs on the sidewalk about 25 feet apart in order to keep walkers away from the bees. He even escorted three elderly ladies out into the street, giving the swarm a wide berth, so that neither the women nor the bees would be inconvenienced. Beekeeper Ed “Jilly” Jillson was called in to entice the bees into a hive and take them back to his farm.

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