100 years ago, 1911

The many friends of “Scotchy” Patterson, foreman of construction at the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co., have been congratulating him on his recent narrow escape from death. A few days ago, Mr. Patterson was at Oxford working on the wires when he touched a live wire carrying 2,200 volts. The other workmen say that he was held in midair for about four minutes before falling to the ground. Mr. Patterson’s left hand was severely burned, but otherwise he is enjoying his usual good health.

50 years ago, 1961

Gretchen Rosendahl of Auburn will start her fourth season this week as a lifeguard at the Taylor Pond grounds operated by the Auburn Teenage Council and this year takes on the added duties as coordinator of the teen program.

The grounds, owned by the Androscoggin County Fish and Game Association, will be open each day to youngsters of Auburn and Lewiston, according to Joseph P. Savignano, supervisor of the council. The program will be run evenings. There will be four full-time supervisors in attendance at the grounds.

25 years ago, 1986

A planned unit development proposed for Merrow Road received final approval by the Auburn Planning Board Tuesday night, despite the warning of one member that wells in the subdivision could dry up the local water supply.

Pine Apple Acres, proposed by former Merrow Road residents Frank and Janet Lavenger, would subdivide 19.9 acres into 10 lots, and people buying into the development will purchase a lot for a single-family home and individual interest in the common areas.