100 Years Ago: 1924

Gustave Simard of Lewiston owns the second largest bakery in Maine, yet he never made a loaf of bread himself. His bakery, known as Simards’s Bakery, produces and distributes to the retail trade nearly two million loaves a year. The average weekly sale in the wintertime is 37,000 loaves; and about 42,000 loaves in the summertime.

As with other businessmen who have built up fine profitable businesses, Mr. Simard attributes his success to hard, persistent work. But he makes no mention of the personal factor; and in Mr. Simard’s case the personal factor has counted a great deal. Conscientious study brought him the knowledge of bread-making, and with this knowledge he ably supervises his bakers.

But more than this, Mr. Simard possesses great ability as an executive. Hard work was one element of his success but business acumen was an equally important element. With practically little wholesale trade, he took over the building his concern now occupies some eight years ago, and he is at present utilizing all of the 10,000 square feet of floor space. The bakery is at 384 Canal Street.

50 Years Ago: 1974

A nominating committee was named at the  meeting of the Women’s Auxiliarythe East Auburn Women’s Auxiliary to the East Auburn Community Unit on Sunday night at the clubrooms. Serving on the committee will be Mrs. Larry Douglas, Mrs. Maude Maheux and Mrs. Lloyd Burgess.

Plans were discussed for the Spring Fling dance on March 30 and Mrs. Doulas was named to the ticket committee, Mrs. Julian Bernard, decorations and Mrs. Carol Coleman, refreshments.

It was decided to purchase books for the East Auburn School library and Mrs. Roberta Burgess showed some homemade articles which might be made for the annual fair next summer.

Mrs. Lena Barnes was welcomed as a new member and serving as hostesses during the serving of refreshments were Nancy Douglass, Rita Ray and Carol Coleman.

25 Years Ago: 1999

The VFW District 9 will meet at 2 pm Sunday, Jan 31 at the Capt. Frank W. Hulett VFW Post Home.

After the meeting members will honor the District 9 Voice Of Democracy essay winner, Scott Morency of Edward Little High School. Morency placed third on the state level, receiving a $700 scholarship.

The Auburn group will serve a sit-down smothered-beef meal.

The VFW Post and Auxiliary will meet, Feb 10, when members will honor the VOD winner. A potluck supper will be served.

The material used in Looking Back is produced exactly as it originally appeared although misspellings and errors may be corrected.