100 Years Ago: 1924

Members of the Lewiston Police Department will no longer patrol the streets with their hands dangling idly at their sides, but will carry a nice white stick better known as the “night stick.” This has been a long abandoned custom. (Chief Field on his recent trip to one of the metropolises) is said to have seen how effective the “night stick” proved during riots, etc., decided that his department should be up to snuff and have the latest stuff, so the sticks will adorn the cuff, poetically speaking.

The officer will probably appear on the street now carrying these attractive new devices for keeping law and order. It is expected that the sticks will be given out about the time the next change in beats comes.

At the same time it is reported that “general orders” will be issued by the Chief with a possible lecture for the men by the Chief or Chairman Pomory of the commission. This generally comes annually.

50 Years Ago: 1974

The Red Cross, Androscoggin Valley Chapter, officially opened new office space at the Androscoggin County Building in Auburn, in the basement section near Civil Defense headquarters, this morning.

Among those present for the opening  ceremonies were: Mrs. Jacqueline Stacia, National Red Cross representative; and Mrs. Dorothy Crocker, chapter executive director; Raymond L. Thibault, chairman, Androscoggin Valley Red Cross chapter; Normand J. Vermette, County Civil Defense director, Red Cross personnel chairman and Red Cross office project chairman: Frank Bellegarde, county building carpenter who remodeled the office area; and County Commissioner Roland D, Landry.

25 Years Ago: 1999

Mel Bernard, stained glass artist and instructor, will present a program and demonstration for the Auburn Art Club at 2 pm, Monday at the High Street Congregational Church.

Hostesses will be Mrs. John Kern Jr., Mrs. Phillip S. Roak and Mrs. Stephen G. Ness.

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