100 years ago, 1911

A freak chicken, the property of N. M. Young, was shown on the streets of Auburn yesterday. It was a Plymouth Rock pullet about half grown with three legs, the third one projecting out back of the other two and had two feet on it.

50 years ago, 1961

Elimination of the last two manually operated gates in the city will result in the loss of employment for eight men.

Ansel Tupper, railroad superintendent in charge of operations, said that in the Lewiston and Auburn area there are 19 men employed as crossing tenders. Of these eight are 60 years of age or older with six of them reaching retirement age.

Installation of automatic half-gates with flashing red lights at the High and Elm street crossings of the Maine Central Railroad was approved last night by the Auburn City Council.

25 years ago, 1986

There are no slick, sterile floors at the Maison Marcotte, nor the cold, harsh lighting and institutional furniture sometimes found in homes for the elderly.

Instead, Lewiston’s newest congregate housing facility features soft pastel walls and carpeting, all brightened by sunlight that streams through big windows. Overstuffed couches are clustered in cozy lounges complemented by lush plants.

The former Marcotte Nursing Home is now a congregate facility of 128 apartments, all but 12 made affordable with federal rent subsidies. In its 60-year history, the stately Gothic manse on Campus Avenue has never looked better.