100 years ago, 1913
There’s a little chap in Lewiston who will be 12 years old next month. Last year, when Independence Day came around and the store windows began to fill up with red-papered crackers, he had the similar desire that the rest of the gang had to make noise and burn matches and start “cat and dog fights,” but this year he will be content to go far away from the noise and fireworks if he can. Last year, a firecracker held in his hand too long with the result that he went to bed in the hospital that night. In addition to the weeks of suffering in the hottest hours of the summer, the little fellow lost his eyesight. Perhaps some boy somewhere will remember and be wiser.

50 years ago, 1963
A wind-fanned three-alarm fire heavily damaged a Bates College dormitory last night before being checked by a small army of fire fighters from four communities. Damage to Parker Hall-West, one of the oldest buildings on the campus, and one that houses about a third of the male students, could run as high as $50,000. The fire broke out in the attic area of the big dormitory and flashed across the top floor. A fire wall prevented it fro reaching Parker Hall-East. The dormitory sprinkler alarm system was disconnected a few days ago for repairs to a water main. Hampered by a lack of water and a faulty hydrant, fire fighters drew from Lake Andrews, the campus pond.

25 years ago, 1988
Local musician Pierre Roy will head to Moscow this summer as one of 110 players in a joint Soviet-American orchestra beginning a tour of both countries next month. Roy, 24, began playing oboe nine years ago while a student at Edward Little High School.