100 years ago, 1915
The present week brings an almost unique day in the college calendar at Bates. Thursday will be the “Day of Prayer for Colleges” and it will be fittingly observed at the local college. The institution of a day of prayer carries with it the reverence of time, for it has been observed at Bates not less than forty years. All regular exercises are suspended and the day is given over to religious observances.

50 years ago, 1965
The largest industrial building to be constructed in the Twin Cities in decades will be completed early this year when the finishing touches are put on the new multi-million dollar Pioneer Plastics Corp. plant. Covering approximately nine acres on a 126-acre site in Auburn between the southbound lane of Washington Street and the Poland Road, the immense structure will house Pioneer Plastics’ expansion of its present operation at Sanford.

25 years ago, 1990
Officials of Lewiston Raceway have decided to pursue real estate development opportunities on the site of the former harness racing track, and will not attempt to institute other kinds of racing at the facility, they said Wednesday. The owners expressed regret at the course of action, but say they must look to the future. “Sometimes it is hard to do what you feel is right,” James Day, treasurer of Lewiston Raceway, said. “Racing has been a long love for my family. That’s why we got involved with a bankrupt company and tried to rebuild it in the first place. The decision didn’t come easy, and nobody comes out a winner.” As for the future of the 55-acre facility, Day is currently looking at a number of options.

The material in Looking Back is reproduced exactly as it originally appeared, although misspellings and errors made at that time may be edited.