100 years ago, 1917
It is very gratifying to hear of Wheeler Davis’ success as a wireless operator. This young man of East Poland is the son of Mrs. Annie Davis and has several brothers and sisters. He took up the study of wireless telegraphy and holds a position in our navy. In a recent letter from him to his mother he writes, “My ship the Pattison has been appointed the flag ship of all the destroyers. It is well I left home the day I did from my visit to you, for my chief was transferred that day and I was given his position which is a promotion. We shall be here in Boston harbor all winter.”

50 years ago, 1967
Lewiston firemen were called early Tuesday afternoon to quickly dispose of a large barrel of “contaminated” sodium hydrosulphite which was said to be dangerous. Fire Chief Roland G. Dumais said his department was summoned to the Lewiston Woolen Company at 318 Lincoln St. at about 2:21 p.m. He said the barrel of chemical was apparently contaminated when a scoop from another container was placed into the sodium hydrosulphite. The contaminated barrel heated up and “threatened to explode,” and could have caused serious damage, the chief said. The chemical is used for bleaching purposes. Chief Dumais said his department was summoned to dispose of the chemical, but wouldn’t say where it was destroyed. A Sun cameraman photographed the barrel of chemical being dropped into the Androscoggin River with Raymond Jacqmin, chief of the fire prevention bureau, looking on. The chief remarked that the contaminated chemical caused “bad fumes” and it could have proved “very destructible.” Responding to the call were Engines One, Two and Seven, and Aerial Two.

25 years ago, 1992
Student enrollment for the spring semester reached a record high at Central Maine Technical College in Auburn, due in part, said CMTC president William Hierstein, to the high rate of unemployment for the area. Part-time enrollment for spring semester more than doubled over first semester figures, from 213 to 436, said Hierstein. The average age of students has also risen; 31 percent are now over the age of 30.

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