100 Years Ago; 1918

The new tax bills in Auburn will differ from those used heretofore. In addition to the usual information, printed on the bills, there will be a short table, showing where $1 of the tax money goes. It will be noticed that but 60 cents of a dollar is used for city operating expenses, this being distributed among 12 general items, the two largest of which are 17 cents for educational work and 16 cents for highway maintenance, these two being more than one-half of the amount; improvements and debt redemption total 12 cents, while the remaining 28 cents goes for state and county taxes. Fire protection, interest and general government tie for third place at 5 cents each. Then come the improvements and debt redemption of 12 cents and the agencies calling for 23 cents. On the back will appear a brief explanation of the law relating to the collection of taxes. Among the important points mentioned is the change of interest rates, to be charged after Oct. 31.

50 Years Ago: 1968

From an ad in the Sun Journal: BRAND NEW 1968 CHEVY CORVAIR SPORT COUPE: 110 Engine-standard trans., Aux. lights, radio, basic safety equipment;ONLY ONE left, $2105. Del. local area.

25 Years Ago: 1993

Spare-Time Recreation swiftly won City Council approval Tuesday to conduct pari-mutuel wagering at an off-track betting facility. The application next faces action by the Maine State Harness Racing Commission. A public hearing on the off-track betting plan elicited little comment. Councilors Paul Poliquin and Normand Poulin endorsed the concept, saying it would complement Spare-Time’s current recreational and entertainment offerings and benefit the local economy. The council last year rejected a proposal for off-track betting at a former restaurant on outer Lisbon Street, because of inadequate parking at the site. “It’s important to note that the location is ideal for this use,” added Councilor Peter Grenier. Spare-Time Recreation is located on outer Main Street at the site of the now-defunct Lewiston Raceway. Charles and James Day closed the longtime harness racing facility after their 1983 season, and have since embarked on a multimillion-dollar redevelopment. Spare-Time is one of three establishments that have applied for off-track betting licenses in recent weeks. The others are restaurants in Waterville and Presque Isle. If it wins state approval, Spare-Time would be able to accept wagers and show simulcasts of races being held at tracks nationwide.

The material in the Looking Back is reproduced exactly as it originally appeared, although misspellings and errors may be corrected.