100 years ago: 1918

The brightest spot in the now-famous story “lost battalion” which belonged to the 77th division, as yet untold was the climax to the fourth day of the troop’s beleaguerment in the Argonne forest. When the men were long food-less and almost without ammunition and when many were weak from exhaustion but not despairing, an American who had been taken prisoner by the Germans suddenly appeared in the valley. He had been sent blindfolded by the German headquarters with a type-written note to Major Whittlesey reading, “Americans, you are surrounded on all sides. Surrender in the name of humanity. You will be well treated well.” Major Whittlesey did not hesitate a fraction of a second. “Go to hell,” he almost shouted. Then he read the note to those around him and in spite of their weariness and hunger, danger at every moment, laughed so hard that the that the Germans could hear them from their observation post.

50 years ago: 1968

Twenty-one young ladies will serve as usherettes at the 72nd annual Lewiston Firemen’s Ball to be held Oct. 26 at the armory, it was announced Thursday night by Pvt. Clifton Smith. The girls will be dressed in western outfits to go along with the western theme of the ball. Pvt. Robert Dionne, Program chairman, said tickets are selling fast and he reminded the public that no tickets will be sold at the door the night of the dance.

25 years ago: 1993

The town of Leeds will soon add magazines, mixed paper and plastic bags and wrapping paper to the list of materials being recycled, selectmen noted this week. The town must purchase a container to hold these items before they can be accepted at the recycling center. Citizens will be notified when a container is available. Recycling center and transfer station hours will change Nov. 1. There will be no Monday hours, and both locations will be open Sundays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from noon to 4 p.m. In other business, selectmen presented a letter and certificate of appreciation to Pam Bell for the many years she served as Planning Board secretary. The Town Office will be closed Thursday so staff can attend the Maine Municipal Association convention in Portland.

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