100 years ago, 1917
In Lewiston and Auburn is a group of women working for the wounded soldiers in the hospitals of the allies and they feel this work should be brought to the attention of the women of the two cities as there are no doubt many anxious to contribute their share to the alleviation of the suffering caused by shrapnel and other hideous war devices. The work of the surgical dressings committee is, as the name indicates, entirely hospital supplies, mainly surgical dressings, for in the point of time and importance these are absolutely indispensable. It is after life is saved that comforts are needed, but first must come surgical aid.

50 years ago, 1967
Strong protests by residents of the Poland area to the application of Economics Systems Corp. to discharge treated sewage into Middle Range Pond were joined here Thursday by similar reactions from two state agencies during a hearing before the Maine Water Improvement Commission. Earl Tebbetts, Maine Health and Welfare Department sanitary engineer and a second man, speaking for the Maine Parks and Recreation Department, both told the WIC their agencies oppose the application of the firm which is the contract operator of the Poland Spring Job Corps Training Center for Women. Close to 300 persons crowded the Poland town hall as Tebbetts told the WIC the proposal “could cause tremendous problems for the Mechanic Falls Water Co. and the Job Corps itself.” When the engineer said he felt an alternate plan could be found, he was greeted with ringing applause.

25 years ago, 1992
Alexander Dwinnel says he’s tired of dormitory life, so this year the Bates College junior moved to an apartment off campus. “It’s the freedom to decide,” he says. “I wanted to be able to have my own space.” Dwinnel is among the five percent of the Bates student body who was granted permission to make the move. For the first time, the college is strictly enforcing a policy that limits the number of students allowed to live off campus. The crackdown stems from a sudden flood of requests from students who want to move.  

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