100 years ago, 1914
It was vagabond day in the Auburn police court, Saturday. Fourteen men of varied age, size and complexion were arraigned for vagrancy before Judge Webber. Four men were allowed to go on the condition that they leave town. They had money. Sentences for ten others ranged from four to twelve days. This crowd, all rounded up at Danville Junction at midnight, Friday, claimed to hail from various eastern cities. Each group of three or more claimed to have known nothing about the other gang until they were all driven off the freight by the trainmen at Danville. Here they all met. The main point of destination seemed to be Aroostook and the “spud” country.”
50 years ago, 1964
The Elms Hardware Co. of Auburn is closing its store and will start a going-out-of-business sale on Thursday. Lauriston Jacobs, proprietor of the store, said Thursday night that he is closing the business for reasons of health. Jacobs has been in business for 42 years, being first associated with the firm in 1922 when it was purchased by his father. The business was first located at Court and North Main streets and in 1939 moved to its present location at 46 North Main St. The company was originated in the 1890s and it was from an estate that Jacobs’ father purchased the firm in 1922.
25 years ago, 1989
For the second time in less than a month, tow truck drivers brought their wreckers to Jack’s Garage on Washington Street to find out just how good a job they can do. The Androscoggin Towing Safety Group, a fledgling organization geared to cooperation and safety, Sunday set up a mini-obstacle course to test the agility, patience, determination, skill and cooperation of tow truck drivers from the entire county. Some jobs are just too big for one wrecker, said Harold Clark, owner of Jack’s Garage. “The old-timers recognize the need for mutual aid; they can call another wrecker service and not be afraid. Two can work together for the same goal.”
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