100 years ago, 1913
The new Bates weave shed in Lewiston (now known as Bates Mill No. 5) will be covered in within a few weeks, but the wheel pit and other work on the canal side will hardly be finished before cold weather. The turbines are ready to be put in place and a large crew is busy in the Plutonian regions way down below. The weave room is imposing in size and architecture elements. The light is ample and a view of the entire building from the south end is impressive, as a proof from the new forms of construction — neat, permanent and practical. The sprinkler heads and steam fittings are in process. The glass is being set and all possible dispatch is invoked to make ready for winter weather. The improvement in business conditions leads to the impression that this building when completed within the next year will be ready for the making of goods at a timely moment.
50 years ago, 1963
A spokesman for the International Paper Co. at its New York headquarters declined comment Friday on a report that a new 37 million dollar plant would be built in the Livermore Falls area and that currently a land holding company is acquiring a site location. It was reported several months ago that International intended to construct a huge plant in Maine and that it might be located along the Androscoggin River. Of late, it has been said International had big plans for the general Livermore Falls section. In the past week, it was reported a plant would be built on the Livermore side of the river, almost opposite the Livermore Falls business section, so that an existing dam might be utilized in paper making operations.
25 years ago, 1988
Lewiston-Auburn, the state’s second-largest population center, has a number of smaller pool playing venues like bars, bowling alleys and social clubs. But none is as roomy as the true billiard parlors in Waterville, Portland or even Lisbon Falls. Members of the Lewiston Board of Appeals turned down a proposal to open a parlor above VI Auto Discount Center at 485 Sabattus St. for different space reasons — parking space reasons. The board determined that the 16-table parlor needed another 18 spaces.
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