From our Files: Headlines from 100 years of local news

100 Years Ago-Aug. 21, 1912
Aroostook Times
    Dyer Book — During the recent thunder storm that visited this section, the lightning struck W.D. McLaughlin’s potato house and damaged it considerable. The lightning also struck Basil Drew’s barn damaging the barn a great deal and killing a calf.
    Talented decorator — Mr. Beadle Currie, who has been connected with the Putnam Hardware Co. since its establishment, has created the most attractive show windows showing a complete line of hunting supplies.
    Newly employed — The following students from the Houlton Business College have recently taken positions: Esther Burtt, bookkeeper for Charles Berry; Ernest Dow, bookkeeper for Wilson Garage Co.; and Margaret Morrison, Steno Register of Probate.
75 Years Ago-Aug. 26, 1937
Houlton Pioneer Times
Pioneer Times 1937 file photo
ON 1937-38 RICKER FACULTY — Teaching at Ricker Classical Institute in Houlton for the 1937-38 term are Principal Roy M. Hayes, Roy Bither, Irene Dwelley, Walter P. Morse, W. Harold Rood, Jean Watson, L. Franklin Moore, Emily Randall, Harold Inman, Ethel Coutts, Marjorie McCain and Mildred Rollins.
    Casualties of war — The State Department in Washington, D.C. announced on Monday the names of 250 American nationals who left Shanghai aboard the Dollar liner, the President Hoover, bound for Manila. Included among those on the Hoover were Mr. and Mrs. W.A. Estes of Island Falls.
    Dyer Brook — A party of young people accompanied by some from Island Falls, enjoyed a trip to the top of Mt. Chase. Among them from this town were Verle and Laurel McNally and sisters, Stella and Leita, Mr. and Mrs. E.J. White and guest, Miss Pauline Webb, Lawrence Randall and Percy Long and several others.
50 Years Ago-Aug. 23, 1962
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Ricker college impact — Ricker College Recorder Margaret Ebbett, who coordinates housing for all students, reported that 71 householders have been added to a list of landlords who offer off-campus housing.
Pioneer Times 1962 file photo
SHERMAN ROYALTY — Miss Kathryn Mitchell, center, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Burton Mitchell, was crowned Centennial Queen at Sherman last week. On Miss Mitchell’s right is Miss Ruth Morgan. Miss Cynthia O’Roak is on her left. Both were contestants.
    Survey shows — Tree expert Ora Stockford reports that 15 elms in Houlton have been reported to have Dutch Elm Disease and will have to be removed.
    Closing business — After serving the Houlton market’s hardware, appliance, paint and sporting goods needs for more than 80 years, the John Watson Company was shutting its doors in Market Square, according to current owners, C.A. Powers Company of Fort Fairfield.
25 Years Ago-Aug. 26, 1987
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Playground staff — Members of the Just For Kids playground staff for the Houlton Parks and Recreation Department were Marcie Hanning, Mysha Theriault, Matt Perry, Cori MacDonald, Kevin Cyr, Carol Bubar, Gloria Brown and Marie Carmichael, program director.
    Top bus driver — Dale McGuire was recently presented a trophy by SAD 29 Superintendent Bill McDonnell for winning the Regional Southern Aroostook Bus Drivers Rodeo.