100 Years Ago-Oct. 15, 1913
Aroostook Times
Horses vs. roads — The Highway Commission in Massachusetts, after a full investigation, officially states that the greatest cause of destruction of modern roads is not the automobile or the motor truck, but the heavily loaded vehicle drawn by horses. In two instances quoted in the report, 50 to 75 ice teams a day, carrying three tons or more each, broke up within a month the side of the road on which the loaded teams traveled.
Of local interest — Mrs. F. L. Dickey, Houlton, will pass the winter in town (Dyer Brook) with her husband who is employed in buying potatoes for E. L. Cleveland. Mr. E. O. Wellington has purchased the farm from L. E. Stackpole, but Mr. Stackpole will continue to occupy the buildings. Miss Una Niles, teacher in the Stone school (East Hodgdon), went to Bridgewater last Wednesday to be present at the wedding of her brother.
75 Years Ago-Oct. 20, 1938
Houlton Pioneer Times
Ten homeless after Littleton blaze — A family of 10 were rendered homeless by a fire of undetermined origin which swept through a one story building Tuesday in Littleton. Completely destroyed was the dwelling belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Woodford Nicholson, who with eight of their children had labored in the potato fields all fall to secure clothing and furnishing for the winter.
New trends in tractors — Tractors this year have gone modern in a big way. The newest thing is enclosed cabs with safety glass, cushioned seats for two, air ventilation and a heater for cold weather. Of course, there is a self-starter, cigar lighter, complete set of head and tail lights and even a radio.
50 Years Ago-Oct. 17, 1963
Houlton Pioneer Times
Locals featured in magazine — In a short story written by Marilyn Sprague of Houlton, and published in the children’s magazine, Jack and Jill, all of the characters and places are true to life. “The Magic Flag” is a mystery story told in the first person by Jon Sprague, Marilyn’s 10-year-old son. The cast of characters includes Jon’s eight-year-old brother Topher (Christopher), Jimmy Berry, Kenny Grant, Dennis Harrison, Robert Morgan, Timmy Chase, Mrs. Chase, Mrs. Sprague and “Dad” who is Richard W. Sprague, assistant director of public relations for the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad.
Flooding problems surveyed — Residents of Oakfield, Smyrna and Merrill were interviewed early this month to help determine recurring flood damage in those towns bordering on the East Branch of the Mattawamkeag River.
25 Years Ago-Oct. 19, 1988
Houlton Pioneer Times
Milestone 25th choral concert — The Houlton Community Chorus has begun rehearsing for its 25th annual Christmas concert to be presented Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. at the Houlton High School auditorium. The chorus is under the direction of Andrew Poulopoulos with the following officers elected for the 1988-89 season: Sue Beasley, president; Cheryl Poulopoulos, vice president; Lynn Tweedie, secretary; David Flemington, treasurer; Jeanne Edwards, corresponding secretary and Ruth Worthley, librarian. Pat Flemington is accompanist for the group.
File photo 1988
GRADUATES — Lynn Foster and Shadow completed 423 hours of classroom instruction, 36 hours of homework, 12 hours of conditioning and nine hours of evaluation to receive their diplomas from the State Police school of instruction. The pair put their investigating skills to work tracking, searching and recovering for the Houlton Police Department.
A reel deal — Video Plus, Market Square, Houlton is featuring this limited-time offer. Free background music with your 8 mm home movie to video (VHS) transfer.
