100 Years Ago-Jan. 14, 1914
Aroostook Times
A farmer’s need for ice — Ice for summer has become an indispensable article upon about every farm, although within the memory of many, it was considered a luxury afforded by but few farmers. It has been demonstrated that it can be kept in any kind of a building providing it is properly packed and has drainage. In view of the many uses to which ice is now applied,
not only upon dairy farms but all farms, and the slight expense involved, no farmer can really afford to be without ice during the hot months.
Boys’ club formed — On Feb. 2 at Watson Hall, there will be a meeting of boys from the ages of 8 to 15 to form a club to be known as the Houlton Boys’ Association, formed for the betterment of all boys regardless of denominations or church creeds. A gymnasium will be provided with a reading room and other amusements. The athletic department will be made a special feature. Lectures and interesting speakers will be provided during the winter and suppers held once in a while. The supervision will be under the direction of Rev. Geo. S. Robinson.
75 Years Ago-Jan. 12, 1939
Houlton Pioneer Times
January thaw confuses bees — With the temperature hovering around 42 degrees above zero Saturday, the bees owned by Benjamin McLaughlin, Bangor Rd., decided it was “springtime in Aroostook” and left the comfort of their hives in large numbers for a fly about the yard. Some of them completed the round trip but many were unable to make the return journey and died in the snow.
Snow White Nissen bread — The advertisement features three dwarfs from the Walt Disney’s animated film eating slices of bread. “Eat Nissen’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs New Improved Bread… the youngsters will like it and also the colorful Snow White and Seven Dwarfs wrapper. Try a load today.” — Oven Fresh Daily from you Independent Grocer, John J. Nissen Baking Corp., Bangor, Maine.
50 Years Ago-Jan. 9, 1964
Houlton Pioneer Times
Community supports dog shelter — A recent fundraising campaign by the Houlton Humane Society has resulted in improvements at the Society’s animal shelter at Hodgdon Corner. Funds from the program were used to add three storm windows and better insulate the shelter. The society handled 200 animals this past year; at present they are housing nine collie pups, Boston bull pups, a terrier, rabbit hound and a small black dog, all looking for homes.
File photo 1964
MARCH OF DIMES WORKERS — Volunteer helpers gathered at the home of Mrs. Searle Smith on North Street to prepare March of Dimes materials for mailing during the month. Gathering around the table to stuff envelopes were, from left, Frances Grant, Sandra Anderson, Delores Hawkins and Jo Hersey.
Tongue in cheek — An excerpt from the “Capitol Report: Weekly Letter from Augusta. “All hunters must wear a battery-operated blinker light on their caps. This may be purchased at post offices. Three spare batteries must be carried and wardens will insist that they be ‘live.’ Each hunter, before he shoots, must cry out ‘Democrat!’ or ‘Republican!’ according to his free choice… State Wardens may be addressed in any fashion, but all Federal Wardens must be spoken to as, ‘Sir.’ Church affiliation cards must be carried at all times. Why do we need a legislative session, anyway?”
25 Years Ago-Jan. 11, 1989
Houlton Pioneer Times
Save the clock — It probably doesn’t much matter which government entity actually owns the striking, four-sided clock in the Aroostook County Superior Courthouse.
What does matter is that the clock works and continues to tell the inhabitants of the Shiretown what the time is.
To that end, Aroostook County, and its Shiretown, Houlton, are joining forces in an attempt to have the courthouse, and the clock topping it, designated as a national landmark.
Merritt wins Rotary’s ‘Dream Vacation’ — Dawn Merritt of Houlton is the winner of a “Delta Dream Vacation” for two. Mrs. Merritt’s name was one of many entered in the Boy and the Boot Promotional Contest held in conjunction with this year’s Rotary Radio Auction.
The grand prize, donated by Travel Connections, is round-trip airfare from Bangor to Orlando, Fla., three nights’ lodging, and use of an air conditioned car with unlimited mileage.
