100 Years Ago-Mar. 11, 1914
Aroostook Times
Sarah Scribner, a remarkable woman — To a great many people the thought of extreme old age brings a feeling of terror, yet there is something very beautiful about such instances as that of Mrs. John W. Scribner (Sarah), she having reached the advanced age of 97 on the 11th day of January, 1914. She has never worn glasses and can see plainly, even at a long distance, and her hearing is yet very acute, while her memory is something wonderful. One considers the great changes that have taken place during her lifetime. Kerosene oil, electric lights, the telegraph, telephones, and a thousand other things, which now seem necessary in order to exist at all, were unknown in her youthful days.
Death of a hero: Joshua Chamberlain — Gen. Joshua L. Chamberlain has passed away (Feb. 24, 1914), ripe in years, ripe in scholarship, ripe in experience, the days of his earthly activities are over but Gen. Chamberlain long will live as the patriot and scholar.
75 Years Ago-Mar. 9, 1939
Houlton Pioneer Times
Houlton Elks name officers — Donald McCluskey was chosen Exalter Ruler of the Houlton Lodge of Elks at the annual meeting held Tuesday at the Elks Home on Main street. Other officers chosen included: Leading Knight, Oscar B. Porter; Loyal Knight, Norville Reid; Lecturing Knight, Oscar Benn; Treasurer, Dr. John O. Willey; Secretary, John K. Palmer. George Russell was re-elected to the board of trustees.
One-room schools seek magazines — Scattered all over this great county are a number of rural one-roomed schools. These schools need good magazines. “Locally there are about 20 one roomed schools and we could use 50 magazines of the right kind in each of these schools, “ said one of the superintendents. On Saturday, March 25, Scouts will call at the homes of any citizens who care to donate magazines.
50 Years Ago-Mar. 5, 1964
Houlton Pioneer Times
Maher opens real estate office — Bernard S. Maher announced this week that he will shortly open an office at 8 Market Square for his new company, Maher Real Estate. Mr. Maher has received his state license as a real estate broker, and in his new company will offer the service of real estate sales, buying and selling of property, property management, apartment and camp rentals and appraisals. He is former owner of the Rod and Gun Shop and a present candidate for Town Council.
Giving way to spring — Temperatures soared into the 50s this week as the area got a generous preview of spring. A Bangor & Aroostook crew working at the Morningstar plant siding discovered a caterpillar walking the tracks; and the ice at the Community Park skating rink is lost. The recreation department announced the rink was closed for the season. In 70 days of skating, attendance at the rink totaled 11,187, or nearly 160 skaters daily.
25 Years Ago-Mar. 8, 1989
Houlton Pioneer Times
Smyrna celebrates 150th anniversary — Under the sponsorship of Sen. Margaret Ludwig, R-Houlton, and Rep. Carl Smith, D-Island Falls, the legislature passed a joint resolution honoring the town of Smyrna on its 150th anniversary. Contained in the resolution are some of the more interesting features of the town. Smyrna was first carved out of the vast reaches of the north woods in 1830 by Nehemiah Leavitt, and the town was incorporated on March 7, 1839 as the 844th town in the State of Maine.
Crazy cap winners announced — Several AWANA members accepted the challenge and wore “crazy caps” to the club on Feb. 27 with the following winners announced. Brad Hutchinson’s hat, decorated with slogans, pins, balloons and a pair of dangling dice was judged craziest. Kendra Wilson’s bonnet, judged prettiest, previewed Easter complete with a rabbit and grass. Chrissy Emery’s “hat with the most items attached” was covered with jewelry and beads. Johanna Sjoberg’s “most colorful” winning hat was decorated with palm branches, plastic silverware and Simon the Chipmunk posed on a doll’s chair.
Correction
Vera Hutchinson of Monticello, who taught home economics at Houlton High School until her retirement in 1992, called Thursday to point out that the Fashion Merchandising students featured in last week’s 1989 “From Our Files” were from Houlton High School, not Hodgdon HS as was reported. We apologize for the error and appreciate Mrs. Hutchinson’s attention to detail.
