100 Years Ago-Apr. 8, 1914
Aroostook Times
Downtown improvements — Nothing of late, outside of the new business blocks, has made such a great improvement in the looks of Houlton as the removal of overhanging signs from places of business. The Merchants Association are to be congratulated upon starting this movement and would do much to further the attractiveness if
each member would arrange to leave their show window lights burning during early hours of the evening. The finely arranged window displays for which the town has a statewide reputation could be seen by passers by and help make a start on the “White Way” which other large towns and cities are inaugurating.
A rug revival — The advertisement states: New Rugs Made from your Old Carpets, is something many people have never heard of. We use all but the holes; waste nothing and enjoy the best. Wool or ingrain can be woven alone; brussels, tapestry and velvet combined in one rug. Cost includes dusting, cleaning and disinfecting the carpet; also fringing; additional cost for fancy work. — Houlton Shoe Hospital, B. E. Anderson, Proprietor, Exchange Hotel Building, 18 Court St., Houlton.
75 Years Ago-Apr. 6, 1939
Houlton Pioneer Times
Legalizing movies on Sunday — From the editor’s “Thoughts and Afterthoughts” column: “Sunday movies may become legal in Maine and that will make law abiding citizens out of a lot of people in a lot of towns where they have been shown without statutory sanctions. The law makes honest men out of hypocrites with the local option cause as a potent stopgap. I look for Houlton to refuse sanction.”
Bither shop modernizes — Mrs. Gertrude Bither, proprietor of Bither’s Select Shop, announced plans for her new location adjoining the Temple Theater that will make her shop one of the most modern in Northern Maine.
50 Years Ago-Apr. 2, 1964
Houlton Pioneer Times
Beatle wallpaper is here — In this week’s Sherwin-Williams ad: “The Beatles are Here! Beatle wallpaper imported from England. Hang the Beatles on your wall: John, Ringo, George and Paul.” Now on display in our store. The advertisement features a woman holding wallpaper segment with various the Beatles’ signatures and various photos of the group.
Ward Cabin Company rebuilds — The reconstruction of the new, modern 20,000 square foot manufacturing plant for use by the Ward Cabin Home Company will be inaugurated, with an appropriate ceremony, Monday the Houlton International Airport. Their former facility was lost to a disastrous fire two months ago. The company is also a new business corporation, formed through the efforts of HRDC and supported by local businesses.
25 Years Ago-Apr. 5, 1989
Houlton Pioneer Times
Hundreds enter Meduxnekeag race — April showers, combined with the runoff of spring snow melt, are expected to yield ideal conditions for the 13th annual Meduxnekeag Canoe Race set for Saturday, April 15, according to Torrey Sylvester, chairman of the event. Sponsored by Houlton’s Rotary Club, the race features both rapids and calm along the 14-mile route from New Limerick to Littleton. Upwards of 1,000 or more fans are expected to line the banks to cheer on their favorite teams.
File photo 1989
KINGS AND QUEENS — Candidates for the Littleton PTC annual fair are, from left, Wayne Merritt and Amber Watson, grade 6; Danny Colby and Kiley Gray, grade 5; and Adam Lynds and Heather Wilde, grade 4.
Better Homes & Gardens opens Island Falls office — Vose Realty/Better Homes & Gardens of 56 North Street, Houlton, has announced the opening of a branch office in Island Falls. The new office will be managed by Kristi Curry Brannan and is located on Main Street beside Curry Insurance Agency. The opening date was Saturday.
