100 Years Ago-May 20, 1914
Aroostook Times
Arbor Day at eighth grade school — The 8th grade school held their Arbor Day exercises Thursday forenoon followed b y a picnic in the grove at the park. The program carried out was as follows: prayer; hymn, “Abide With Me;” song, “The Black Oak;” reading of a paper on Arbor Day and its significance; planting of Class Tree on the school lot by Pres. of Class George Sheehan; and song, “America.”
Drew family donation to Cary Library — By the will of the late Emma Drew, who died about a year ago, $5,000 was left to Cary Library in memory of her brother, Mellen Drew. Of the four children who many years ago lived in Houlton, two remain, Miss Mary and James.
75 Years Ago-May 18, 1939
Houlton Pioneer Times
Major fires strike Houlton — Damage estimated at about $12,000 resulted from a fire which started in the potato house of the B. S. Green estate at the Canadian Pacific siding here Monday evening. The entire northeastern section of town was threatened for more than an hour as a stiff wind carried burning splinters more than a quarter mile. Incipient blazes were started in several places during the height of the blaze. Mrs. Katie Rockwell, middle aged laundry worker, was rescued by the heroic work of night police officer Walter Varney and nine families were rendered homeless.
Of local interest — Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Watson are living in the house on the Guy McKenzie farm on the Barker Ridge, recently vacated by Richard Porter and family. Mr. Watson is employed by J. A. Roberts. On Wednesday of last week, Mrs. Sara Trickey moved the Linen Shop to the space in the Putnam Arcade formerly occupied by Bither’s Select Shop.
50 Years Ago-May 14, 1964
Houlton Pioneer Times
Town greets 103rd Infantry veterans — The Veterans Association of the 103rd Infantry, which was commanded during World War I by the late Colonel Frank M. Hume of Houlton, will have its 12th annual reunion at Houlton. Association President Owen Prince of Oakfield will conduct the business sessions, while A. E. Holden of Houlton will serve as parade. Some 200 persons are expected for the reunion.
File photo 1964
OFFICERS FOR BPW — Mrs. Elva Ingraham, seated, was installed as president for a second term by members of the Business and Professional Women’s Club during ceremonies at the Northland Hotel in Houlton. Serving with her will be, from left, Mavis Hobert, first vice president; Mary Nickerson, recording secretary; Barbara Boyd, corresponding secretary; and Edna Cunliffe, second vice president.
Wayward caribou mingles with sheep — From “Highlights in Sports” column by Larry Reece: The caribou at Mt. Katahdin have been officially reported roaming from their Millinocket home. Last week the residence of Earl Kervin on the B Road in Houlton had one for a brief visit. The animal was reported mixed in with 80 sheep owned by the Kervins before it pranced out into the woods behind their home. Looking the sheep over afterwards, Mrs. Kervin found caribou hair and sent some to sports writer Bud Leavitt who gave it to Mrs. Dell Schillinger. Mrs. Schillinger has now perfected a new type of streamer fly called Katahdin Caribou.
25 Years Ago-Apr. May 17, 1989
Houlton Pioneer Times
Cohen cites Littleton-made gloves — Senator Bill Cohen, R-Maine, yesterday accused the Department of Defense of discouraging qualified and capable companies from doing business with the Pentagon because it requires unnecessarily complex specifications. He cited the case of the Maine Glove Company in Littleton, which makes dress and work gloves that it sells to civilian agencies in the government.
Houlton festival features Rick Charette — Appearing May 20 at the Houlton High School will be singer songwriter Rick Charette. Mud, alligators and sneakers which run by themselves will descent upon Houlton when Charette performs, featuring such fanciful hit songs as “Where do My Sneakers Go at Night,” “I Love Mud,” and “Alligator in the Elevator.”
