The air in April still had a chill as I parked the car on the other side of the Fort Street Bridge and walked to where I had a better view of the water rushing over the dam from winter’s run-off. The sound was thunderous.
Leaning over the railing and looking down, I watched the swiftness of the water as it flowed under the bridge and the current carried it beyond. For years, the Aroostook River has been a part of Caribou’s landscape for industry and commercial use, for transportation, recreation and our drinking supply. Flowing freely in spring, summer and fall, it then takes on a different form when winter sets in and freezes the river into ice.
Though the city is small in size, it is rich in heritage memories. We, the citizens, find contentment in living here and calling it home.
The first 100 years saw tremendous growth as it carved itself out of a wilderness. Families came and increased the population steadily by having eight, ten and sometimes twelve children.
There was enthusiasm among the entrepreneurs, not only to open shops of trade and businesses, but also to succeed. Long hours and perseverance would be required, and as such, Caribou began.
The rich soil of the surrounding countryside soon found fields of potatoes and grains growing. Farmers producing these crops were as big a part of the business community as those in town.
The harvesting of the crop began in mid-September and went into October. Weather was always a concern; rain and frost were detrimental to the digging process. In the early years, horses harnessed to one- and two-row diggers dug the crops out of the ground. Barrels standing upright between the rows waited to be filled. What a difference it made when tractors replaced horses.
Entire families were involved in the harvest. If they were not in the fields, they were occupied with meal preparations and running errands. Farmers also hired field crews to help get the potatoes dug. Oftentimes they came from across the Canadian border.
The railroad era changed the way of transporting the potato crop to markets. Rows of potato houses lined Limestone Street where the railroad lines were laid and extended to outlying areas. These facilities stored thousands of barrels and had easy access to fill boxcars that would take the cargo downstate and to out-of-state markets. The train station was just as you turned on Limestone Street from Water Street. It is presently occupied by Theriault’s Lawn Care.
I remember my first train ride to Boston and back in the late 30s. My parents and I had just arrived at the train station by taxi when Daddy made a hasty departure. Asking Mama why, she said, “He will return shortly, he forgot something at home.” Excited about the trip, I kept my eyes on the large round face clock on the wall. When time passed and Daddy had not yet returned, I became anxious and thought, “Would he make it back in time?” Shortly the train pulled into the station and people began climbing aboard. Mama took my hand and we went outside and stood on the platform. Looking up at her I said, “Daddy isn’t going to make it, Mama.” With a reassuring squeeze of her hand holding mine she said, “He will, Margaret.” It seemed only seconds later, around the corner with dust flying, a taxi came to an abrupt stop alongside the platform and Daddy jumped out and the three of us boarded the train. The reason for his hasty departure? He forgot his money belt. No credit cards back then.
The Depression of the 1930s swept across our nation slowing the economy nearly to a standstill and Caribou was not excluded. Farmers’ potatoes sold at 50 cents a barrel. Merchants had many days without a customer. Families tightened their belts, planted gardens, canned and preserved produce for their winter food supply. Those early years of the 30s were lean, but we survived.
A new president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, was elected in 1932. Would he be able to turn the country’s desperate situation around?
The establishment of the WPA provided government contracts for dams, roads, bridges and gave jobs to the masses of unemployed across the country including people in Caribou. Cash registers were ringing again!
As employment improved, we children were not left out. We had our weekly allowance of twenty-five cents restored.
F. W. Woolworth and J. J. Newberry stores, across from the post office on Sweden Street, were favorites for young shoppers. We could buy paper doll cutouts, comic books, crayons, coloring books and still have enough left over to attend the Saturday matinee.
The Powers Theater and the Rudy Theater kept both youngsters and adult audiences entertained with drama, musicals and Western films. We got to see two feature films, a newsreel of current events, coming attractions, a cartoon and a serial all for 10 cents. Did we get our money’s worth? You betcha!
Saturday nights found Sweden Street crowded with pedestrians going in and out of stores that lined both sides of the street. Penney’s and Landau’s were our major department stores. Customers could find clothing for the entire family along with bedding, linens, and material by the yard. L. S. Hall was a cut above in women’s and men’s fashions. It was special indeed if the item purchased came from L. S. Hall.
Chain Apparel had its share of business in clothing the family too. Moderate in price, it was well patronized. Martin’s Clothing was an exclusive men’s store of fine quality and style. Bishop and Guerrette’s Family Shoe Stores met our footwear needs. Kiddie Korner was a specialty shop where name brands of children’s clothing could be purchased.
To be continued
