1966: ‘Road-e-o’ held at Sampson’s

115 Years Ago —May 15, 1901

     Good fishing — William P. Allen, Esq., of this village, and J.P. Yerxa of Upsala were among the most successful fishermen. They arrived in Caribou Monday evening with about 50 pounds of trout and togue, the result of a day’s finishing on Cross and Square lakes.

     Spring in full abundance —The delicious fiddlehead is once again abundant, plum trees and dandelions in full blossom, lawn mowers are being heard around town, and graduating exercises of the Caribou grammar school will occur in Clark’s Hall Friday evening of this week.

100 Years Ago — May 18, 1916

     Too many plates — There are altogether too many automobiles being driven around with last year’s number plates.

     Motor car cancellation — The high price of gasoline is responsible for the cancellation by the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad of a motor call service between Houlton and Ashland, 45 mile northwest of Houlton. The Houlton Merchants’ Association and the Presque Isle Board of Trade both petitioned the railroad to restore the train on the summer schedule of the railroad.

75 Years Ago — May 15, 1941

     Poppy Day — Memory of America’s war dead in the first World War will be honored here on Saturday, May 24, when everyone will be asked to wear a memorial poppy in tribute to their service and sacrifice. Plans for the observance are being completed by the Henry B. Pratt, Jr, unit of the American Legion Auxiliary under the leadership of Mrs. G.S. Simpson, chairman of the Poppy Day Committee.

     Weather Bureau staff increases — The staff at the United States Weather Bureau Observation office located at the Municipal Airport has recently been brought to its full strength of personnel by the arrival of two new Junior Observers, Norman E. Pruttney of Leonminster, Mass., and Henry S. Ryon of Dorchester, Mass.

50 Years Ago – May 18, 1966

     Vying for the crown — Eight young ladies will compete for the crown at next Tuesday night’s “Miss Caribou.” They include Sheila Adams, Florine Belanger, Linda Crockett, Judith Dow, Jane Holmquist, Dolores Labbe, Linda Malenfant and Clara McLauglin. Bernard Carvalho will be master of ceremonies.

     “Road-e-o” Sunday afternoon, 13 local teenage drivers laid their driving talents on the line at the Caribou Jaycees’ Safe-Driving Auto Road-e-o, co-sponsored by the Caribou Motor Company at Sampson’s parking lot. Behind the wheel of a 1966 Comet, each contestant demonstrated his ability to handle a car in traffic. Winners include Steve Buchannan and Fred Manzer, Jr. who will represent Caribou in the state finals in Old Town.

25 Years Ago – May 15, 1991

     Zoning changes —Caribou City Council approved two zoning changes for a 72-acre parcel off U.S. Route 1 between the Cary Medical Center and the Department of Human Services building. Following a lengthy public hearing, the council voted 5-0 to rezone the property belonging to developer Corey Solman.

     Grand opening celebration — Arby’s will be holding its “Grand Opening Celebration” this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 789 Main Street in Presque Isle. There will be a grand prize drawing on Saturday, including a color television, 10-speed mountain bike, and 3 ft. stuffed Babar animal. Babar the elephant will be on hand for fun and photos as well Saturday.