Headlines from 100 years of local news.
100 Years Ago – Aug. 23, 1916
New position — Harold McIlroy has accepted a position with the Standard Veneer Co., Stockholm, and left last week to begin his work.
New store in town — Houlton’s latest acquisition in the mercantile line is Bernstein’s new Garment Store for Ladies, which was opened to the public on Thursday last, in the store formerly occupied by Robinson Grocery Co.
75 Years Ago – Aug. 21, 1941
Celebration — A six-day celebration to observe Patten’s 100th anniversary was planned, starting Aug. 27 through Labor Day. Many novelties are on the program for Patten’s Old Home Week, including a Wild West act, a pageant parade, special rifle match and much more.
Golden celebration — Seven golden wedding groups make their home in Patten. It is doubtful if more than an extremely few communities in the entire nation can boast of seven golden wedding couples within its borders. That the town of Patten, numbering a population of only 1,548 by the 1940 census, may do so is a tribute both to the town and the individuals concerned. The seven couples are: Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Finch, Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Giles, Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Drew, Mr. and Mrs. Herman L. Rowe, Mr. and Mrs. Henry C. Rowe, Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Stevens and Mr. and Mrs. William Hudson.
50 Years Ago – Aug. 24, 1966
Farewell party — Two veteran members of the staff of Madigan Memorial Hospital were honored Tuesday night at a farewell party at the hospital. Mother Mary Elizabeth, hospital administrator, is being transferred to St. Joseph’s College in Windham. She has been at Madigan Hospital for the past 17 years. Sister Mary Garrett has been at Madigan for the past 15 years and is being transferred to the Mother House of the Sisters of Mercy in Portland. Mrs. Clarence Willette was chairman of the farewell party, attended by nearly 300 persons. Sister Mary Corinne has been named as the new hospital administrator.
Picnic anyone? — A new picnic area has been established in Patten by Dr. Lore Rogers. It will be located in a section of Mary Rogers Elliott forest at the junction of Peasley and Leslie brooks. Tables with fireplaces have been provided, along with restrooms and barrels for trash.
25 Years Ago – Aug. 21, 1991
Donation — David Haggerty, regional vice president of Peoples Heritage Bank, presented a $1,000 donation to Peg Hammond, development director of Houlton Regional Health Services Foundation. The donation qualifies Peoples Heritage Bank for a one-year membership in the Society of “72.” The Society is a giving program developed to raise funds for a $1,000,000 endowment fund.
New store in town — St. Mary’s School announced the opening of “Good as New,” a thrift store that will be run by volunteers Monday through Wednesday. A few people present at the dedication ceremony were: Sharon Wood, principal; Michael McLaughlin, Houlton Town Council chairman; Lewis Bone, Houlton Town Manager; Eileen Gilpin, store manager; and Liz Anderson, president of the Houlton Retail Trade Board.
