From Our Files
Headlines from 102 years of local news
102 Years Ago – Dec. 17, 1914
Christmas Club — Three hundred depositors the past year in the Merchants Trust & Banking Company’s Christmas Club accumulated a fund of some $7,000, a good start for the first year. Treasurer Albert Joy had been busy distributing this fund by checks mailed to each depositor, and the $7,000 flowing into holiday trade channels, helping both the owners of the fund and the merchants. An excellent form of saving, both for the specific object of accumulating a Christmas fun, and encouraging the habit of systematic saving.
Exhibit — The Presque Isle Fair moving pictures were shown at the Bijou Theatre, Houlton, and attracted large crowds. The pictures were clear and many Houlton people were recognized among the immense throng of pleasure-seekers. Mr. Ernest Guiou, in charge of the exhibit, planned on showing these pictures throughout the state.
75 Years Ago – Dec. 18, 1941
Alline appointed president — Lawrence H. Alline was elected president of the Board of Trustees of the Presque Isle General Hospital at the board’s annual meeting. Charles E. Hussey, who had been president of the board for over 20 years, tendered his resignation after serving 30 years on the Board. He was a charter trustee of the organization.
New at O’Donnell’s Express — John Dow, who for the past two and a half years had been employed by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Aroostook, had resigned to accept a position with the O’Donnell Express of Houlton, whose northern terminal was located in a building in the rear of Durepo’s Garage on Normal Avenue. Mr. Dow, who had charge of the territory from Presque Isle to Fort Kent, started his new work. Mr. and Mrs. Dow expected in a short time to move from Houlton where they had been living for the past year to Presque Isle.
50 Years Ago – Dec. 22, 1966
Two local women honored — The names of Mrs. Margaret Duncan of Presque Isle and Mrs Georgene Grace Wight Lamoreau of Caribou appeared in “Outstanding Young Women of America,” an annual biographical compilation of 6,000 outstanding young women between the ages of 21 and 35. These young women had distinguished themselves in civic and professional activities. These selections were made by the Board of Advisory Editors.
Re-elected — At an election held in the New York Mercantile Exchange, Jack Roth of Caribou was re-elected second vice chairman. Also re-elected were Lewellyn Watts Jr. chairman of the board of governors, and Jacob Stern first vice chairman. Edward Otero, as well, know figure in the potato trade in Aroostook, was elected to the board. The four-hundred and one members voted by mail or in person. Also on the Exchange’s board were Merle S. Johnston of Fort Fairfield and Myron Turner of Ashland, giving Maine a representation of three.
25 Years Ago – Dec. 18, 1991
Wildcat frosh at 4-0 — The PIHS freshmen boys basketball team, under coach Kurt Bates, had jumped out to a quick 4-0 record, including wins over two junior varsity clubs. The host Wildcats used 17 first-quarter points from Tom McLellan en route to a 74-41 pounding of the Caribou Vikings. McLellan ended with 29 points while Lucien Labelle netted 15. John Sewell and Jeff Simpson each added six points. On Dec. 6, the young ‘Cats stopped the JV Bears, 56-52, at the Barn in Easton. Labelle netted 15 points while Jake Archer had 13.
Author signs books — Author Phil Turner of Caribou, a Mapleton native, signed copies of his new book, “King John” December 14 at Chapter One Bookstore in Presque Isle. The local writer donated a portion of book sale revenues to the Haystack Historical Society.
