115 Years Ago – Jan. 6, 1903
Shipment — It is estimated that from one-third to one-half of the potato crop of 1902 is still available for shipment.
100 Years Ago – Jan. 8, 1918
Storms — Several snowstorms have taken place during the past week, the one of Tuesday being about the biggest when some six or seven inches of heavy snow came down.
75 Years Ago – Jan. 6, 1943
Leveled — A vicious cellar fire that soon spread beyond control completely destroyed the Elite Restaurant, Corey’s Lunchroom and Billiard Parlor, and the second-floor rooming quarters on Sweden Street early Sunday forenoon. The blaze was fought in zero weather in the face of rising wind.
Sold — Negotiations for the transfer of The Republican and the job-printing plant operated by the Caribou Publishing Company from the present ownership to another company of townspeople will be virtually completed this week and is likely that the next issue of The Republican will appear under new ownership. The retiring company comprised of John A. Partridge, principal of the High School; Adjutant-General George M. Carter; and Chas. T. Bishop, local merchant.
50 Years Ago – Jan. 8, 1968
New city — Governor Kenneth M. Curtis’ address today marked Caribou as this nation’s newest city. New Year’s Eve at midnight marked the beginning of Caribou’s new standing as a city, and the New Year was signaled by a great bonfire at the airport that drew more than 1,000 spectators who came, despite blizzard-like weather, by car and snowsled from all directions. Greetings from President Johnson and others were read at the dinner, a highlight of which was a three-way telephone conversation between Mayor Gilman Albair of Caribou, Mayor George M. Sullivan of Anchorage, Alaska, and Mayor Hamilton Upchurch of St. Augustine, Fla.
Muffelers — The Caribou PD says it has been flooded with complaints from homeowners about thoughtless operators of snow sleds not equipped with mufflers. The department has issued a warning that such offenders will be summoned to court and penalized.
25 Years Ago – Jan. 6, 1993
To retire — Caribou Chief of police, Robert E. Long submitted his intention to retire, effective May 10, two days after his 65th birthday. He will leave his post April 5 to begin five weeks of accrued vacation, Caribou City Manager RIchard Mattila announced to the council Monday night. Long has been chief since 1987 and began his career with the Caribou PD in 1959 as a reserve officer and became a full-time officer in 1965.
Several dealerships close — The economic crunch and the impending loss of Loring AFB have been cited as major factors of several automobile dealerships in Presque Isle and Caribou closing. Norsworthy’s Crown Chrysler Dodge and Paul Bates Subaru, both of Caribou and Bates Mazda-Volkswagen in Presque Isle have closed their doors, while Norworthy’s Chrysler Plymouth Dodge of Presque Isle remain open, but with no inventory or service personnel. A total of 29 employees were laid off from Bate’s two dealerships as a result of their closures.
