CARIBOU, Maine — For over a century, the Lancaster-Morgan funeral home has helped central Aroostook residents through their most difficult moments. Established in 1898 by G.M. Morgan, the building has since changed owners and locations, but has stayed in Caribou.
Like many funeral homes in the early 20th century, the Morgan business once offered furniture along with funeral services and, in 1927, the firm built a new building on Sweden Street to offer both. The funeral home was later purchased by Jack and Juanita Lancaster in 1972, at which point it was relocated to its present location at 11 Clover Street. The former building on Sweden Street now houses the Caribou Theater.
Current owner Doug Hunter purchased the business in 2007, and subsequently bought Presque Isle’s Duncan Graves funeral home in 2012. Before that, Hunter worked for Mercy Ships, an international non-profit organization, through which he provided aid to the people of West Africa.
Hunter says the jump from charity work to owning a funeral home was a logical step, and that both occupations are very much related, as they involve providing a service to those who are undergoing significant hardships.
“Both are very rewarding,” he said, “and I think with funeral service you need to be sensitive to what people are going through, and give them options while walking them through a difficult process.”
Hunter worked for two years with members of the Lancaster family, and said he appreciates their guidance and respects their legacy in the city.
“We’re very proud to be a part of our communities,” he said. “The reason we haven’t changed the name is because people have a history with Lancaster-Morgan. Most people don’t know who I am, but they know the funeral home. Their great-grandparents may have had a service at Lancaster-Morgan.”
He said a funeral home is a “business unlike any other,” and that families typically keep coming for several generations.
“It’s very humbling, because people trust you with their most precious loved ones during their time of need,” he said. “It’s an honor to work with these families, because they place so much trust in us and we’re doing all we can.”
Because of this trust, Hunter makes sure local families receive the best care he and his staff can provide, and has often tailored services to reflect the life and personality of the deceased.
“One lady passed away who was really well known for the clip-on earrings she wore,” he said, “and the family brought in several pairs that we passed around, so everyone in attendance was wearing a pair of her clip-on earrings during the service.”
During another service, family members brought Hunter a recipe that a woman who passed was known for baking.
“We had Sleeper’s store make cookies based on their recipe,” he said, “and they were set on a table so people could try one of her chocolate chip cookies during visitation.”
On one occasion, a woodworker’s family made their own casket for a service.
“His grandson planted a tree with his wife years ago,” Hunter said, “and they cut it down and made a casket that we used during the service.”
Hunter makes a point to work with families and create a service that honors their loved ones, and also offers a grief and loss support group free of charge at the TMI Ministry Center at 172 Houlton Road in Presque Isle. The support group is open to the public, and held on the first Saturday of every month from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Looking ahead, Hunter says Lancaster-Morgan will stay in Caribou for many more years.
“Technology has a big impact on our everyday lives,” he said, “so the way we do things will always change. The way we grieve in the future may change, but I think funeral homes will always have a part in that. As long we can still care for the people we serve and show them love and compassion during one of the most difficult times in their lives, we’ll always be there to help and support them.”
