115 Years Ago – Mar. 3, 1903
In like a lion — March came in like a lion Sunday as a cold, raw day, the wind howling and blowing, and several snow squalls were sandwiched in. Blue jays have also made their appearance and squirrels once more can be seen skipping among the branches in the woods.
100 Years Ago – Mar. 6, 1918
Shut off lines — Water takers should shut the water off at the street line these cold nights, instead of permitting the faucets to run to prevent freezing. This should be done in justice to the town, if not the water company, as the pressure would be very low in case of fire.
Automobile show — Fort Fairfield is planning on a great automobile show on March 27, 28 and 29 in Reed’s Garage, which is the finest garage in New England north of Boston, costing $125,000.
75 Years Ago – Mar. 3, 1943
Damage — Flames that started in an oil burner in the rear of the store partially damaged the grocery and meat market operated by Dan Daniels on Sweden Street on Sunday afternoon. The fire was confined to the interior of the store, and the damage, including fixtures and stock, was estimated at $2,000 by Fire Chief Murray Mockler. Two apartments on the second floor, occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nutter and Mr. and Mrs. Abiah Fenleson, were filled with smoke.
Billiard champion plays — Caribou billard enthusiasts and fans received a special treat this afternoon when William T. Hoppe, world billiard champion, presented an exhibition at the Matoaka Club. Mr. Hoppe came to Caribou between exhibitions at the air bases in Houlton and Presque Isle.
50 Years Ago – Mar. 6, 1968
School to drop Grade 7 — Grade 7 at the Holy Rosary Parochial School will be discontinued at the completion of the 1967-68 school year and will be absorbed by the public school system, the Holy Rosary Parish School Board has announced after consideration of several factors. Exactly half of the sixth-grade students graduating this year had chosen to attend the public schools, so that only 21 out of 42 students remained at the Holy Rosary School for grade 7. The remaining 21 students will attend Caribou Junior Senior High School next fall, and the incoming grade 7 will go there also.
Frozen lines — The Caribou Water Works Corporation has had problems in several area homes due to lack of pressure and water due to breaks in the water mains from frost. Earl Philbrick, manager of the local water works, said that the first break had been located on Elm Street at 2 a.m. Monday, and that company personnel, after three days and nights of work, were still attempting to pinpoint others, including at a spot at the corner of Prospect and Sweden streets Tuesday.
25 Years Ago – Mar. 3, 1993
Closing its doors — A Caribou restaurant that had become an institution in the city is closing its doors at midnight Wednesday at the end of business. Joe Hackett, owner of Yusef’s restaurant on Bennett Drive, said Tuesday at noon that his decision to close the restaurant is not related to the pending closure of Loring Air Force Base or the potato market. A restaurant has been located at the site since 1956 with the opening of the former Sesme Drive-In, owned by Ronald and Doris Smith of Caribou. In 1974, an addition was built to the restaurant. In 1977, the Smiths sold the property to Yusef’s, according to records at the Caribou assessor’s office.
Ribbon-cutting — A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday, Feb. 24, at the grand opening of Gleason’s Redemption Center in its new location on 205 Main Street in Caribou. Present for the ceremony were Lois Gleason, co-owner; Caribou Mayor Galen Rockwell, Robert Gleason, co-owner; Robert Gleason Jr., Vicki Smith, executive director, Caribou Chamber of Commerce, and Mark Sleeper, the chamber’s first vice president.
