115 Years Ago – Jan. 15, 1904
Railroad news — The announcement that the Maine Central has purchased the control of the Washington County railroad will create no surprise in railway circles. It might have been better for the people of Washington County if their railroad could have been kept in the hands of those who were most active in its development, but that proved an impossibility and the most natural thing in the world followed. Under Maine Central ownership the road will undoubtedly be improved to the point of excellence reached by other lines belonging to this corporation.
100 Years Ago – Jan. 15, 1919
Getting ready for spring — Walter K. Putnam has a large crew of men and teams, hauling gravel on the Trunk line highway on the County Road. This is dumped along the sides of the road and will be used for surfacing in the spring.
Meeting — The semi-annual meeting of the Aroostook Press Assn. was held in Houlton. The sessions were held at the Meduxnekeag Club and the following editors were present: L.J. Pendell, Caribou, C.C. Harvey, Fort Fairfield, P.L. Waddington, Mars Hill, A.K. Stetson and Chas. H. Fogg, Houlton.
75 Years Ago – Jan. 20, 1944
Better communication — The citizens of Houlton can boast of the most modern intercommunication system between the public and the police and fire departments it is possible to buy. Furthermore Houlton becomes the first town and the second municipality in Maine to be so equipped. With the recent installation of a frequency modulation two-way radio system here, it is now possible to summon the police in emergencies in a matter of minutes.
50 Years Ago – Jan. 15, 1969
Wedding anniversary — Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hawkins of Houlton were honored on their 50th wedding anniversary Saturday at the Military Street Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Hawkins were married on January 15, 1919, by the Rev. E. C. Jenkins, pastor of the church at the time. They have resided in Houlton all of their married life, where he was engaged as a blacksmith for 57 years.
New executive director — Robert E. Anderson, president of the Houlton Regional Development Corporation, today announced the appointment of Richard (Dick) Biegger as the new executive director. Biegger replaces Marshall Hammond who resigned in Sept. to resume his duties with the Houlton Pioneer Times.
25 Years Ago – Jan. 19, 1994
Gone but not forgotten — Franklin Delano Roosevelt was halfway through his second presidential term, the New York Yankees won their third consecutive World Series title and the original Volkswagen rolled off a German production line when the JCPenney Company first opened its doors in Market Square back in 1938. Soon those doors will permanently close, but over a half-century of memories will remain forever. As of last Thursday, huge signs adorned the Penney storefront windows. Each read, ‘Store closing sale, 70 percent off all merchandise.’ The store is slated for closure on Saturday, but if its limited remaining inventory sells out quickly, the doors will shut today.
Service award — Dana Delano, president of the Southern Aroostook Growth Council, presented a plaque honoring 10 years of service by Jack Carmichael to SAGC during a recent meeting. Carmichael, of Ludlow, is a charter member of the group, its past president and treasurer. He was named an honorary member of the growth council after announcing his retirement from the group.
