115 Years Ago – Mar. 23, 1904
Ouch — John Plourde, a clerk employed in the Shaw & Milton’s grocery store, has been limping the past several days after stepping on a nail last Friday.
Directions — The latest swindle is one well worth watching out for. It consists of an ad, neatly printed somewhat as follows: “For 50 cents I will send full directions for making maple syrup equal to the best Vermont state product.” When the 50 cents is forthcoming a card is mailed back containing this direction: “Melt down maple sugar.”
75 Years Ago – Mar. 23, 1944
Loss — The community was saddened last week by the death of Louis B. Andrews, which occurred at 1:15 Thursday afternoon at the Cary Memorial Hospital. His death was caused by injuries received when he fell backwards from the fire truck at a recent fire. Mr. Andrews was born in Woodland in 1907 and moved to Caribou with his parents in 1914 and spent most his life here. He received his education in the Caribou schools.
Postal rates — Local post offices have received a bulletin of postal rate changes which will go in effect March 26. Principal changes are the are the increases of local rates from 2 to 3 cents and airmail in the continental United States from 6 to 8 cents for each ounce. The present rate of 6 cents will continue to apply to mail sent to or by men in the armed forces overseas.
50 Years Ago – Mar. 26, 1969
Loan guarantee — The Caribou Development Corporation’s application to the Maine Industrial Building Authority for a $1.1 million loan guarantee has been approved, it was announced today by Philip H. Brown, president of the development corporation. The loan guarantee application was filed on March 4. The prime purchase was to assist American Kitchen Foods Inc., in acquiring ownership of the Birds Eye plant in Caribou. Under the terms, American Kitchen Foods was to purchase the plan and part of the processing equipment and to supply Birds Eye’s potato and eastern pea requirements under a co-packing contract. Kitchen Foods also was to invest in new equipment.
Talent show — Up to 20 different variety acts will be headlined at the Second Annual Kiwanis Talent Show this Saturday night at the Caribou Junior High School, it was announced today by Wilfred Bell, general chairman. In addition to six acts from the Madawaska variety show of last week, the program will include: The Jalbert Five, modern song; Carla Thibodeau and Billie Jones, baton duet; The Clarington Union, five piece rock unit; New Spice Combo, jazz and blues; Linda and Laura Moskowitz, vocal duet, Debbie Archer and Julie Moskowitz, dance duet; Mary-Jo Andrews; piano; Fred Lytle, rock singer; Marla Fowler, piano; and Lynn Arez, folk songs.
25 Years Ago – Mar. 23, 1994
E. coli — The possibility of River Road wells contaminated with E. coli bacteria has Caribou city counselors feeling frustrated because state law forbids them to intervene if violations are caused by agricultural practices. At an emergency meeting of the Council Tuesday evening, members outlined the events leading up to a contaminated site visit at three River Road homes Monday night. Residents allege that the tainted water comes from the farm that lies uphill from the homes, council members said. A few months ago, another nearby River Road home had a polluted well that was found to be contaminated by a faulty septic system at the same farm.
Citizen of the year — The Caribou Chamber of Commerce named Frances “Fran” Pierson as the city’s 1993 Citizen of the Year during the chamber’s annual recognition dinner last Thursday, March 17 at the Caribou Motor Inn. Honored for 63 years of service to others and the community, Mrs. Pierson was presented a plaque recognizing her achievement from Mark Sleeper, following the announcement made by Lee Guerrette, the city’s 1992 Citizen of the Year. Mrs. Pierson, who arrived in Caribou from her winter home in Florida the day of the banquet, organized the Caribou Drama Club in the 1940s, the Caribou Art Club dur3ing the 1950s and chaired a women’s team to raise funds to build the Caribou Hotel in 1957 among other achievements.
