115 Years Ago – Apr. 6, 1904
Wagons — Wagons made their appearance on our streets Monday for the first time this year.
Tickets — Seventy-five tickets were sold at the station Monday on account of the Easter ball given by the Van Buren fire company.
100 Years Ago – Apr. 9, 1919
Raising money — Fort Fairfield at its recent town meeting raised a total of $88,000. Presque Isle appropriated $135,000, Caribou $165,000.
75 Years Ago – Apr. 6, 1944
Dumping — Persons are forbidden by law to dump potatoes along the sides of the highways. This law is being called to the attention of would-be offenders by the council of the town of Caribou. Several people have dumped waste potatoes over culverts and bridges, interfering with the flow of water and resulting in damage to the highways. Offenders will be punished to the full extent of the law, it has been announced.
New foreman — Arnold Gahagan, Fort Fairfield’s night officer since October 1, 1942, resigned his job Saturday to take a new position as forman and truck driver of the Caribou Fire Department. Mr. Gahagan has also served as caretaker of the municipal building at Fort Fairfield.
50 Years Ago – Apr. 9, 1969
Rover can no longer rove — Rover must be on a leash, or at “heel” with his owner, or confined in a car or other vehicle whenever he is off his owner’s property; otherwise, he will be picked up and impounded by city police, who have made it known they will strictly enforce the new dog ordinance now in effect in Caribou. Police said dogs will not be allowed to run loose. Those which do will be promptly picked up, it was warned, leaving the owner liable to a court fine not to exceed $50.
Old duds — The Caribou Hoofers Square Dance group is sponsoring a barn dance Saturday at the Intermediate School at Caribou starting at 8 p.m. Mac MacFarland of Loring will be the caller. This will be a “relaxer” dance, they advise. One is asked to wear “old duds” or regular square dance dress. A door prize will be given for the best barn dance costume and a ’49-er pin may be earned.
25 Years Ago – Apr. 6, 1994
Coli samples drawn — Three residential wells on River Road and Fort Hill in Caribou near a cattle farm have been found to be contaminated with unacceptable levels of E. coli and fecal coliform. The well of Robert Travey, 27 River Road, tested at an independent water testing laboratory in Washburn, showed E. coli bacteria and coliform above the Environmental Protection Agency’s health safety standards. A few months ago another nearby River Road well was polluted by a faulty septic system at the Nickerson farm.
Bell seeks return — Wilfred J. Bell of Caribou has announced his intention to run for the Maine House of Representatives in District 147, which includes most of Caribou. Bell previously represented Caribou in District 146 for two terms. During his four years in Augusta Bell served on the Standing Committee on Agriculture and the Standing Committee on Housing and Economic Community Development.
