115 Years Ago – April 29, 1904
A consolidation — A deal was made Saturday, whereby the furniture concerns of Keaton & Betts and Guy Meldrim & Co. are consolidated. Mr. Betts withdraws from the first named and Mr. Govan from the latter. The new concern will be run by Messrs. Guy Meldrim, Ethan Small and Geo. Slipp.
Promotion — Wm. Simmons who had charge of the B. & A. store department in this town, has been promoted to take charge of the main store in Hartwell. He will leave here to assume his new duties about May 1. Mr. Webber, who was chief clerk in the store at Hartwell, will succeed Mr. Simmons here.
100 Years Ago – April 30, 1919
Official opening — After months of careful planning and work by those skilled in building, the doors of the new Temple Theatre were thrown open to the public on Monday evening and Houlton takes its rightful place as possessor of one of the most conveniently arranged and commodious theatres in Eastern Maine. As the doors were thrown open fully, 500 people were crowded around the entrance anxious to get inside. Messrs. Bolen, the architect, and Churchill, the Lessee received many congratulations.
75 Years Ago – May 4, 1944
Retire from farming — Charles Estabrook of Linneus who has been operating his home farm for the past sixty years sold it this week to Jesse Bates of Linneus. Mr. Estabrook will retire from active farming.
Business sold — Sam Boutilier who has operated his own floral business here for the past several years in the quarters formerly occupied by Newell’s, this week disposed of his business to Albert Daniels of Bangor who took possession Monday. The name of Sam’s Florist Shop will be maintained by the new management.
50 Years Ago – April 30, 1969
At furniture show — Frank B. Dunn of the Dunn Furniture Company attended the internationally famed Southern Furniture Market last week at High Point, N.C. The semi-annual event attracts retailers from throughout the United States and 10 foreign countries.
Past president honored — Floyd ‘Jack’ Ketch, immediate past president of the Houlton Chamber of Commerce, was presented with a plaque in recognition of his service to the organization during the Chamber’s annual awards luncheon Wednesday at the Northland Hotel. Making the presentation was Willard A. Putnam, Chamber president.
25 Years Ago – May 4, 1994
Helping hand — Mary Williamson, representing the Houlton Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, presented Fire Chief Milton Cone with a check for $500. The money will be used for purchasing equipment needed for the new aerial ladder truck. Members of the fire department and auxiliary, as well as, their families were gathered in front of the new aerial truck when the check was presented.
Retiring librarian honored — A well attended ceremony was held April 24 in honor of Lib Harmon, retiring librarian of the Katahdin Public Library in Island Falls. The open house was co-hosted by the trustees of the Katahdin Public Library and the Katahdin Club. Master of ceremonies was Keith MacKenzie Rev. Gil. Healy opened the ceremony with prayers. Harmon’s name will be placed on a plaque along with the names and dates of service of former elected librarians.
