115 Years Ago – April 2, 1908
Replies to the question — A New York newspaper has been printing a series of replies to the question: ‘How can a family of three live comfortably on $2000 a year.’ The editor of the Biddeford Journal feelingly retorts that up here in Maine almost any of us would be willing to undertake the experiment without preliminary instructions.
And all the Aroostook county editors are wondering how to net the $2000 above expenses. There would be no question but that we could have all the potatoes we wanted, even at $2.00 per barrel, if we could get the sum mentioned.
New store in Van Buren — Miss Louise Clayton, formerly of Washburn, was in town a few hours Tuesday on her way to Van Buren, where she has moved her stock and will open a millinery establishment in that place. Mrs. Carrie Landeen and Miss Gladys Sinclair, a sister of Mrs. Clayton, also passed through this place Monday on their way to Boston and New York where both will purchase their spring stock of goods. Mrs. Landeen is to succeed Mrs. Clayton as milliner in Washburn, while Miss Sinclair is to purchase goods for her sister, Mrs. Clayton’s new store in Van Buren.
100 Years Ago – April 5, 1923
New greenhouse thriving — Lawrence Hutchinson, who recently established a new greenhouse in Caribou, did quite a thriving business for Easter, receiving many orders and that is as it should be. Mr Hutchinson should be encouraged in every way.
A delicious dinner was served — A delicious turkey dinner was served at Howard & Newton’s, the new restaurant on the bridge, Easter Sunday and was greatly enjoyed by quite a number of people.
75 Years Ago – April 1, 1948
Kennebec; new variety spud developed — A new potato highly resistant to late blight has been developed by the research men of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Maine Agricultural Experiment Station named the Kennebec, it is one of the most important accomplishments of the National Potato Breeding program. It is also resistant to certain virus diseases, including net necrosis and mild mosaic. The Kennebec is a large potato with shallow eyes, is white in color and in tests in Maine last summer averaged 675 bushels to the acre. Looks like a good bet for Maine growers when the seed becomes available.
Young Limestone singer is Aroostook’s own Sinatra — Aroostook County, not easily outdone nor outdistanced, has its own ‘Frank Sinatra’ of Limestone who literally has the county’s bobbysoxers prostate every time they hear his golden voice. Bobby, a good-looking, modest and extremely well mannered chap of 17, who is a student at Limestone High School, where he is in his senior year, is one of the chosen few who has been gifted with a baritone voice of rare quality and great charm. That Bobby is a drawing card of no mean proportions is evidenced by a look around every time he sings at the Presque Isle studios of Radio Station WAGM or when he appears with Floyd Cropley’s Orchestra at dances.
25 Years Ago – Apr. 8, 1998
Fort Fairfield resident wins business award — Vince Bernier of Fort Fairfield has been selected as the recipient of the 1998 Governor’s Award for Business Excellence. The award recognizes for-profit Maine businesses which demonstrate extraordinary commitment to their community, their employees and manufacturing/service excellence. Bernier owns three IGA grocery stores in Aroostook County, including Hillside IGA in Fort Fairfield, Mars Hill IGA and Star City IGA in Presque Isle. He employs 110 people and has been in the grocery business for more than 35 years, starting out as a bag boy at the Limestone IGA.
Beauty Unlimited — A ribbon cutting was held for Beauty Unlimited at the Loring Commerce Centre recently. There for the ribbon cutting ceremony was: Will Deane of the Limestone Development Foundation; Tara Roy, Paul Beaulieu, town manager; Marlene Tardy, wonder; Pat Zenzius, of the LDA; Teresa Deane of the LDF; Kathy Weatherhead, president of the chamber and Tom Devoe, chairman of the board selectmen.
