120 Years Ago – Aug. 4, 1904
Italians here to work — 19 Italian laborers from Boston arrived in town Saturday and are employed in digging the new sewer. They were furnished by B. C. Caggiano & Son, Portland, contractors for Italian laborers.
A young folk’s rally — A large number of people are already planning to attend the coming convention of young people for Aroostook County to be held at the Camp Ground, Littleton, Thursday. Rev. F. Palladino of Caribou, as president, has supervised the arrangements and the result is an exceptionally strong program and the indications are that it will be the largest convention held for some time. This is one of the finest groves in the state, having ample accommodations at reasonable rates. There will be the usual reduced fares on the railroad which will make it easier to attend one of the most profitable and interesting conventions of the season.
Here getting pointers — Herbert H. Allen of Dennysville, who has been a guest of his cousin, Richard Gardner, for a few days this week, is very much interested in and using his influence to induce farmers to go into potato raising in Washington County. His object in visiting Aroostook at this time was to obtain points in the building of potato houses, many of which he hopes will be erected in his county this fall.
115 Years Ago – Aug. 5, 1909
Voting contest coming — Attention is called to our new voting contest. This is the biggest event of its kind ever undertaken by an Aroostook paper, including prizes aggregating nearly $300. The gifts will include a King Kineo Range made by the Noyes and Nutter Mfg. Co, to the lady in Caribou securing the greatest number of votes; a $25 suit of clothes from that reliable firm the Combination Clothing Co. to the party in Caribou receiving the second largest number of votes. Then to the lady residing in any other town than Caribou who receives the largest number of votes we will give a $150 piano case Upright organ, one of the best sold by that well known dealer, G. A. Hagerman of Houlton; to the second highest a New Home Sewing Machine. A fifth prize is offered to the party securing the greatest number of new subscribers, whether they win one of the other gifts or not – a fountain pen.
Observing the half-holiday — On Saturday, Aug. 14, all the blacksmiths shops in Caribou, Washburn, Fort Fairfield and Presque Isle will close at noon, on account of the National Blacksmiths Association annual half-holiday. The smiths in the towns above mentioned will assemble at Presque Isle, where two steamers have been engaged to take them up the Presque Isle stream to Willet’s camp where they will spend the afternoon.
100 Years Ago – July 31, 1924
New offices — The rooms over Briggs Hardware store are being finished as offices for Phillips & Company. This brokerage concern will have their main Aroostook office in Caribou, and are now getting ready for a large business for the coming season which will commence in another month. Mr. Stone, who was at Fort Fairfield last year, will be located in New York. George Robinson, who has had many years experience in the handling of potatoes and who had offices last year in the Hutchinson building, will have charge of Phillips & Co.’s interests in this county.
A new job — Mr. Kelley, who has been the faithful janitor at the South Main Street school for the past two years has been appointed caretaker at the Cary Hospital. This is a wise selection by the directors, as Mr. Kelley is well qualified to hold the position. His place at the South Main Street school is taken by Perry Turner.
75 Years Ago – Aug. 4, 1949
A New York songwriter will be the MC at the Spud Festival — Jon Howard, one of the nation’s top entertainment figures, will act as Master of Ceremonies for the Maine Potato Blossom Festival to be held August 15 at Fort Fairfield, officials have announced. Howard, of Gay Nineties fame, is still one of the country’s most sought after singing actors. Ranked among America’s foremost song writers he has composed more than 1,000 song favorites, including ‘I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now.’ The Master of Ceremonies will come to Aroostook from the famous Latin Quarter of New York where he is currently booked, following a nationwide tour which included Radio City Music Hall and the Roxy Theatre, both of New York. More than 20,000 spectators, including a large group of State and National dignitaries, are expected to pay tribute to the lowly Aroostook potato.
Washburn is active with new constructions and renovations — Building and renovation of various business establishments and homes in Washburn is one of the principal activities taking place here during the summer months. Among the various projects undertaken include remodeling of the Washburn Trust Co., which has been done over in native Birch, white stained mahogany, polished plate glass, cork flooring, fluorescent lighting, and plated opaque and soundproof glass.Vernum Woodman, who recently purchased the former Tom Paferson store, has opened a variety store of toilet articles, popular medicines, and a modern soda fountain. Ground has been broken in this town preparatory to construction of a new library. Exterior paint jobs in the business section have been completed on the Frank Carver building, Larrabee Insurance Agency building, Russell’s Service Station, Grant’s Grocery, and the Washburn Theatre. Houses are underway as well as remodeling and general repairs being made.
25 Years Ago – Aug. 4, 1999
Fort Fairfield chooses Limestone’s volunteer chief — Paul C. Durepo off Limestone has been named the town’s new fire chief. Durepo was recommended by Town manager Dan Foster and confirmed by the town council ast last Wednesday’s meeting. Durepo, 49, has served in Limestone’s volunteer fire department for 30 years, the last 16 as chief. He has also worked for Crown Ambulance Service and was a self-employed farmer for 16 years. He created a ‘First Responders’ unit in Limestone, a program Fort Fairfield would like to begin and worked for Maine Fire Training and Education for five years. Durepo must complete a six-month probation period. He plans to relocate to Fort Fairfield following his probation period. Durepo replaces Dana McLaughlin, who resigned May 6 after an 18-year career with the department.
Rebuild Center continues to expand jobs and contracts — An assembly-line organization that moves pieces of Humvees and five ton military Jeeps with ease and convenience, has ballooned from 25 to 79 jobs and could increase to 100 by year’s end. The National Guard Rebuild Center at the Loring Commerce Center had been a shot in the dark at rebuilding U.S. military vehicles. Now it has sparked a growth of jobs, a new market for automotive parts and a change in the pay scale of mechanics and auto body repair people. Today, the National Guard Rebuild Center is first in the nation for cost effectiveness, Col. Arthur Cleaves said. More than 584 Humvees sit behind a chain link fence in the once-empty parking lots of the Loring Commerce Center waiting to be torn apart and restored.
