100 Years Ago – April 25, 1917
New truck — While in Boston, last week, Chas. McCluskey, chief of the Houlton Fire Department, purchased an American-LaFrance auto fire truck. This is the latest and most improved machine in the fire truck line, and is recommended by the chiefs of the big city departments as being the real thing. The amount paid was $6,000.
Visit — Waterville entertained Ex-President Howard Taft in February, and over 1,000 citizens packed the Opera House. An ‘inspiration’ was the one word that characterized the address.
75 Years Ago – April 23, 1942
Anniversary — The 25th anniversary of the Houlton Council, Knights of Columbus, will be observed Sunday evening, April 26. In charge of the program is chairman Paul A. McGillicuddy. The committee in charge working hard to make it the best anniversary in the history of the council.
Circus — More than 2,000 Houlton citizens patronized the annual Houlton High School Circus. Principal Milton B. Lambert commented that the school would realize a substantial profit to finance certain extra-curricular activities. He expressed his thanks to the merchants and residents of Houlton for their cooperation and support.
50 Years Ago – April 26 , 1967
Man of the year — Fred L. Putnam was presented with the Chamber of Commerce plaque as Houlton’s Man of the Year during the Chamber’s annual awards luncheon Tuesday at the Northland Hotel. Making the presentation was Jack Faulkner, administrative director of the Chamber.
Charity Ball — The Charity Ball on April 15 was a huge success, both socially and financially. Over $2,000 was realized. This is the first joint endeavor by the auxiliaries of the Aroostook and the Madigan hospitals, and the profits from the ball will be shared by the two hospitals. Dr. and Mrs. Edward Williams and Mr. and Mrs. Wesley Willigar led the grand march.
25 Years Ago – April 22, 1992
Honored — The Houlton Lions Club honored Gary Edwards, Houlton Parks and Recreation director, for his outstanding support of the club and its members. Secretary/treasurer, Lion Gary Lightbody and president elect and Houlton Town Manager R. Lewis Bone, made the presentation.
Birthday — Ella Kelley celebrated her 100th birthday March 26 at Gardiner Nursing Home. She was born in Island Falls and attended the Conservatory of Music in Boston, graduating in 1913. She returned to Island Falls and traveled by train throughout the Aroostook County area teaching piano lessons for more than 60 years. She also played piano for silent movies and the Eastern Star. An open house was held and a cake was made by Grace Burton.
