115 Years Ago – Dec. 2, 1902
Early winter weather — Friday evening gave us a sample of what winter weather is like. A heavy wind prevailed, blowing the snow around in lively fashion. On Saturday, however, the storm had ceased and there was fine sleighing in the village. The county roads, however, needed a little more snow to make good sleighing as bare places were quite numerous.
75 Years Ago – Dec. 2, 1942
New editor — Friends of Irvine Gammon, son of C.C. Gammon, Caribou, will be pleased to learn that he has recently been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and as editor of “To Keep ‘Em Flying” official newspaper publication of the Miami Beach Schools, Air Force Technical Training Command.
New season — Caribou High School will open their basketball season tonight when they meet the fast Stearns High quintette from Millinocket. The Crimson’s coach, Bill Webber, states that although his team is comparatively green in experience, it has been progressing well since the start of the season. The preliminary game will between the eighth grade and freshmen. Caribou’s next home game will be held Friday, Dec. 11, when they meet Mapleton.
50 Years Ago – Dec. 6, 1967
Surprise blackout — The Monday evening power blackout in Caribou caught many busy shoppers and storekeepers on the main streets unaware, all of them intent on pre-Christmas business; however, customers and vehicle traffic proceeded calmly. There were no emergencies; there was no misconduct; there was almost “business as usual”
Seeking oldest resident — In connection with the city celebration in Caribou, the steering committee is hunting for the oldest citizen in the community, who will be honored during the ceremonies. So far it is down to three candidates. Marie Ouellette has attained the enviable age of 94. The record for the most years among the males of the community is at present 92, between Vincent LaPage (also known as Peter) and James Searles.
25 Years Ago – Dec. 2, 1992
Budget OK’d — The Aroostook County Finance Committee has given tentative approval of a $3.9 million County budget for 1993 that reflects an almost 2-point drop from last year. But because revenue projections are down nearly 19 percent, the amount to be raised by taxes will be higher in the coming year. Although County taxes are assessed through communities, the new tax will average $38 a resident.
Sprague hired — Despite opposition from 87 Limestone residents, the Limestone Board of Selectpeople on Tuesday, Nov. 24, hired Ronald Sprague to fill the position of chief of police. He began his new duties on Friday. The hire was controversial, as a group of citizens presented the board with a petition at the meeting, requesting that the board not hire Sprague and that it hold a special town meeting to discuss the matter.
Editor’s Note: The following excerpts were inadvertently omitted from last week’s column:
75 Years Ago – Nov. 25, 1942
Aeronautics offered –Over 40 townspeople met on Monday evening, Nov. 23 at the Caribou High School where they registered with school officials in the interest of an evening school session being formed. A tabulation of interests showed that enough people were present to warrant the opening of the school, Monday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. for courses in stenography, typing, bookkeeping, sewing, Americanization and English.
50 Years Ago – Nov. 29, 1967
Limestone names new manager — Carl H. Carlson, a resident of New Sweden for many years, has accepted a post as town manager of the town of Limestone, and has already assumed his duties in that community. Carlson replaces David Harpine, who resigned the town managership to accept a position as director of Urban Renewal in Caribou.
25 Years Ago – Nov. 25, 1992
Ribbon-cutting — A ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, Nov. 13, celebrated the grand opening of Eyecare Associates, located in the former Maine Public Service building on Bennett Drive in Caribou.
