120 Years Ago – July 21, 1904
Completely changing goods sold at the store — The store formerly occupied by H. O. Spencer as a jewelry store is being completely changed over, new shelving is being put in and other changes made and will be occupied about August 1 by A. V. Goud & Co. as a dry goods store.
A narrow escape — Miss Fern Park employed in the office of the Singer Sewing Machine Company in this place had a narrow escape from serious injury last Saturday. Miss Parks had gone to Presque Isle to spend Sunday at her home when the accident occurred. ‘A narrow escape from a serious accident occurred about five o’clock Saturday afternoon, occasioned by a runaway in Main Street. Rev. Albert Hartt hitched his horse by the bridle rein, near the post office while he went in to get his mail. The horse became frightened at some red handbills being posted by a boy nearby, jumped back, broke the bridle and ran. The attempt made by several to stop the animal caused it to deviate from his straight course and he ran across the street literally jumping against a buggy occupied by Miss Fern Park, overturning the vehicle and throwing her out, narrowly escaping her with his feet. Miss Parks was assisted into the drug store of Boone & Co., and was found to be uninjured save for a few bruises. The horse continued his mad career, taking the sidewalk at A. M. Smith’s corner, thence into Main Street again barely clearing other teams standing by, shied around Coffin’s corner colliding with the Barto house which completely demolished the wagon and was finally caught at the rear of Hone Block. Miss Park’s carriage was damaged to quite an extent, but we have not learned that the horse was hurt.’
115 Years Ago – July 22, 1909
Progress being made — Good progress is being made on Water Street, which is now part of the state road. Crushed rock is being put down on the eastern end, this side of the bridge, and will be extended as far west as the Getchell starch factory, connecting with the piece of road made a couple of years ago.
Being considered — Some of the merchants in Fort Fairfield are seriously thinking of using automobiles for the purpose of delivering goods to customers. That sounds quite metropolitan.
100 Years Ago – July 17, 1924
Highest rank in her class — Miss Gladys Maher has just received notice from Prin. Mann of the Maine School of Commerce, Auburn, Me., where she recently graduated, informing her that in the final tests in Gregg Shorthand she secured the highest rank in her class and has been awarded the ‘honor certificate.’ It will be remembered that in the County Contest three years ago MIss Maher won the shorthand contest and secured the silver cup for Caribou High School.
Another floor added for more rooms — Nicholas Habeeb is adding another story to his building on Sweden street. This he will finish off into rooms, having about 20 and he will let them all furnished. There is a big demand for furnished rooms here and since the Burleigh burned last winter they have been difficult to obtain.
75 Years Ago – July 21, 1949
Ribbon cutting — Town Manager W. B. Burns cut the ribbon officially opening the remodeled Caribou Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company super market last week. There at the ceremony was: Joe Hatch, executive secretary Caribou Chamber of Commerce; R. S. Applebee, Skowhegan, district supervisor; Tom O’Donnell, Aroostook supervisor; W. B. Burns; Alert Tardy, Caribou store manager; Basil Chapman, meat manager; C. T. Calder, distinct meat supervisor; Ralph Hoffses, district produce supervisor.
Shopping Carnival opens for three days — Caribou’s three-day shopping carnival, July 21, 22, 23, opened here today under the direction of the Retail Trade Bureau, with merchants offering a variety of special sales and savings to all patrons taking advantage of the event. Climax of the carnival will be the offering Saturday night of a free, all-expense paid trip to Bermuda to some lucky person and a companion. The name of the winner will be picked and announced from the steps of the Post Office building in the shopping carnival. Master of ceremonies at the end of the carnival will be Jerry Flecey, former WAGM announcer. In keeping with the spirit of a carnival, store windows have been outfitted with special displays, while store interiors have been decorated with colorful banners. Sales clerks and other store personnel have been primed for the event and will give speedy and courteous service to all customers.
25 Years Ago – July 21, 1999
New business opens their doors — Caribou Hardware opened its doors three weeks ago joining the more than 80 other Trustworthy Hardware stores in Maine. Toby Cormier, wonder, worked as a manager of a Trustworthy store in Van Buren for nine years.
Farm family honored at annual dinner — Partners in the Maine potato industry, from growers to legislators, gathered last Friday night for the annual Industry Dinner at Shaw’s Potato House. Over steak, chicken, peas and, of course, new potatoes, people caught up on old times and compared notes on the current growing season. At center stage was the 1999 Farm Family of the Year, the Jim, Dan and Phil Pelletier families of Frenchville. The three brothers, who together have farmed the family island on Long Lake since their father, Edwin’s death in 1977, were honored by the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce, the Maine Potato Board, and most importantly, their children.The brothers, in an interview before the Industry Dinner, said they were surprised, but deeply honored, at being named the Farm Family of the Year for the 1999 Potato Blossom Festival.
