100 Years Ago-Apr. 2, 1913
Aroostook Times
Easter finery and foods — Tailor-made suits, wraps, costumes, skirts, waists, dresses and children’s dresses can be purchased through Richards & Co., Market Square, Houlton. In another advertisement in this week’s newspaper, John A. Millar, “The Candy Man,” is back at his old stand and will be pleased to see all his old friends and customers; on Saturday, April 5th, there will be a special sale of homemade candy and fruit.
New firm, new name — On Saturday, March 29, the necessary papers were signed and the W. H. Gray & Co. concern will hereafter be known as F. A. Cates & Co. who will reopen once repairs are completed. W. H. Gray & Co. will continue to carry on their plumbing business, gutter work and general repair work.
75 Years Ago-Apr. 7, 1938
Houlton Pioneer Times
Island Falls barn destroyed by fire — A disastrous fire of undetermined origin occurred Sunday morning when the farm buildings of Cleve Dearborn on Barker Ridge were completely destroyed. All the farm machinery, a gasoline engine and other equipment burned. Pigs, three head of cattle and one horse were lost in the fire.
Humane society organized — A group of people met at the home of Mrs. Virginia Donnell Clark Thursday when plans were made for the organization of a humane society. The forming of such a society has been in the minds of a number of people here for a number of years. The tentative name is the Animal Rescue League of Houlton.
50 Years Ago-Apr. 4, 1963
Houlton Pioneer Times
USDA urges potato cutbacks — Sharp reductions in acreage planted to fall potatoes are recommended this year by the U. S. Department of Agriculture. The USDA calls for a nationwide cutback of seven percent. Maine, Minnesota and North Dakota growers are urged to reduce acreage by nine percent, with a 12 percent cutback suggested for Idaho.
Spring surprise in Oakfield — Spring has sprung in Oakfield, at least as far as crocuses are concerned. Mrs. Raymond Goodall dug down through four feet of snow and ice last week to see if she could find the crocuses she’d planted. She was understandably surprised when she not only found them, but noticed one plant already sported nine yellow blossoms, and another, a single purple blossom.
25 Years Ago-Apr. 6, 1988
Houlton Pioneer Times
File photo 1988
PROUD — Senior co-captains Beth Hunt, left, and Barb Nagle proudly display the gold ball that the Houlton Shires won against Rumford High School, 46-40, in the state championship game at Bangor.
New playground for Hodgdon students — A group of interested parents, school administrators and teachers have formed a committee to secure a new playground at the Hodgdon Elementary School with: Beth Moore general coordinator; Dallas and Chris Henderson, public relations; Rick Cortis, fundraising; Karen Rochford, chidrens’ committee coordinator; Susan Riley and Barbara Cain, food coordinators; Lynette Bell, child care; Charlie McAtee, materials; and Ray Bouchner, designer.
Parent’s weekend at West Point — Cadet Troy Kelley, a 1987 graduate of Katahdin High School took part in the annual Plebe-Parent Weekend at the U. S. Military Academy March 9-13 where he was visited by his parents Joe and Jarice Kelley of Sherman Mills.
