100 Years Ago-Dec, 17, 1913
Aroostook Times
Challenged to a race — We, the members of the Caribou Matinee Club, hereby challenge the Houlton Driving Club to a matched race between the horses Stingy Dick of Caribou and Strathline Burns of Houlton. The race is to take place at Caribou the first day of January, 1914 at one o’clock on the Aroostook river above the dam. Best three out of five quarter-mile heats for a purse of $300 a side. The above purse has been accepted by the Gentlemen’s Driving Club, and in addition, $300 more has been raised for a return race at Houlton.
Christmas goods at Dunn’s — Their advertisement reads, “Our argument is this, that if you will read this advertisement through, you will find we carry the largest assortment of Christmas Goods shown anywhere in our County… “ A sample of items listed: washable dolls, picture puzzles and checkers, 25 cents each; sleds for boys and girls, fern dishes, and ivory framed mirrors, $2.50 each; oil and electric lamps, smoker’s sets, and sleigh robes, $5.00 each; and Macey or Gunn bookcases, oak china closets, dressing tables and accident proof cribs for the baby for $10.00 and up.
75 Years Ago-Dec, 22, 1938
Houlton Pioneer Times
Holiday business humming at post office — If business is dull anywhere in Houlton, it certainly is humming at the post office. Five extra workers are on the job, but late trains and heavy mails retard the process of distribution and delivery. The cancellation machine rolled up a total of 44,000 cards and letters cancelled on Monday and Tuesday, with at least 10,000 others cancelled by hand.
Turkey for all — Very distressed was the expression on the face of Forest Bradstreet, trustee of Bridgewater Classical Academy, when he gazed on the ticket he had drawn on the 45-pound prize turkey at the school carnival. The name he read was his own. He made a quick recovery, however, with his announcement inviting all the boys and girls on the B. C. A. basketball teams together with their coaches for a meal at his home.
50 Years Ago-Dec. 19, 1963
Houlton Pioneer Times
Area churches plan for Christmas — Area churches are planning special programs of music and words for this coming Christmas Sunday, with many of the planned programs being published in this issue of the Pioneer Times. Area churches listed include: the Methodist Church, Houlton; St. Mary’s of the Visitation; The Salvation Army; the Reformed Baptist Church; the First Baptist Church; Littleton United Baptist; Cary Baptist Church; Lake Road Church, Monticello; Church of the Good Shepherd; Free Will Baptist Church; United Baptist, Hodgdon and Military Street United Baptist Church.
File photo 1963
SHERMAN HIGH HORNETS — Coach Ron Marks expects to be in a rebuilding stage this season with his Sherman High School basketball team. An Eastern Maine tournament team a year ago, the Hornets lost considerably through graduation. Members are, from left, front row: David Vance, Mike McNally, Billy Palmer, Stan King and George McNally. Back row: Coach Marks, Glen Versey, Greg Palmer, John Ordway, Phil Mitchell, Ricky McAvoy and manager Arthur MacArthur.
Patten Academy lists honor students — The honor roll for the second marking period for Patten Academy has been announced. Among those listed are those with highest honors, all A’s, Grade 9, Anne McCourt and James McIntire; Grade 10, Elise Lord; Grade 12, David Broadbent, Harriet Foster and Rodney Howes.
25 Years Ago-Dec. 21, 1988
Houlton Pioneer Times
Christian radio celebrates anniversary — Christian 710, an AM station operating under the call letters WREM, is celebrating its first anniversary. Station manager Bryan Lawrence said as part of the celebration, over $500 worth of Bibles and Bible-rated books will be given away. Listeners of Aroostook County’s only Christian-oriented radio station are invited to participate in the celebration.
Auxiliary offers free smoke alarms — According to Phyllis Hersey, community service chairman for the Post 47 American Legion Auxiliary, the group took on the project to purchase smoke alarms and make them available to those who need them following a tragic blaze last April that claimed the life of a young boy. The Houlton Fire Department is cooperating in the effort to “alarm Houlton” by overseeing placement and making certain alarms are installed properly by request.
