100 Years Ago-Aug. 26, 1914
Aroostook Times
Mrs. John (Sarah) Scribner, early Houlton pioneer — The death of Mrs. John W. Scribner occurred Friday at the home of her son, William L. Scribner, West Houlton, at the advanced age of 97. It was a pleasure to talk with this dear old lady with her abundant store of reminiscences of the early pioneer life. Mrs. Scribner, whose maiden name was Sarah Blizzard, was born at McDonald’s Point, (Washademoak) Queen’s County, N.B. on Jan. 11, 1817. She was the mother of thirteen children, six of whom are still living.
Madigan hospital takes shape — A large wing of brick is being built on the east side of the Madigan residence which is being rapidly transformed into a hospital to be conducted by the Sisters of Mercy, two of whom are nurses. Sister Geneva will act as administrative head of the hospital.
75 Years Ago-Aug. 24, 1939
Houlton Pioneer Times
Houlton golfers in Canadian Open — Joe McKay and Jo Pierce entered the Canadian Open Golf Championship held over the Riverside Club course St. John, N. B. As far as is known, it is the first occasion in which Houlton Country Club players participated in a major golf tournament.
Percival Baxter seen in Houlton — From the editor’s “Thoughts and Afterthoughts” column: “The mystic number of the Hon. Percival P. Baxter’s automobile was seen whisking through town one day last week. Mr. Baxter himself was at the wheel. The plates said 111,111.
50 Years Ago-Aug. 20, 1964
Houlton Pioneer Times
Rec tennis tournament winners — Laurie Longstaff, Steve Kelly, Debbie Cunliffe and Brian MacIlroy have won the singles championships in their divisions in the annual tennis tournament sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department. The tourney serves as the climax to seven weeks of instruction in tennis given by Gib Chapman.
James, Foster, Quinlan family gatherings — The second annual reunion of the James family was held Aug. 9 at Perry Pond (Sherman Mills) at the camp of Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Springer. A family gathering was held Monday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clarence Foster, Jr. of Littleton. Mr. and Mrs. Edward Quinlan entertained at a housewarming at the restored Land Homestead at Pleasant Pond (Island Falls).
25 Years Ago-Aug. 23, 1989
Houlton Pioneer Times
Houlton rallies for new mammography unit — The Houlton Regional Hospital Auxiliary will sponsor a Vintage Fashion Show, Saturday, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. at Cary Library. The Kenmpo B Katate School will hold a kick-a-thon at 1 p.m. on Sept. 16 with sponsors donating funds to students to aid the hospital’s auxiliary in the purchase of a mammography unit. People’s Heritage Bank is donating pins saying, “I Support My Hospital,” available to the public for a $5 donation.
Smyrna hosts 400 at 150th celebration — Approximately 400 “Friends of Smyrna” attended the field day Saturday at the Burns Lilley Farm celebrating Smyrna’s 150th year. A pig roast and barbecue was served to 350 and, throughout the day, hayrides were given by Bruce Crandall and his team of horses. The music of Nuthin Fancy was enjoyed while people browsed among historical displays of animals, pictures, costumes and guns.
File photo 1964
CONTRACT SIGNING — Final papers were signed to close negotiations in the establishment of the Ward Home Company during a ceremony at the Houlton Trust Company. Taking part in the meeting were, from left, seated: John O. Rogers, attorney for Ward Homes; George Wathen, attorney for the Maine Industrial Building Authority; Aubrey McLaughlin, executive director of the Houlton Regional Development Corp.; Carlisle Stieler, president of the HRDC; James M. Pierce, member of the MIBA; and Mrs. Paul Fontaine, manager and treasurer of Ward Homes. Standing: Roderick O’Conner, manager of MIBA; Mrs. Wendell Lynds, HRDC treasurer; William Coffin, manager of the Development Credit Corp. of Maine; and David Abbott, vice president of Houlton Trust Company.