100 Years Ago – March 29, 1916
Decided to remain — The many Houlton friends of Rev. W.F. Davis, who for the past two years has been the pastor of the M.E. church of this town, will be pleased to know that he has reconsidered his decision to leave the pastorate, and will remain for another year.
Tank team — The Putnam Hardware Co., who are distributing agents for the Gulf Refining products, have put on the street a very attractive tank team for delivery purposes.
75 Years Ago – March 27, 1941
Photo op — Houlton Theatre Manager Francis Gooch, in cooperation with this newspaper, makes it possible for complimentary tickets to be given pictured people each week. The photographer will snap several photos each week. One will be drawn at random for publication. Watch the Pioneer Times each week for more guest ticket winners. You may be the one.
Dried — The Katahdin Starch Company in Island Falls opened Monday for the grinding of potatoes. The local starch factory was practically destroyed by fire in February and had not been used since. Officials from the plant have worked out an arrangement in cooperation with Aroostook Potato Products Inc. in Houlton to enable local farmers to dispose of their potatoes to the starch factory. They will grind the potatoes, approximately 500 barrels a day, and the drying of the starch will be done at Houlton by the other company.
50 Years Ago – March 31, 1966
Citation — Martin A. Morin, a clerk at the Houlton Post Office, was presented with a certificate of award by Postmaster Leo T. Spain on behalf of the Post Office Department. The certificate, and accompanying cash award of $15, resulted from a suggestion by Mr. Morin concerning delayed mail reports.
Top speaker — Ricker Classical Institute senior Daniel Watson, son of Mr. and Mrs. John Watson of New Limerick, was first-place winner in the boys’ division of the annual Katahdin Valley League Speaking Contest at Hodgdon High School. He won the award for his interpretation of Brassel Fitzgerald’s “Courage”.
25 Years Ago – March 27, 1991
A new Head Start — Patten was to revive its Head Start Program after a 12-year hiatus. The program is for preschoolers, ages 3-5. Twelve years had elapsed since the last Head Start Program was offered in the community. Both program director Francine Manzo and assistant program director Cynthia Ambrose were pleased with the community response and the development of the services the program provided.
We are the champions — The runner-up for the SAD 70 school spelling championship was Diane Megguire, and the district school spelling champion was Jennifer Anderson. They competed in the County championship on Thursday, March 21, at Skyway Middle School in Presque Isle.