From Our Files

 

 

SPEAR SPEAKING FINALISTS — The Northern Regional Spear Speaking contest was conducted April 6 at Houlton High School, with eight boys and girls winning their way into the evening final round. The girls are, from left: Merilda Deschaine of Van Buren, who did “Ma’s Monday Morning”; Terry McNutt of Houlton, who did “Eloise”; Sherry Spearin of Mattawamkeag, who placed second for the girls with “At the Declam Contest”; and Jean Howard of Ricker Classical Institute, who placed first with “Hungar.” The boys are, from left: Robert Landry of Madawaska, first place with “The Black Cat”; Carl Pelletier of Fort Kent, second place with “The Eyes of Death”; Francis Doucette of Van Buren, who did “The Button”; and Michael Bouchard of Hodgdon, who did “Tell-Tale Heart.”

 

 

100 Years Ago – April 12, 1916

 Fashion show — The McLeod Bros. Garment Store was the mecca for Houlton ladies on Friday last, when a large variety of the loveliest of the spring frocks, suits and sport clothes were shown upon charming living models. This style show was given in connection with the grand re-opening of this store after a season of renovation, made necessary by damage by fire and smoke, and a most successful clearance sale.

 Greetings — The Western Union Telegraph Co. have notified their agents throughout the country, that during Easter season special arrangements have been made for the transmission of greetings or holiday remembrances in the shape of flowers, etc. These can be ordered by wire in any city or town and will be delivered by a uniformed messenger at any specified time.

 

75 Years Ago – April 10, 1941

 John Deere Day — James S. Peabody, local John Deere farm equipment dealer, will present “John Deere Day” for the farmers of southern Aroostook and their families at the High School auditorium in Houlton. Four sound motion pictures, headed by “Melody Comes to Town” starring Jean Parker, are the scheduled entertainment.

 Pancake supper — Lester Kelso of Presque Isle, inimitable humorist, will auction off box lunches at a box social at the Dux Club. This ever popular event is a part of the ladies’ night program. Old fashioned dances will be called off by Gilbert Colbath during the evening’s entertainment and many old-fashioned games are scheduled.

 

50 Years Ago – April 14, 1966

 Pop art — Original pop art prints of three artists, well known in the field, will be on exhibit in the Ricker Commons dining room April 18-25, inclusive. The exhibit, which is open to the public, consists of 35 prints of Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana and Robert Rahschenburg.

 Forest gift — The town of Houlton is having its cake and eating it, too. The ‘cake’ is the Houlton town forest, a 300-acre tract of woodland and part of a 500-acre block of land, turned over to Houlton by the federal government in 1946. The ‘frosting’ on the cake might be considered the employment that the forest furnishes. The Houlton Town Forest is visible proof that carefully managed forest land can be used today and improved for future generations at the same time.

 

25 Years Ago – April 10, 1991

 Donation — The U.S. Customs Explorer Post 156 of Houlton is donating a bike to a fifth-grader who will attend the Shrine Circus May 2-4. Alan Hale, secretary of the Anah Temple Oriental Band, presented the bike, along with Karen Bennett and Tracy Austin, members of the Explorer group.

Celebration — Ella Kelley of Island Falls celebrated her 99th birthday March 26 at Gardiner Nursing Home. She was presented with a corsage, cards and refreshments, including a cake and ice cream furnished by her friend Grace Burton.