115 Years Ago – Feb. 20, 1901
Visiting — A.C. Hardison, a Caribou boy, who left his village in December 1890 when he went to California and later returned to his native Peru, South America, was visiting Caribou again. His many friends had a warm welcome for him and were pleased to learn of his success.
100 Years Ago – Feb. 23, 1916
Overcrowding — All voters of the town of Caribou were requested to attend a meeting in P. of H. dining hall on Friday evening of this week at 7:00 in order to discuss the necessity for more school room, more seating capacity, not only in the village, but in the rural schools. In one of the elementary grades, there were seats for 654 pupils, with attendance of 684 and this did not make any allowance for new pupils to attend.
Local talent play — The local talent of Sally Lunn was to be presented Thursday night in the opera house under the auspices of the Ladies Aid of the Universalist Church.
75 Years Ago – Feb. 20, 1941
Registrations — The Caribou Municipal offices for the past three days were busy issuing automobile registration plates under the direction of Inspector Basil Huntress of the State Police Registration office in Presque Isle. An estimated 700 plates were delivered to residents of Caribou and surrounding towns.
Retiring — Pius A. Sirois, local businessman, last week made the announcement that he was retiring from the shoe business. Mr. Sirois had been associated in the shoe business for 21 years in Caribou, having created many friends and customers during his time. Mr. Sirois stated he would continue in his dry cleaning enterprise, however.
50 Years Ago – Feb. 23, 1966
Fire outbreak — Caribou’s firefighters were battle-weary after fighting a $150,000 outbreak in the Solman block on Main Street and Washburn avenue for 36 hours. On the morning of publication they were still trying to prevent the fire from spreading to the adjoining Hackett building. Nothing but ice-covered, ghostly-looking walls remained of the four story building. Crews from Brescia Construction company used wrecking equipment to tear down the remaining sides of the building.
Buildings to be razed — Bids were opened by the State Highway Commission for the removal or razing of 19 buildings in Caribou in conjunction with the relocation and construction of a portion of U.S. Route 1, or Caribou bypass.
25 Years Ago – Feb. 20, 1991
New chamber director — Vicki J. Smith of Westfield was named the executive director of the Caribou Chamber of Commerce, Michael Bosse, interim executive director, announced Feb. 15. A graduate of Presque Isle High School and Northern Maine Technical College, Smith had served in many community professional activities and fundraisers. She started her new job March 4.
Penney’s honors retiree — Phillis Corrow of Caribou retired from her 30-year employment with the J.C. Penney Company store in downtown Caribou. She was honored by her associates at a Feb. 6 retirement party at the Caribou Motor Inn, where she was presented a gold bracelet and charm in appreciation for her service with the company.
