Caribou area From our Files (week of June 13, 2018)

6 years ago

115 Years Ago – June 16,  1903

Light A gravel walk has been built on School Street during the past week.  An electric light placed on this street would be a decided advantage, as there is considerable travel on the street.

Grocery store Maxime Dube expects to open a new grocery store in the P.J. Powers building.

100 Years Ago – June 19, 1918

Paint job The Caribou Grange building is being improved by a fresh coat of paint.

Around town — Tony Disy has sold his lunchroom and billiard tables to Joe Wakem, and George W. Thompson, who lost his blacksmith shop in the fire of last week, has opened up ready for business in the Laffety Shop on Washburn Street.

75 Years Ago – June 16, 1943

Scrap metal drive — Caribou stores and other business establishments will be closed all day next Thursday as the town “turns to” for another major scrap drive.  The drive is part of the state campaign to furnish the armament mills of the nation will more scrap to intensify and expand the American drive for victory.  The local drive, which will include Caribou, Woodland, New Sweden and Stockholm, was originally planned for Tuesday, but was changed to Thursday to avoid interference with high school graduation exercises.

Bonds and stamps — On June 23, the 800 students in Caribou High School will present seven ambulances to the U.S. Army, bought with the stamps and bonds they have sold since April 9, or a total of $122,000 in war stamps and bonds.  The goal was six ambulances and the slogan was, “A Caribou Ambulance on Every Front.” Each vehicle will bear a plaque reading: “This ambulance is presented to the United States Government by the pupils of Caribou High School by sale of stamps and bonds.”  

50 Years Ago – June 19, 1968

6-3-3 system — The teaching staff at the Holy Rosary School Society sadly bid farewell to sixth- and seventh-grade pupils of the school at its final meeting and awards ceremony of the year.  Pupils of both these grades will enter junior high school next year to attend classes and Holy Rosary School loses it seventh grade to public school’s 6-3-3 system. Hereafter, only pupils of Grades 1 through 6 will attend the parochial school.

Shopping center hearing Reports to the Republican late Tuesday said the believed efforts of the Caribou Development Corporation had been successful in obtaining options on the properties had been successful in obtaining options on the properties of seven Rose Street homeowners, who had objected to a proposed shopping center complex in the area.  The matter may be decided at a Superior Court hearing scheduled at the Caribou Courthouse on Thursday.

25 Years Ago – June 16, 1993

74 march Limestone’s Class of 1993, dressed in black caps and gowns and carrying single white roses, made their final walk as students on Monday, June 13, when 74 seniors marched to receive their diplomas.  U.S. Sen. George Mitchell, who was introduced by Class President Susan Park, told students in his announcement address that he was honored to be a part of “this important day” in their lives. James C. Morse Jr., valedictorian, told the gathering that he saw many changes ahead.  “This is the day we shed our outer layers and move on, no one’s hand to hold on to, no one to push us along.”

Midsommar  — Midsommar weekend will be celebrated June 19-20 at New Sweden.  Saturday’s festival will being with the gathering of wild flowers for decorating the Maypole on the museum grounds.  Other activities on Saturday include a noon luncheon, smorgasbord, baked bean supper and Swedish dancing.