From our files for July 24, 2019 – Aroostook Republican

5 years ago

115 Years Ago – Aug.3,  1904

Potatoes New potatoes are again on our tables. Those that have dug them say there are only two or three in a hill, but those are as big as a girl’s foot.

75 Years Ago – Aug.3, 1944

Airport committee –The Airport Committee, members of the Town Council, the Budget Committee and the Municipal Planning Committee held a special meeting Monday night to discuss plans for the rebuilding of the hangar and office facilities at Caribou Municipal Airport. In an interview with the Airport Committee, it was learned that the U.S. Weather Bureau regional manager in Boston has expressed his desire to have the local weather bureau offices relocated on the airport site at the earliest possible date. 

50 Years Ago -Aug.6, 1969

Lions host Wild West show — The Country Caravan, a wild west show, will come to Caribou on Monday, Aug. 18, under the sponsorship of the Caribou Lions Club, it was announced by Bill Bishop, club president. The popular “Coast to Coast” show features stars of television, records, stage and screen, said Bishop. Originating in California, the program comes to Caribou following a swing through Canada. Included in the entertainment are sharpshooters, rope spinning, knife throwers, Canadian novelty acts, singing and dancing. Past president Bud Brewer and third vice president Roland Bouchard will co-chair the local program. King Bishop stated this week that a capacity crowd of more than 2,000 youngsters and adults will attend the one night stand. Proceeds from the show will be used by the local Lions to underwrite the many civic undertakings of the club. These include sight conservation, highschool scholarship funds, further development of the Caribou public picnic grounds, and financial assistance to many other local charities. 

Moose outruns “Friskie” The Rev. Jerry Borman, pastor of Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church at New Sweden, spotted a large moose while giving his son Karl, a ride on Friskie, their pony, last Sunday. The pastor took Karl off the pony and gave the reins to Robert Tweed, who was with them. Tweed jumped on Friskie and chased the moose deep into the woods. Pastor Borman described it as “quite an adventure,” especially since he’d never seen a wild moose. 

25 Years Ago -Aug. 3, 1994

Fund-raising effort gains local support Officials at the Washburn District High School have been hard at work raising funds for a new public address system for the Camille “Doc” Albert Gymnasium. Fund-raisers and donations for the gym project have been moving along at a steady pace. Those who have generously donated to the project include: the Washburn Rotary Club, Harvest Lane Estates of Washburn, Stoddard Insurance Co., Bert and Carlene Donovan, Larry and Wanita Hallowell, South Wade Farms, Dead River Company, Graves Shop-N-Save, Robert and Bonnie Blackstone, Dale and Cynthia Turner, Andy and Donna Turner, Maine Farmers Exchange, Graves Funeral Home. Other contributors include Herbert E. Klei, Howard Farmer, E.G. Gallagher Insurance Agency, Washburn Coffee Shop, Carolyn O’Donnell. People or business donating to the project will have their names displayed on a “Wall of Fame” at the highschool.

Caribou’s Colossal Sidewalk Bazaar Caribou’s Colossal Sidewalk Bazaar got merchants to roll merchandise out on the sidewalks. The first annual spirit award was a chamber award for the top three sidewalk displays. Participants were judged on the following: color, music, costumes and decorations. Honorable mention went to Miller’s, L.S. Hall Co., and J.J. Newberry, third place went to Fitzgerald Office Supply, second place to Sleepers and first place to R&B Engraving & Awards.