Are you aware of what Houlton has to offer?

16 years ago

To the editor:
Are you aware of all that Houlton has to offer? If you are new in town or lived here your entire life, do you really know what is here?
    We are most fortunate to have the music programs that are available from our community band to school programs, a great library, our parks, good schools and people that care about one another proven by benefit get-togethers, and good health support systems and the latest thing, a new Bangor Road.
One thing we are in need of is a swimming pool for our kids. The thing this letter is intended to promote at this time is that we have a museum that not all are aware of. I’m one of those who hasn’t paid much attention to it in recent years until recently asked to work as a volunteer one afternoon a week.
Some of the things available are the Richer College Room, the Military Room and a display of the first clock in Houlton, property of Joseph Houlton and dating back to 1819. It arrived in Houlton “on time” as a good clock should and today only needs to be wound up to go.
There are many pictures of former citizens and of many special events, Houlton Air Base and German prisoner pictures and information, in fact I just learned there is a monument as you enter the airport dedicated to Camp Houlton, the POW camp. The remains of the POW mess hall are still there, but caving in, as part of our history; it’s too bad it hasn’t been preserved.
There have been several German POW families that have returned for a visit. The museum’s Military Room has a display of older weapons that look nothing like today’s modern equipment, along with a uniform display.
For a small town museum there are for certain a lot of interesting things to browse through, something for everyone. Most of our visitors this summer have been from out of state, so come on Houlton, please come and visit us.
The museum has a super lady director, Kay Bell, who you can’t help but like. The museum hours are Tuesday through Friday from 1-4 p.m. For a large group, please call in advance. School groups and organizations are always welcome.
Two of the older relics on display on Wednesday afternoons are Glen Tracy and myself. We are on Main Street next to Cary Library.

Donald N. Scott
Houlton