Aunt Lena

To the editor:
    During the recent election campaign, I had the opportunity to meet and greet residents in the greater Houlton area. In speaking with many of you, I discovered how well thought of my late aunt Lena Shaw Kilpatrick was. I’ve heard wonderful stories that have brought back countless special memories to me.
    Aunt Lena worked most of her life in Houlton. Her first employment was at the First National Grocery store. After finishing work there, she started what became her career in the banking business. Starting at the Houlton Trust Company, she enjoyed working with the public and often spoke of the great satisfaction her job gave her – though she never really thought of it as a “job.” She felt proud of the fact that she was dedicated in serving the public and enjoyed the interaction with customers. Later, she transferred to Key Bank (formerly the Depositors Trust) and that is where she stayed until retirement.
    As an older sister to my mother, Anna Shaw Orser, Aunt Lena was always admired by not only surviving member left of the large, close-knit family they were blessed to be part of.
    Two weeks after I was born in Mars Hill, my mother, Aunt Lena and some of their sisters-in-law moved in with my grandmother and grandfather Shaw. Times were tough enough back in those days, but even more so with my father and uncles being drafted into the Army. Even though it was a hardship on everyone as World War II progressed, my family managed to stay strong with the love and support of one another.
    Growing up, I never tired of hearing Aunt Lena tell one of my favorite stories. This story wasn’t read out of a book, but spoken gently by her with a twinkle in her eyes. She would tell me that after my mother would put me to bed I’d usually start to fuss. As my mother would leave the room waiting to see if I’d “settle down,” Aunt Lena would come in, pick me up and “spoil” me, as she loved to call it. I think I might have been one of her favorites and I know she certainly was one of mine.
    My younger years were filled with joy when visiting their home in Littleton. Going into town as it was called (meaning a trip to the square in Houlton) was always exciting. I loved going to the many stores that my hometown of Mars Hill did not have. I couldn’t wait to sit up at the counter in Woolworth’s or maybe the soda fountain at White’s Drug Store. I can even still smell the oiled hardwood floors in Chain Apparel.    Aunt Lena enjoyed shopping and I think to this day that is what instilled it in me. After I started to grow up, I couldn’t wait to get to Lads ‘N Lassies, Bither’s or Edith’s since that is where the very fashionable shopped. Aunt Lena only had one child, her son Gene, so having a little girl around once in a while was quite a treat (I actually think I got the better end of those visits, though).
    Gene is 10 years my senior and I have always known of his quiet strengths. He graduated from ACI in Mars Hill and stayed with my grandparents during his high school years. He was a top student, then became a well respected educator and is now Professor Emeritus of Sociology at UMPI. I had no brothers so Gene was an older mentor that I have admired my entire life. I believe his success started as a young boy being raised with the confidence loving parents can give.
    I know I have always felt a strong connection with Houlton and the surrounding towns. Thanks to all of you for reinforcing why and also in my wanting to pay tribute to the lady that started it all.
State Rep. Jackie Lundeen
Mars Hill