To the editor:
It was interesting to read about the historic walking tour of Caribou to be available soon, in the June 24, 2009 edition of the Aroostook Republican. For all who are able to make the walk, I hope that you will. The history that lies within Caribou is overwhelming. In a publication that I had read many years ago, it stated that Water Street was the very first road in Caribou. The only historical landmark here would probably be the old woolen mill built sometime after the first one was destroyed by fire, in the early 1900s.
I am pretty intrigued by local history and family history, and have been researching my family, and that of my husband’s, for a great many years. My mother, Jean Skofield Carde, was a daughter of Dr. Ray H. Skofield and Gertrude Emma Reed Skofield over in Fort Fairfield. Mom had, as cousins, former Governor John Hathaway Reed and Ruth Reed Mraz.
My maternal grandfather, Dr. R.H. Skofield, could trace his maternal side of the family all the way back to Scotland, to the Marquis of Lorne, 9th Duke of Argyll.
My paternal grandfather, Dr. Albert Martin Carde, could trace his maternal side of the family all the way back to Charles Estienne Houdlette, a lace weaver, born January 2, 1707/08 to David Oudelette and Maria Anne Fouquet Oudelette in Pont-avers, Picardie, France. Charles married Marie Maelaine Louise Galloy (or Gallois), born January 4, 1702 or 1707 in Mannheim, Germany to Comte Galloy (or Gallois), Grand Duke, Pierre Gallois and Anne Le-clere. During the persecution of the Huguenots that followed the hollow peace of 1748, they fled France. Charles left a web of lace in the loom. Their escape took them to Neu Isenburg, Germany. They sailed on the ship “Priscilla” by way of Rotterdam, Holland to Boston, landing in 1751, and settled in Dresden, Maine.
Some of my husband’s ancestors, all from Caribou, include Estella Eliza Holmes, Lillian E. Mathilda Kelley, Jerry Holmes, Amos Kelley (Bob’s paternal great-great-grandfather), who was born June 4, 1832, in East Lyndon (Caribou), fought in the Civil War and being a parishioner of the Methodist Church, had Rev. James H. Gray officiate at his funeral.
Bob’s paternal great-great-great-grandfather, Lawrence Kelley was born in Ireland, settling on the north side of the Aroostook River in 1828. He married Elizabeth Anne (Betsy) Parks. Her parents, Jonathan and Hannah (Bradley) Parks settled on the south side of the Aroostook River at Eaton Grant in 1826, being among the first settlers in Eaton Grant.
Bob’s maternal great-great-great-grandfather, Warren Drake made it easier for the pioneers to navigate goods and people across the Aroostook River when he constructed and operated the first ferry, which traveled between where Water Street is and roughly where the train station stands today.
I am excited about Caribou’s 150th birthday and am trying to determine which celebrations will be easily accessible for me as well as allowing us to bring our disabled puppy, Howie, along with us for the fun. The parade in September is the big winner. I’ll see you there!
Caribou
