From our Files: Headlines from 100 years of local news.

Compiled by Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
100 Years Ago – Dec. 28, 1910
Aroostook Times
    Local — The members of the county jail were remembered in a kindly manner by Adjt. Clark of the Salvation Army. Monday afternoon an appropriate musical program was given by Mr. Clark and family and each inmate was presented with a treat of confectionery, fruit and also with a copy of the Christmas edition of the War Cry.
    Santa Claus — An amusing incident occurred at the Telephone Company office last week, when in answer to a ring a little voice asked, “Is this Santa Claus?” “Yes!” was the reply, “and who are you?” “ I am Betty and I want just one thing.” said the little miss. “And what is that?” asked the supposed Santa, “A chair that my doll can sit up in!” “I will see that you get it” was the answer. Needless to add that the father of the little girl had the order filled promptly.
75 Years Ago – Dec. 26, 1935
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Attempted theft — Night officers Mickey Collins and Gus Haggerty surprised a marauding in the B.S. Green Store shortly before midnight on Christmas Eve. The officers entered the front door as the intruder escaped from the rear of the store. They discovered that the would-be thief had gained entrance by breaking a window at the rear of the building. Several suits and some boxes of shirts had been piled up by the marauder, but he left them in his hurry to escape. The officers did not know of the thief’s presence when they entered the store. No clues as to the identity of the culprit have been found.
    Katahdin — North Peaks on Mt. Katahdin will ever hereafter be known as “Howe Peaks” in honor of the late Burton W. Howe of Patten, according to services received by former Governor Percival P. Baxter from the offices of the secretary of the division of geographic names in the Department of the Interior.   
50 Years Ago – Dec. 29, 1960
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Christmas night — The Houlton Grange Store was completely destroyed within three hours and attracted hundreds of the holiday crowd to the scene tying up traffic for blocks around. Loss was estimated at $175,000 by Andy Boutilier, manager of the store.
Houlton Pioneer Times 1960 File Photo
CHRISTMAS NIGHT — The Houlton Grange Store, located on Green Street was totally destroyed by fire Christmas night in 1960.
    Money found — Money taken from the main office of the Gentle Memorial Building was found in the boy’s restroom according to Walter Burlock, superintendent of Parks and Recreation. He said nearly all of the $100 stolen was recovered with only a small amount missing. It is believed the theft occurred between five and seven o’clock while a basketball practice session under supervision was being held in the gymnasium. A broken window was found downstairs at the facility.
    Top forward — Tim Taylor, a senior at Houlton High is one of the top forwards in Aroostook County basketball. Since his freshman year he has scored more than 350 points in competition.
25 Years Ago – Dec. 24, 1985
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Shop to close — Eleven sales days and a Friday night auction have marked the close of the Rod and Gun Shop, which has been operated at the corner of Market Square and Court Street for the past 22 and one-half years by Fred Doescher.
    USM freshman — Houlton native, Mary Harrigan is attending the University of Southern Maine and is a member of the Huskies starting basketball unit. Harrigan was a 1,000 point scorer for the highly successful Houlton Lady Shires basketball team while in high school.
    Minimum wage — As of Jan 1, 1986 the legal minimum hourly wage in the State of Maine will increase from $3.45 to $3.55.
    Completes basic — Jacqueline Hurley, daughter of John Hurley and Claudine Blanchette, has completed six weeks of basic training with the United States Air Force at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas.