From our Files: Headlines from 100 years of local news

Compiled by Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
100 Years Ago-July 12, 1911
Aroostook Times
    Storm — Central Maine suffered from a severe electric storm last week, but balmy Aroostook weather prevailed here, and we escaped this.
    Local — Parker P. Burleigh and two daughters Helen and Dorothy returned this week from a trip to Boston and other places.
    New business — Samuel C. Webber and C.H. Hamilton will soon open a stove and tin-ware store and after July 15 will be prepared to do jobbing of all kinds.
75 Years Ago-July 9, 1936
Houlton Pioneer Times
    New Limerick — Joe Kirkwood, world famous wizard of the fairways and one of the nation’s leading professional golfers will pay a visit to the Houlton Country Club.
    State Police — A ‘flying squadron’ of state police will begin work in this county in a drive to reduce traffic fatalities. Aroostook was chosen first because seven of the 18 motor vehicle fatalities occurred in rural sections.
    Sherman Mills — Joyce Rand has returned to her home in Auburn after spending several months with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. E.U. Rand and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Whitehouse.
    The 4th — Owing to the cold rain, the July 4th celebration was carried over to Monday. Hal Boulier started his furnace fire, July 4th , so he could celebrate comfortably at his home.
    North Road — Mr. and Mrs. Edward Simpson and little sons Earl and Bobbie, motored to Bangor and Belfast. 
50 Years Ago- July 13, 1961
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Grants — Aubrey A. McLaughlin, Houlton Regional Development industrial director announced that three of Houlton’s outstanding institutions, Ricker College, Aroostook General Hospital and Madigan Memorial Hospital each became the recipient of a $500 grant from the Houlton Footwear Corporation.
    New Limerick — Summer camp owners on Nickerson Lake threatened last week to campaign for a village corporation separating themselves from the township of New Limerick, Houlton and Linneus unless their demands for more “equitable” treatment were met by officials of the two communities. The major complaint being road conditions.
    Hodgdon — Mrs. Elbridge Merritt was an overnight guest of relatives in Augusta and on her return home she was accompanied by her daughter, Sally. Vicki and Dennis Quint and Sheila Hannigan, all of whom attended Methodist Camp at Winthrop.
25 Years Ago-July 9, 1986
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Retirement — Rev. Ernest Ireland will be retiring with 28 years of ministry in Island Falls and he is so loved that the whole town, including churches of every denomination is combining to give him a big party.
Houlton Pioneer Times 1986 File Photo
CHAMPIONS — The Rotary Little League team won the Town Championship against the Elks. Members of the 1986 team are in front from left, Jacob Gentle, Heath Gentle, Andy Blood, Karen Raymond and Bruce Raymond; standing, assistant coach David Lezotte, Ryan Dhuy, Jay Nason, Jason Langley, Lucas DeWitt, Matthew Fitzpatrick and coach Greg Lezotte. Absent was Tom Wells.
    Five on Fourth — Eight-five runners registered in the Five on the Fourth. Winning the five-mile event was Myron Whipkey of Portland, Joe McGuire of Woodstock came in second and Jon Williams came in third.
    Key Bank — Gerry D. Scott Jr. has been promoted to the position of consumer loan officer in Houlton and Wilbur Hersey has been promoted to the position of human resource officer at the Presque Isle branch.
    Junior Miss — Mary Alice Inman met nationally known magician, David Copperfield at the Junior Miss Nationals in Mobile, Ala.