From our Files: Headlines from 100 years of local news

Compiled by Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
100 Years Ago-Sept. 27, 1911
Aroostook Times
    Linneus — Quite a number in this town are planning to attend the fair in Woodstock this week. The two heavy frosts of last week have changed the coloring of vegetation remarkably, giving the trees a beautiful tinge and a warning that winter is on its way.
    Ricker — An alarm of fire called the Department to Wording Hall, where a fire had started in a wood pile in the cellar, from some unknown cause. The damage from smoke and water amounting to $250 was covered by insurance.
    Photos — Fred W. Holmes of Lewiston, has been in town during the past week, taking photographs of our business blocks and residences. Mr. Holmes is a large dealer in postal cards.
    Masons — The Masons are busily engaged this week on the foundation for the new Nickerson Block on Main Street, which will be built before cold weather sets in.
75 Years Ago-Sept. 24, 1936
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Clinic — Realizing the acute need for a dental clinic for the school children of Houlton, the Rotary Club has decided to raise funds. An example of need: number of students examined at the Junior High, 222; Needing treatment, 199; number of teeth needing fillings, 659.
Houlton Pioneer Times 1936 File Photo
HOPING FOR A PRIZE — These girls have been entered in the “Shower of Gold” contest sponsored by the Houlton Pioneer Times. Each contestant earns points by securing subscriptions from friends and relatives. The contestant earning the most points wins $500, with eight other prize winners. Entrants must be between the ages of six months and 12 years. Pictured above are from left, Patricia Downie, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Downie and Joyce Daigle, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Daigle.
    Winner — The Houlton Band, under the direction of Bert Wetmore, won second prize in Class A of the Band contest at the Woodstock Exhibition at Woodstock, N.B.
    Arrested — Three young men, all of East Millinocket, were apprehended for the break-in at Bishop’s Store.
    Barrels — A new barrel has been designed for harvesting potatoes that apparently helps to eliminate the bruises. The new barrel is made large enough so a picking basket can be lowered into it and turned over. It is approximately 20 inches in diameter inside and 28 inches deep. This new barrel and basket combination was originated by Ray Prescott of Island Falls and Andrew Porter of Sherman.
50 Years Ago- Sept. 28, 1961
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Overcrowding — Hurling a challenge to the citizens today, George P. Milner, superintendent of schools called for the building of new schools or remodeling the existing ones, the newest of which is 47 years old with the exception of course, Houlton High School, opened in 1951.
    Lighting — Shoppers in Houlton will continue to be plagued by petty thievery in several of the poorly lighted parking lots as the Town Council voted not to install the poles and fixtures until an appropriation is made or other ways are found to finance the project.
    Scouts — District Director, Andy Boutilier voiced a warning that Scouting in the southern Aroostook area from Lincoln to Monticello might be curtailed due to lack of operating funds.
25 Years Ago-Sept, 24, 1986
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Soccer — The Houlton High girls soccer team is ranked No. 2 in Eastern Maine Class A for the first official rankings.
    Nominated — Sue Sylvester and Garret Brown have been nominated to McDonald’s All-American Band on the basis of their musical honors and competitive contest ratings.
    New owner — Caleb Bell is the new owner of the refrigeration business of Harold Lycette’s.
    Appointed — Houlton Postmaster Leigh Cummings has announced the appointment of Malcolm Mersereau to the position of superintendent of postal operations at Houlton.
    Army medal — Pvt. 1st Class Diana E. Dobbins, daughter of Mary and Jack R. Dobbins has been decorated with the Army Achievement Medal at Fort Campbell, Ky.