From our Files: Headlines from 100 years of local news

Compiled by Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
100 Years Ago-Nov. 8, 1911
Aroostook Times
    Local — In looking over an old cash book kept during the years of 1866-67 it was found that kerosene oil sold for $1 per gallon.
    St. Mary’s — Rev. Fr. Silke has just finished the census of St. Mary’s Parish and is much gratified to find that there are 1,500 members.
    Houlton — Mr. Fred Bartlett of this town has purchased the Waldo G. Hamilton farm in Littleton.
    Linneus — F.S. Steeves, who recently purchased the Benn farm had a plowing bee last week; nine turning over about 15 acres.
75 Years Ago-Nov. 6, 1936
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Officers — At the annual elections of officers for the Houlton Varsity H-Club the following were chosen, president, Joseph McKay; vice president, Claude Hutchinson; secretary, Lloyd Niles; and treasurer, Alexander Munroe.
Houlton Pioneer Times 1936 File Photo
WINNERS OF FIRST FOUR PRIZES — Charlotte Ann Troy, left, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F.O. Troy of Elm Street won the grand prize of $500 cash and a beautiful silver loving cup in the subscription campaign conducted by the Pioneer Times. Second prize of $250 went to Chester Carpenter of Houlton, third prize, Frederick Blanchard of Blaine and fourth prize, Cleo Patterson of Sherman Mills.
    Slot machines — Sheriff Jasper S. Lycette and his deputies made good on their warning of two weeks ago regarding the operation of unlicensed slot machines. Two men were charged $10 and costs for permitting gambling. The machines were forfeited and destroyed.
50 Years Ago- Nov. 9, 1961
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Patten — A survey will begin Nov. 13 by the Maine Medical Center Committee to see if the area can financially support a general practitioner and a $40,000 medical center.
    Rotary — More than $4,000 in merchandise and gifts have been received for the annual Radio Auction. Proceeds are for the community swimming pool fund.
    Better stay home — A Smyrna Mills hunter, absent from his favorite haunts for several years because of failing eye sight recently decided to give the woods another try. Stepping out from near his home, he headed through the field and spotted what he believed to be a partridge. He raised his gun and fired and went to collect his game. It was his pet cat.
25 Years Ago-Nov. 5, 1986
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Lambert to close — The SAD 29 Board of Directors took the first step towards replacing Lambert School.
    Statue — The bronze statue of Samantha Smith, to be located at the Augusta State Museum entrance will be on display at the Cary Library.
    Revitalization — There were 25 persons present at the meeting for Houlton’s downtown revitalization project.
    Scholarship — Robert A. Shaw has been designated a Commended Student in the 1987 National Merit Scholarship Program.
    Pro-county — Community Development Officer Charles Upton addressed approximately 40 businessmen, education officials and economists from Maine who toured Aroostook and Washington counties. He emphasized to the group that Maine doesn’t end in Bangor.