From our Files: Headlines from 100 years of local news

Compiled by Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
100 Years Ago-Nov. 15, 1911
Aroostook Times
    Local — A terrific wind on Sunday night got under H.R. Burleigh’s fertilizer storehouse at the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad yard, lifting it from the foundation and when it came down it collapsed and the entire building went down, together with five cars of fertilizer.
    Jail — At the time that the county jail was erected in 1889, the county commissioners rented four cells in the basement of the town of Houlton, to be used as a town lockup, but as the prisoners each year are increasing in number, the county commissioners, while in session last week, were obliged to cancel the agreement with the town on account of lack of room in the jail proper for prisoners. We are informed that the selectmen have ordered iron cages, which will be placed in the basement of the engine house on Water Street.
75 Years Ago-Nov. 12, 1936
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Bus service — A new and improved service for the passenger patrons of the B&A Railroad is to be provided by a new bus service. They will operate daily.
    Leaky tank — The large boiler in the basement of Wording Hall at Ricker Classical Institute burst, necessitating the closing of the school from Nov. 7 until Nov. 13.
    Houlton — Delmas Wise’s orchestra of eight pieces furnished music for the American Legion Ball held on Armistice Day at Caribou.
50 Years Ago- Nov. 16, 1961
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Fountain — Houlton’s famous “Boy with Leaking Boot” has 18 brothers in the country and only one other exists in New England, that one being in Wallingford, Vt.
Houlton Pioneer Times 1961 File Photo
ENTERS NURSING — These three Houlton High graduates with the Class of 1961 are now attending the Maine Medical Center in Portland. From left, Penny J. Saunders, Patricia E. Sandborn and Linda L. Smith.
    Littleton — The Littleton Busy Workers held their second meeting with Nancy Adair giving a demonstration on making dry and liquid measurements, Diane Woodworth and Brenda Adams made tuna sandwiches and Stephanie Bubar gave a demonstration on how much material to use for a luncheon cloth and napkins.
    Lighting — Houlton Water Co. workmen installed mercury vapor lighting in the Exchange Hotel parking lot on Court Street and at the Congregational Church lot.
25 Years Ago-Nov. 12, 1986
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Fire chief — Milton J. Cone was confirmed as full-time Chief of the Town’s Fire Department.
    Grange honors — A large group of people attended the open house at the Houlton Grange in honor of Roy and Hazel Estey.
    A giant — It was described as a “giant sugar maple leaf” by Barb Mooers, a member of the faculty at Hodgdon High School. The leaf was found in Ludlow and measured 13 inches at its widest point.
    Senate race — Republican Margaret Ludwig of Houlton emerged the winner over Democrat Joyce Roach in this week’s election results.