From our Files: Headlines from 100 years of local news

Compiled by Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
100 Years Ago-Feb. 21, 1912
Aroostook Times
    Local — Willard Weston a prominent member of the Houlton Grange has been appointed a Deputy by State Master Stetson.
    New name — On Feb. 15, the R.L. Turney Co., changed its name to the Putnam Hardware Co. and in the future the business will be conducted under this title, no change being made in the personnel of the stockholders. Fred L. Putnam is president and Arthur O. Putnam, treasurer. Taking possession Jan. 1, 1908 this firm of young men, born and brought up in Houlton by their personality and strict attention to business have built up a retail hardware business of large proportion which by good judgment has increased year after year.
75 Years Ago-Feb. 25, 1937
Houlton Pioneer Times
    New venture — The possibility that Aroostook County may become a productive pea raising and canning section came nearer a fact following a meeting held at The Northland here last Thursday when representatives of the Snider Packing Corporation of Rochester, N.Y. announced their willingness to establish a branch canning plant in Houlton.
    Saved from drowning — Leo Gilman Deschaine, 3-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Deschaine of the Flats was saved from drowning in the icy water of the Meduxnekeag by Harry Clough of North Street. The boy is reported to have been playing on the ice too near the edge and the current carried him about 50 yards downstream behind St. Mary’s convent. Mr. Clough waded waist-deep to reach the boy.
50 Years Ago- Feb. 22, 1962
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Fishman’s — Planning for reopening shortly before Easter the M.H. Fishman Co. is currently remodeling its Houlton store on Main Street into a completely self-service department store complete with a large check-out center.
    Installs officers — John Carson, State Master Councilor, Order of Demolay, accompanied by Richard Denton and Lyn York, members of the state suite were in Lincoln where they officiated at an installation service at the Lincoln chapter.
    Stamps — The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Co. started on a new era of business Sunday with the announcement that they would be giving Plaid Trading Stamps in its Portland unit of over 100 stores in conjunction with the E.F. MacDonald Co.
    Dean’s List — Mrs. Ruth Snell, a senior at Ricker College, who was recently listed on the fall term Dean’s List as receiving high honors is more than just an ordinary student. Mrs. Snell who is majoring in history and social studies entered Ricker College last fall to receive a B.A. degree in secondary education after an absence of over 20 years from school. She was married to M/Sgt. Fred Snell, who died of a heart attack in 1959 while stationed with the U.S. Army in Yokahama, Japan. Mrs. Snell is the mother of Richard, Shawn and Alan.
25 Years Ago-Feb. 25, 1987
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Houlton — For the first time in 13 years, the six high schools that serve the southern Aroostook area have been unable to win at least one championship in the Eastern Maine basketball tournaments. The Houlton High boys and girls teams each got to the semi-final round before being defeated. Hodgdon lost to Mattanawcook Academy.
Houlton Pioneer Times 1987 File Photo
WORKING HARD — “Poetic License” is the name of the problem for these Division I Olympics of the Mind students, under the coaching of Bev Nason at Houlton Elementary School. They will participate in the Regional competition. Students taking part are from left in front, Jennifer Lynds, Megan London and Jaime Flewelling; back row, Kristie Rossignol, Emily Wiggin, Melissa Pottle and Leah Fasulo.
    Application — The Houlton 4th of July committee has applied for State Fair status. The advantages of fair status will be statewide advertising, a greater variety of entertainment and exhibits, involvement of 4-H, Grange and other agricultural-related groups.
    Spelling Bee — Lambert School conducted its annual spelling bee and the winner was Carey Ann Nason, daughter of Richard and Elaine Nason with runner-up Jeffrey Lynds, son of Jerre and Wendy Lynds.