100 Years Ago-Jan. 1, 1913
Aroostook Times
Bachelors host Christmas Ball — Mansur Hall never presented a more attractive appearance than on Friday evening when the Bachelors Club gave their first annual ball. Evergreens festooned with red decorated the Hall’s center while the stage was banked with balsam fir and
drapery, behind which Bryson’s Orchestra discoursed some of the best music they have ever produced.
Blowing and drifting — The first real snow came on Friday and was severe, with a high wind. One of Houlton’s physicians was obliged to leave his team in the country, Saturday, and return by train, so bad were the drifts.
75 Years Ago-Jan. 6, 1938
Houlton Pioneer Times
Saturday scholars — The Cooperative Courses given by Houlton High teachers will begin on Saturday, Jan. 8 and continue for six successive Saturdays. Introductory courses in the following subjects will be offered: woodworking; typewriting; music (brass instruments); cooking; stenography; book review; agriculture; vocal music; outdoor life; public speaking; current events and basketball.
Talk of war — With Europe now an armed camp and munition factories in full blast, the question whether we will have peace or war in 1938 occupies many minds. Rev. T. L. Brindley of the Court Street Baptist Church spoke Monday before the Houlton Rotary declaring “social solidarity,” the recognition by nations of the brotherhood of man, as one of the best ways of avoiding war.
50 Years Ago-Jan. 3, 1963
Houlton Pioneer Times
Storm can’t stop stork — Houlton and surrounding towns dug their way out of the worst blizzard in more than 40 years with 22 inches of snow falling over New Year’s weekend. One thing the storm did not stop was the stork. Patrolman Russell Socoby spent much of Sunday going to the aid of soon-to-be mothers, shoveling a path to one stranded woman and transporting Dr. Edward Williams to the hospital in time for deliveries.
File photo 1964
ST. MARY’S BASKETBALL TEAM — Playing for coach Jack Dobbins at St. Mary’s School were, from left, kneeling: Steve Kelley, Carl Stover, Danny Daigle, Dave McQuade and Roger Hutchinson. Standing: Tim Callnan, Steve Roach, Robert McGillicuddy, Mark Dobbins (with ball), Larry Couture, Pat Carroll and Paul Kearney.
Capping ceremony — A Candlelight Capping Ceremony for nurses was held at Presque Isle’s Maine School of Practical Nursing with these local students assigned to Madigan Memorial Hospital for their final training: Miss Joan Adams, Marlene Curtis, Linda Parker all of Oakfield; Miss Patricia Adams of Patten; Mrs. Cleo Sewell of Island Falls; and Misses Carolyn Bell and Jeanette Nickerson of Houlton.
25 Years Ago-Jan. 6, 1988
Houlton Pioneer Times
A New Year’s success — “New Year’s Eve Houlton,” the County’s first community-wide New Year’s Eve celebration has been termed a success by those who organized the event. Humorist Tim Sample, folk singer David Mallett and pop singer Chuck Kruger headlined the entertainment. At midnight a crowd estimated at up to 500 people gathered at Market Square to usher in 1988.
Fitness programs abound — Opportunities for fitness in the new year are plentiful for area residents with the following offerings: SAD 70’s “Lite Workout” class, “Aerobics and Fitness” sessions beginning Jan. 4 at Hodgdon Elementary School, and a three-credit hour course “Physical Activity and High Level Wellness” offered through the University of Maine at Presque Isle and Houlton Regional Hospital.
