Houlton’s From Our Files (week of September 6, 2017)

7 years ago

100 Years Ago – Sept. 5, 1917

    Off to Washington Mr. E. L. Cleveland leaves here this week for Washington, D. C., called there by Mr. Hoover regarding the potato situation.

    New asst. postmaster Harry Little, Houlton’s well known assistant postmaster who has been connected with the department since 1905, has resigned. John Fitzgerald, carrier in the business section, will succeed Mr. Little as assistant postmaster.

75 Years Ago – Sept. 3, 1942

    Contest begins The Sixth Big Potato Contest sponsored by the J. R. Harvey Insurance Company got under way on Sept. 1 and continues until Nov. 1 with competition open to all farmers of Southern Aroostook for the largest potato by weight. First prize will be $5 of War Stamps while the second prize winner will receive $2 worth of these stamps.

    Dental school Ralph Grant, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Grant, Military Street, plans to leave this month for Boston, where he will attend Tufts Dental College. Ralph was graduated from the college preparatory course at Houlton High School in June.

50 Years Ago – Sept. 6 , 1967

    Anniversary The family of Mr. and Mrs. Robert A. Wilson held open house Saturday at the Hodgdon High School gymnasium in observance of their 50th wedding anniversary. More than 200 relatives and friends attended. They have five children, 21 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren

    Recognition The Sockinassett Hose Company, known today as the Houlton Fire Department, in 1917 employed Bertram M. Wetmore of Houlton as a hose man, and these past 50 years he has been keeping company with fire, water, smoke and danger. Chief Wetmore, who attained the title in 1957, started his work as a fireman under Chief Charles McCluskey and these were the days of horse-driven fire engines. During the past 50 years he had received three broken ribs, two sprained wrists, one sprained ankle and once went through a potato house floor and was on crutches for two months.

25 Years Ago – Sept. 2, 1992

   Winner Phillip Jenkins was congratulated by Alan Green of MPG after Phil and his wife, Marie, won 100 gallons of fuel oil donated by MPG to the Athletic Boosters for a raffle.

   In concert — Charlie Daniels hit the stage for his tent concert in Houlton. Daniels delighted area music fans with country, rock and blues. Popular favorites, Nuthin’ Fancy, opened the show with a well-received set.