Houlton area From our Files – Week of December 14, 2022

1 year ago

75 Years Ago – Dec. 11, 1947

Ricker hoops win one, drop two – The Ricker Junior College Quintet opened their season with a victory over the Woodstock Senators, a loss to the Maine Maritime Academy, and one to the Emerson Pills of Millinocket. This Saturday evening in the Hodgdon High Gymnasium, the Ricker Raiders will entertain the Maine Maritime Club and seek their second win. 

Fire department officers – The annual election of officers of the Island Falls Fire Department was held Dec. 2, as follows: Chief, Eli Brooks; assistant, Elwyn Astle; Captain, Ronald Stairs. They are to continue drill and a new hose has been installed on the McCann truck.

Hal Bubar is recreation director – Harold Bubar, athletic director at Ricker Classical Institute and Junior College, has been named director of recreation for Houlton, it was announced Monday night by the town council. Bubar was approved by the recreation committee from several applicants and his appointment was confirmed by the council. He replaces Robert P. Hunter, first supervisor of this department here, who organized the program and who has conducted it for the past 18 months. 

50 Years Ago – Dec. 13, 1972

Patten native is named Air Force recruiter – TSgt. Paul E. Chamberlain of Patten has taken over the Air Force Recruiting Office at 485 Main St. in Presque Isle. Sgt. Chamberlain is a 17-year Air Force veteran. He was born and raised in Patten and is a 1954 graduate of Patten Academy. Sgt. Chamberlain has seen duty in Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Newfoundland and Thailand. His stateside bases have seen him stationed literally from coast to coast, Florida Montana, California, Louisiana, these being a few of the many.

Mrs. Knights Is Elected By Danforth Garden Club – The annual meeting and Christmas party of the Danforth Garden Club was held Tuesday evening at the home of Mrs. George Parent. Carol singing led by Mrs. Eston Bartlett at the piano started the evening followed by a gala potluck supper. A festive period of gift exchanges added to the holiday spirit. Mrs. Philip Golding, outgoing president, opened the meeting and presided until the new slate of officers for 1973 was presented by Mrs. Eaton Bartlett, chairman of the nominating committee. Elected were: Mrs. Roland Knights, president; Mrs. Richard Shaw, vice president; Mrs. Philip Golding, recording secretary; Mrs. Floyd Bailey, corresponding secretary; and Mrs. Frank Gillis, treasurer. 

25 Years Ago – Dec. 24, 1997

Shiretowners are undefeated at Christmas break, 6-0 – The Houlton Shiretowners are headed into the Christmas break with an unblemished 6-0 record after defeating Presque Isle and Fort Fairfield this week. The Shires are in first place in the Eastern Maine Class B Heal Point standings that were released on Monday afternoon.

Maine Potato Board names McCrum Farmer of the Year – THe Maine Potato Board has named Jay McCrum of Mars Hill its 1997 Farmer of the Year, and Keith Labrie of St. Agatha as Young Farmer of the Year. “Both men are excellent representatives” of the potato industry, said Michael P. Corey, executive director of the Maine Potato Board. The two men were selected by a panel after being nominated by their peers. Nominees are judged by their progressiveness and how they have been an example or leader in the potato industry.