Caribou area From our Files – Week of September 6, 2023

8 months ago

115 Years Ago – Sept. 3, 1908

A bit of excitement in town — A horse belonging to Wallace Vance created quite a little momentary excitement Tuesday afternoon near Shaw & Mitton’s corner. Mr. Vance was watering the horse at the drinking fountain when the animal suddenly took a notion to ‘run away’ and started across the road headed straight for one of the windows of the Caribou Drug Store, but turned to one side and went on the walk, the wagon just escaping the telephone pole; the horse was finally caught in front of Geo. O. Smith’s store.

Changed profession — W. P. Hamilton, who for seven years was principal of the Caribou High School, has commenced the practice of law in this town. Mr. Hamilton graduated from Bates College in the class of 1895, and from the U. of M. College of Law last June, receiving the degree of L. L. B. While attending this college he was chosen as editor of the Law Review. His previous teaching and study, together with his ability and liking for the study of law, has well fitted him for his new profession; and with his well known integrity and business acumen, we predict for him a successful legal career. He has opened an office in the rooms above Noyes’ Jewelry Store.

100 Years Ago – Sept. 6, 1923

Retiring — It is understood that George Mooers of Ashland is selling out his electric plant and his home property. Mr. and Mrs.  Mooers have many friends in Caribou and other towns in Aroostook who are interested in the change they are to make. Mr. Mooers will be pleasantly remembered as a baseball player of considerable ability a few years ago; we well remember the game in which he made three successive home runs.

A new bridge being built — The Aroostook Valley Railroad Company, is building a new bridge across Presque Isle stream to replace the one washed out by the flood in May. The piers will be built of concrete. It is very fortunate for the traveling public that this bridge is to be built by such a hustler as Mr. Gould is known to be, and not by the State Highway Departments, else it might be years before even plans could be drawn.

75 Years Ago – Sept. 2, 1948

Truck drive lacks $1691 — Proceeds donated by Caribou citizens for the purchase of a 1,000 gallon water truck had reached $3309 by Wednesday evening. The $5,000 truck is now being readied in Portland for service during middle September. Pledges and donations for the new piece of equipment have been brought to the fire station by merchants and solicitations from farmers served by the local department. Only $1,691 remains of the goal set by the ‘fire laddies’ and the drive will continue until this is met.

Named head Dexter H.S. — Philip R. Mealey, who for 11 years taught at Caribou High School, has been appointed principal of the N. H. Fay high school in Dexter, Me.Mealey came to Caribou in 1937 as head of the Mathematics department at the high school. He was subsequently appointed submaster and also director of guidance and athletics.

25 Years Ago – Jan. 4, 1998

Aroostook County students are safe on the roads — Four of six awards at the annual state convention for bus drivers were awarded to County drivers. 36 drivers from around the state participated in the bus rodeo. Local winners were: Thurston Jackson of Caribou – third place transit, Leopaul ‘Buzz’ Labbe of Fort Kent – third place conventional, Percy Thibodeau of Patrick Theriault School – second place conventional and Gordon Thibodeau of Caribou – first place transit. Thibodeau will be the national competition next summer in Kentucky.

Middle school students new learning experience — Caribou Middle School students will be learning to use up-to-date computers in the new computer lab. Computer teacher Mary Maynard will be teaching typing, word processing and how to use the internet. For many students this experience will be new, others have had practice at home. Maynard said the students are excited about the new machine.