75 Years Ago – September 15, 1949
Local Generosity Revives Hayes Library At Ricker — George Rich, Chairman of English at Ricker, and Faculty advisor to the Library, is highly gratified at the generosity of the many public-spirited Aroostook people who have helped him in his monumental task of creating the new and efficient Ricker Library. Located in the former Mansur House, the Hayes Library contains approximately 5,000 recent and valuable acquisitions and no “deadwood”. Although the greater part of this number represents College and Classical purchases, the personal gifts greatly add to the richness of the library, both in subject matter and appearance. Among the prominent “State-of-Mainers” whose kindness has been such effective aid to Mr. Rich are: Miss Rosamund Barker, Presque Isle; Mrs. Bessie M. Dougherty, Mrs. Myrtle Hayes, Mrs. Percy Rideout, Mr. Chauncey Robbins, Mrs. Nathaniel Tompkins, all of Houlton; Mrs. Robert Velten, Skowhegan; the late Mrs. Bernard Archibald, and Mrs. Stella K. White, both of Houlton.
Miss Donovan Named to Madigan Hospital Staff — Miss Justina D. Donovan, daughter of Mrs. E. C. Donovan of Houlton, has accepted a position as dietician at the Madigan Memorial Hospital, Sister Elizabeth, superintendent, announced today. Miss Donovan is a graduate of Nasson College and was connected for two and a half years with 4-H club work in the state. For a time she was Home Economics teacher at Ellsworth High School.
50 Years Ago – October 16, 1974
Harvest Near Completion In Spite Of Weather — Estimates as of yesterday were that about 90 percent of the County’s potato crop has been harvested, and that most growers expect to complete their fields by this weekend, if the weatherman cooperates. Schools throughout most of Southern Aroostook went back into session Tuesday, although classes in SAD 42 – the Mars Hill and Bridgewater area – will not begin until tomorrow. Kenneth Chapman, potato specialist for the Extension Service, said that most farmers in this area who rely on students to harvest their crop have completed their work.
Oakfield — The Senior Citizens met Wednesday for a regular meeting and potluck dinner. Plans were finalized for a rummage sale to be held October 25 and October 26. Home knit stockings and mittens, quilt and cushions will also be on sale. The birthday cake for October was made by Helen Danforth. Those having birthdays were Viola Malone, Dorothy Malone, Roxie Gray and Herbert Mathers.
25 Years Ago – October 20, 1999
Bridgewater Fashion Show To Be Held On Saturday — Get out your long gloves and fancy hats, because this Saturday night, high fashion returns to Aroostook County. The Bridgewater Historical Association will present “A Century of Fashion – 1890s to 1990s” at 7 p.m. in the old Town Hall. The evening will feature men’s and women’s fashions from throughout the 20th century, courtesy of the Webb Museum of Vintage fashion in Island Falls. Curator Fran Stratton has recruited local models to show off the vintage clothes. Following the fashion show will be a hat parade. Attendees can look for friends and families lighting up the catwalk in fancy hats and long gloves.
Longstaff Hired As Business Development Specialist — The town of Houlton is losing a code enforcement officer, but the Southern Aroostook region is gaining a business development specialist. Brian Longstaff has been hired by the Northern Maine Development Commission to fill the newly-created position. Bob Clark, executive director of NMDC, said the job is being funded through the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.