115 Years Ago – April 9, 1908
Attracting attention — G. B. Robert’s flock of chickens of the Rhode Island Red variety, mentioned a week or two ago, is now on exhibition in the window of Mr. Robert’s barber shop, and is attracting considerable attention.
Almost ready — The American Express Company expects to occupy the store south of the post office, formerly occupied by Miss Evelyn Smith as a millinery store, in about two weeks. The contract to remodel the interior of the store has been given to Astle & Page, contractors.
100 Years Ago – April 12, 1923
Opening a new place to eat — Ernest Swenson, who has been employed at Habeeb’s lunch room on Sweden Street, has resigned and has opened a first class lunch room and pool parlor in the O;Regan block, corner Main Street and Vaughan avenue.
Resigned and trying something new — R. A. Currier, who has been employed at the Caribou Grange store for several years, has resigned and left Thursday afternoon for Boston, where he will take a course to fit himself for the undertaking business. His many friends wish him success.
75 Years Ago – Apr. 8, 1948
Alcohol plant, now under new owners, to start up soon — The Clark Distilleries Alcohol plant of Caribou, one of the largest potato alcohol distilleries in the world,changed hands this past week when the Barton Distilleries of Chicago acquired controlling interest through purchase of stock. It is believed the deal was completed last Thursday. Joseph Marion and M. Palester of Chicago, and Paul Kraus of Bardstown, Kentucky, have been in town this week conferring with John Barnard, resident manager of the half million dollar plant. The alcohol plant began operation April 21, 1946 with a capacity of 5,500 gallons a day. Full production can process 11,000 barrels of potatoes daily. Clarke Distilleries have been much of this potato alcohol for the manufacture of vodka, gin, and for commercial purposes.
Ask Plourde to resign — Members of the Caribou Park and Recreation Committee in a letter dated April 2, requested the resignation of Emery Plourde, Director of Recreation, the resignation to become effective April 15. It is understood that the position has been offered to Lloyd Pound. Members of the Park and Recreation Committee are: Walter E. Kellison, Kenneth J. Bouchard, Frank R. Hopper, W. Dale Currier and H. C. Cushman. The job currently paid a salary of $50 per week, with no expense allotment.
25 Years Ago – Apr. 15, 1998
Happy hands — Tim McGraw, Chelsea Guerrette and AudreyCarlton, all students at the Caribou Head Start program shared smiles with Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) volunteer Eva Valcourt of Limestone. She and nearly 20 other knitters around the County made over 100 pairs of mittens for seven different ACAP Head Start and Day Care classes as part of RSVP;s Hands and Feet Initiative. The effort is supported by local donations of yarn and volunteer time.
State Champions — The Caribou Middle School Show Choir and director, Mrs. Vicki King recently captured the state championship for Division 1 Middle School Show Choir in the 1998 Maine State Vocal Jazz Festival held at Houlton High School. They performed selections from the Wiz, accompanied by the ‘Outstanding in State’ student rhythm section.
