75 Years Ago April, 15, 1948
Flames Destroy Old Landmark In Crystal – A family of 11 was rendered homeless and of the old landmarks of Crystal was destroyed when fire swept the old Prescott place, owned by Frank Longstaff, Saturday afternoon.
Prompt assistance by neighbors and the Southern Aroostook Chapter, American Red Cross brought food, clothing and shelter to Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Hulbert and their nine children. The flames, of undetermined origin, started in the barn near the house and, swept by the high winds, quickly engulfed that building and spread to the house. Mrs. Hulbert and her oldest daughter, 13, were the only ones at home at the time and were unable to salvage anything from the flames due to the rapid spread. The Island Falls Fire department responded but the fire had gained such rapid headway they were unable to do anything.
Receives Promotion – Word has been received by Mr. and Mrs. George Mitchell Sr. of the promotion of their son, George Jr., to seaman first class. S1/c Mithell, a graduate from Merrill High School June 1947, entered the navy June 5, 1947 and received his basic training at Great Lakes, Mich., as a seaman second class. He was sent to Washington, D. C., where he is now stationed at the Potomac River Naval Command.
50 Years Ago April 18, 1973
Ricker Club Will Honor Businessman Of The year– A Houlton businessman will be honored when the Business and Marketing Club at Ricker College holds its second annual Recognition banquet Friday, April 27, at Parkview Restaurant. Club president Fred Sener of Lancaster, Pa., said the name of the recipient of the award, who has been selected by committee made up largely of local business and professional men, will not be announced until the night of the banquet. The club’s first award was presented last year to Aubrey A. McLaughlin, owner of Ward Cabin Company.
Phyllis Blakely Is Sherman OES Worthy Matron – Phyllis Blakely was installed as Worthy Matron of Molunkus Valley Chapter OES of Sherman Mills at a semi-public installation April 9 at the Masonic Hall. Sixty members and guests were present for the ceremony which was conducted by Ruth E. Buck, associate Grand Matron, Stanley Maragus, Amy Coffin, Marjorie Nelder, Carol Maragus and Lillian Shaw.
25 Years Ago May 6, 1998
Madigan Estates expands facility, adds resident and therapy rooms – As the world of health care is expanding, so are the facilities at Madigan Estates in Houlton. Last September, Brenda Brown Habrle, administrator of Madigan Estates, realized the need to add on additional rooms. “We had to respond to the need for more private rooms and the space to provide more therapy service to people who need skilled, physical and occupational services,” said Habrle. Eight resident rooms and a therapy room were completed in approximately six months to do the work. Roy Brockway of Brockway Associates in Houlton was the project’s engineer and A & L Construction of Presque Isle did the work. The expansion has also created more storage and office space.
