From our Files: Headlines from 100 years of local news

Compiled by Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
100 Years Ago-June 14, 1911
Aroostook Times
    Boys Band Concert — Donovan Boys Band gave a very fine outdoor concert, last week from the veranda of the Union Square Hotel. The leader Joseph Donovan is to be congratulated on the successful manner in which he coached the youngsters into shape.
    Auto notes — There were in town through the week three very attractive advertising cars. Kellogg’s Toasted Corn Flakes was a beauty and attracted much attention.
75 Years Ago-June 11, 1936
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Island Falls — The opening dance at Pleasant Lake pavilion was held Thursday night, with a large crowd to enjoy the music of Floyd Cropley and his Bostonians.
    Sherman — The annual commencement exercises of Sherman High School will feature Valedictorian, Marion Roberts; Salutatorian, Erma Hoyle and third honor, Meredith Perry.
    Linneus — The Burleigh School with Gertrude Stewart, teacher, closed Friday, May 29 with a picnic at Crescent Park on Nickerson Lake.
    Ricker trustees — Mrs. S.L. White has been selected to serve on the Ricker Classical Institute board of trustees.
    Tennis — Alice Ann Donovan and her younger sister, Frances, proved the best of the field in the interscholastic tennis tournament in Caribou. The former won the singles title and teamed together they carried off the doubles title as well.
50 Years Ago- June 15, 1961
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Classroom shortage — Nearly 1,700 students are expected in public schools this coming fall, with first and second grades being over-crowded. Supt. George P. Milner forecast that the enrollment may well go over 180 in the first grade.
Houlton Pioneer Times 1961 File Photo
TIME FOR MODERNIZATION — In 1961, this building was the United States Border Patrol Sector headquarters in Houlton off Park Avenue. Consideration is being given for a new headquarters to be constructed at a cost of $410,000 including a fallout shelter. The new building will be located on the Calais Road. (Editor’ s Note: this building is now home to the Shiretown Baptist Church.)
    Wedding — Miss Judith A. McAfee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James McAfee of Hammond, became the bride of Harold J. Fitzpatrick of Houlton at St. Mary’s Church on June 3rd.
    Rotary tribute — James M. Pierce, president of the First National Bank of Houlton who was presented with an honorary doctor of law degree by his alma mater, Georgetown University at the school’s recent commencement activities was given a standing ovation by his fellow members of the Houlton Rotary Club. The tribute was led by Keith Thompson, principal of Houlton High School.
25 Years Ago-June 11, 1986
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Hospital name — Edna Cowperthwaite, an employee in the Aroostook General Hospital laboratory, was the first of a half dozen people who suggested the name, “Houlton Regional Hospital” for the new name of the hospital. The trustees thought that to be the most appropriate name and awarded Miss Cowperthwaite the $100 prize.
    Jail — The start of construction on an addition to the Aroostook County Jail in Houlton has begun. The county will construct a two-story addition, as well as completely renovate the existing jail.
    Dollars for Scholars — Vice president of the Houlton-Hodgdon Dollars for Scholars Chapter, Carolee Brandt announced that $23,657 will be awarded to graduates this year, the most ever given by the local chapter.