From our Files: Headlines from 100 years of local news

Compiled by Karen Donato
Special to the Pioneer Times
100 Years Ago-Feb. 7, 1912
Aroostook Times
    Local — Dr. James Palmer who has been practicing dentistry in Rumford Falls will open an office in Houlton in the near future.
    Pastor — Rev. W.H. Westou, preached his first sermon as pastor of the Unitarian Church on Sunday morning and his hearers were very much pleased with him.
    Fittings — Miss Elizabeth Hogan, local representative of the Spirella Corset Co., went to Boston Monday morning to attend a course in corset fitting which is now being given in that city.
75 Years Ago-Feb. 11, 1937
Houlton Pioneer Times
    French Block — A fire in the French Block resulted in $12,000 worth of damage as firemen battled smoke and flames for five hours. The basement of the building was filled with surplus stock and flames ate rapidly through boxes and papers. A tiled floor in the drug store was one of the principal reasons why the flames did not make further progress.
Houlton Pioneer Times 1937 File Photo
SPREADING THE WORD — Pictured above is the trailer of Aroostook-in-Maine, Inc., William D. Blair of Island Falls, president. Mr. Blair plans to take this vehicle for a tour through the southern states in an effort to advertise Aroostook potatoes and recreational advantages to the nation. Inside the trailer are displayed several photographs of typical scenes of Aroostook and its activities. At present the trailer is touring Aroostook and will play a part in the winter carnival being held in Caribou and Fort Fairfield.
    Post Office — St. Mary’s Parish of Houlton has purchased the government building on Water Street formerly the post office and customs building here, for $10,000, having been high bidders. It will become a grammar and junior high school.
50 Years Ago-Feb. 8, 1962
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Taxi — The 20-year association of the Ivey family with Ivey’s Radio Cabs came to an end this week when Henry Ivey announced the sale of this taxi company to Sheridan Fraser. The business was started 20 years ago by the late Eddie Ivey.
    No false alarm — Houlton firemen are skilled in other fields in addition to fighting fires. They even give the stork an assist when called upon. In sub-zero weather an expectant mother, Mrs. Gene Campbell called the Houlton Police Dept. for assistance in reaching the hospital. When neither of the police cars would start, the Houlton Fire Department was called. The pumper driven by Joseph Mitchell, assisted by Officer John Fowler arrived on the scene. They made it to the hospital in time for the birth of her fifth child, Elizabeth Jane. Campbell’s husband M/Sgt. Gene Campbell is stationed overseas in Okinawa.
25 Years Ago-Feb. 11, 1987
Houlton Pioneer Times
    Town budget — The final budget as approved by the Town Council is in the amount of $3,938,867. The tax rate has been held at 26 mills.
    Promotions — Management promotions involving Chris A. Fitzpatrick and Shirley P. Ward have been announced by David I. Dorsey, president and chief executive officer of Key Bank. Fitzpatrick has received the honorary title of assistant vice president and Ward has been promoted to assistant bank operations officer.
    Retires — Vera Mitchell has retired from the insurance business after 25 years. She was affiliated with the F.A. Peabody Co. doing business in Sherman.
    Toy collection — The residents of Gardiner Nursing Home were provided entertainment by Mr. and Mrs. Wallace Sjoberg, displaying and demonstrating Mr. Sjoberg’s toy collection of various wind-up animals, vehicles and robots.
    Hodgdon — Matt Oliver of Hodgdon High School played his final game in the Hodgdon gym and took the occasion to go over the 2,000-point mark in scoring. He is a top student and twice helped lead the Hawks to a perfect 18-0 record.