Page 8 - Newsletter_Spring_2020

“You’ve Got Mail”
HOMEGROWN
HOULTON

By Paula Woodworth ‘70

Life is different when you live in a border town. We usually have an influx of Canadian shoppers
who help our local businesses
stay afloat. Did any of us foresee a day when the border
would be closed? Now that the border is closed due to the
coronavirus, some of our small businesses face challenges
that you don’t see in other towns.
I spoke recently with the owner of one of those businesses.
Mike Folsom is the owner of Shiretown Package Receiving,
the Canadian mail boxes shop on Military Street, whose
business has been impacted in a big way. Like many people,
I really didn’t know exactly what happens in this business. I
learned a lot from our conversation.

Mike graduated from Houlton High School in 1982. He
spoke of Scott Emack as the teacher who he remembered
who had an influence on him and he liked his attitude in
the classroom.

Mike opened his business seven years ago after working as
a Fed Ex contractor for thirteen years. Canadian friends
encouraged him to open a package receiving business as
there was only one other business like it in town. He also
ships UPS packages.

There are a variety of services available at this business.
Canadian customers order online and have their packages
shipped here as the shipping is less expensive. They come to
Houlton and pick up their packages and pay the business a
fee based on the weight of the package. They have to show
their invoice at the border when they return to Canada.
Some people here in town also choose to have their mail
delivered here instead of having a post office box and pay
By Karen Donato ‘69
a yearly fee for the service. There are also local people who
have their Christmas presents shipped here to keep them
safe from “porch pirates” and snooping children.
Mike Folsom, owner of Shiretown Package Receiving
Another interesting aspect of Mike’s business is importing
vehicles. Canadians can come to the the United States and purchase
cars, motorcycles, snowsleds and riding lawnmowers, but they can’t
just take them back across the border. They have to go through
an import process that involves checking the bill of sale and title
according to US government regulations. Mike handles that process.
He also has some previously owned cars and boats for sale on his lot.

The border closing has essentially shut down most of Mike’s business
since Canadian citizens can’t cross the border to pick up packages or
import vehicles. Hopefully, the restrictions will be lifted soon and
things can get back to normal for Mike’s business.

So the next time you cruise up Military Street, glance at the Canadian
Mail Box sign. Now you know what goes on behind that door.

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