Page 50 - Fall 2024 Newsletter

HOULTON – History’s Hiding Place…

… A Candid Look at Houlton’s Illustrious Past.

By Jason Howe ‘96

EDITOR’S NOTE: The North Star Magazine has found a new historian to replace Henry Gartley
’77, who sadly passed away in March of last year. Jason, a 1996 graduate of Houlton High School,
has a deep-rooted passion for local history inspired by his grandparents. Since 2015, he has been
a dedicated member of the Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum board and now serves
as its President. A resident of New Limerick, Jason lives with his three sons and works at Northern
Maine Media as part of the WHOU team while managing the Temple Theatre in Houlton. Jason’s
most recent project was the successful undertaking of a two-week movie screening, to almost 2000
students from around Aroostook County, of the full-length movie, “Lost on a Mountain in Maine…
the Donn Fendler Story.” The project entailed a customized description of the movie project by the
director in a special pre-movie screening as well as thoughts on the movie and it’s role by the young actor portraying Donn
Fendler. This screening was unique to Houlton’s theater.

This snapshot of Market Square in the 1950s
captures a bustling downtown Houlton
during a period of modernization and growth.
Recently installed streetlights illuminate the
vibrant streetscape, symbolizing the town’s
progress. Parking meters line the curbs, a
testament to the increasing popularity of
automobiles. The Houlton Theater marquee
shines brightly, drawing crowds to enjoy the
latest cinematic releases. Nearby, the Houlton
Furniture Company showcases its wares,
alongside the Army and Navy Store, catering to
veterans and outdoor enthusiasts.

US Border Patrol- Originally, the U.S. Border
Patrol operated out of a modest facility
located just east of the present-day Katahdin
Valley Health Center on Bangor Street.
In 1940, the agency relocated to a newly
constructed building on what is now known
as Randall Court. This location served as their
headquarters until 1965, when a modern
facility was established on the Calais Road
(U.S. Route 1). Today, the former Randall Court
building is home to Shiretown Baptist Church,
preserving a piece of local history in its new
role.

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