Page 51 - Fall 2025

HOULTON – History’s Hiding Place…

… A Candid Look at Houlton’s Illustrious Past.

By Jason Howe ‘96

Jason Howe, 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.

This time around we are going to focus on a fantastic
collection of photos we have in our collection at the
Aroostook County Historical and Art Museum. The
following photos are all from the E.B. White collection
and they all date to the 1880’s and 1890’s. Who was E.B.
White, you ask?

Edward Breck White was a respected Houlton
businessman and craftsman who operated a shop
at 5½ Market Square, where he sold watches, clocks,
jewelry, spectacles, firearms, ammunition, and fishing
tackle. After opening his business in 1884, White quickly
earned a reputation for honesty, quality, and skilled
workmanship. His store became known not just for
its fine selection of goods, but also for the care and
attention he brought to every detail of its presentation. This snapshot of Market Square in the 1950s captures
a bustling downtown Houlton during a period
White offered a wide variety of watches, clocks, and of modernization and growth. Recently installed
jewelry, all chosen for their craftsmanship and reliability. streetlights illuminate the vibrant streetscape,
He was especially known for his expertise in fine watch symbolizing the town’s progress. Parking meters line
repair—customers throughout the area trusted him the curbs, a testament to the increasing popularity of
for his precision and meticulous approach to restoring automobiles. The Houlton Theater marquee shines
timepieces.
brightly, drawing crowds to enjoy the latest cinematic
Beyond his work as a jeweler and watchmaker, Edward releases. Nearby, the Houlton Furniture Company
White was also an avid amateur photographer. Over showcases its wares, alongside the Army and Navy Store,
the years, he documented many important moments catering to veterans and outdoor enthusiasts.
in Houlton’s history, leaving behind a visual record that
remains valuable to this day. Originally from Hope,
Maine, White became a well-regarded figure in the Edward White was also an avid
Houlton community for both his professional skill and his amateur photographer
contributions to preserving the town’s story.

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