Page 40 - Spring 2025
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HOULTON – History’s Hiding Place…
… A Candid Look at Houlton’s Illustrious Past.
By Jason Howe ‘96
This historical photograph captures
the North Street Bridge spanning the
Meduxnekeag River in Houlton looking
northward. Prominently featured in the
foreground are road signs for U.S. Route
1 and U.S. Route 2, marking the only This photograph captures the aftermath of a devastating fire
intersection of these two iconic highways that swept through Houlton on April 1, 1880. Taken from the
in the United States. U.S. Route 1 begins its steeple of the Congregational Church on Court Street, it looks
journey in Fort Kent, Maine, traversing the toward Main Street, showcasing the extensive destruction
caused by the blaze. According to an article published in the
East Coast to Key West, Florida, while U.S. Aroostook Times the following day, the fire broke out between
Route 2 is divided into two segments—the 1 and 2 a.m. in the workshop behind Samuel A. Gray’s tinware
eastern portion stretches from Houlton to and stove store, likely ignited by rags in the attic. Efforts to
Rouses Point, New York, and the western contain the fire were hampered by the dark conditions, a lack
segment spans from St. Ignace, Michigan, of equipment, and challenges accessing water, as the town’s
to Everett, Washington. In the background, fire company had disbanded. Despite the quick arrival of the
the Atlas Plywood Company building is Little Giant chemical engine, it took time for other resources,
visible, a site that now houses TD Bank and like the new Button fire engine, to become effective due to icy
Community Living Association’s Training conditions on Market Square’s reservoir. The fire spread rapidly,
Center. This photograph offers a glimpse destroying several buildings along Main Street, including the
into the historical landscape of Houlton, Houlton Exchange Hotel, Burnham’s saloon, and numerous
emphasizing its unique role in America’s businesses, workshops, and residences. The fire’s progression
highway system. was eventually stopped thanks to coordinated efforts to protect
buildings along Court Street, including the courthouse, jail, and
nearby homes. In total, the estimated damage reached $40,000,
with only $20,000 covered by insurance. This tragic event
remains a significant chapter in Houlton’s history.
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