Page 52 - Spring 2026

HOULTON – History’s Hiding Place, continued...
Captured in Community Park, this striking photograph
showcases the raw power and grace of two magnificent
draft horses as they strain in unison, pulling a heavily
loaded sleigh across the grounds during a traditional
horse pull. With the old grandstand rising in the
background, the scene is rich with local character—
spectators likely gathered just beyond the frame,
watching intently as strength, skill, and teamwork are
put to the test. The horses’ determination is evident in
every muscle, their breath almost visible in the crisp air,
embodying a time-honored rural tradition that brought
the community together and celebrated both hard work
and heritage.
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Taken at the corner of Military and Kendall Streets in
Houlton, this photograph captures a proud moment in
automotive history outside London Motors, featuring
the gleaming new Mercury Montclair on display. Part
of Mercury’s line of full-size sedans produced by the
Ford Motor Company, the Montclair represented style,
innovation, and postwar optimism with its bold design
and commanding presence. Set against the backdrop
of a bustling local dealership, the image reflects a time
when new car unveilings were true community events.
Today, the same building stands repurposed as the home
of Pioneer Broadband, linking Houlton’s past and present
through a single, familiar location.
This photograph captures the historic Walter Mansur
home at 10 Water Street in Houlton, a stately residence
originally built in 1880 and notable as the first home
in Aroostook County to feature a slate roof. Its elegant
design and distinctive craftsmanship made it a standout
in its day, reflecting both innovation and prominence
within the community. Over the years, the home has
served many purposes—later acquired by St. Mary’s and
used as a convent for the school, before being purchased
by Tony Bowers in 1993 and thoughtfully repurposed as
the home of Bowers Funeral Home. Today, the building
stands as a lasting symbol of Houlton’s rich architectural
heritage and its ability to adapt while preserving its
storied past.
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