Presque Isle area From our Files (week of January 16, 2019)

5 years ago

101 Years Ago – Jan. 17, 1918

Seeks re-nomination — Mr. S.P. Archibald, serving as chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, according to his announcement printed elsewhere, was a candidate for re-nomination. Mr. Archibald had made a good record for faithfulness and capability on the Board, and his claim based thereon was likely to go far in determining support in his favor at the primaries.

The Chapman concert — Of the many out-of-town patrons at the Chapman Concert, over 100 took supper at the Presque Isle House. The courtesy of landlord O. E. Blackden in opening the corridor from the hotel to the Perry Theatre was much appreciated, not only by his guests, but by the management. This avoided putting on wraps to go out of doors and also avoided getting into the big jam at the door. The number in attendance was approximately 900. Seats were provided for 850, and many were standing.

75 Years Ago –  Jan. 20, 1944

Drive chairman — The National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, led by local chairman Dr. R. Kendall Greene, solicited aid to combat the dread disease, which increased rapidly every year. More than 12,000 were added to the Infantile Paralysis roster during 1943. An organization was formed in Aroostook, known as Aroostook County Chapter of the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis Inc. One-half of all funds collected were turned over to this organization to be used to aid needy cases in the county. The other half was disbursed by the National Foundation in grants for research and other avenue which may lead to victory over Infantile Paralysis.

25 Years Ago –  Jan. 9, 1994

Collins for governor — Susan Collins announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for Governor on Monday, Jan. 17, at a press conference in the State Room of the Senator Inn, Augusta. Collins who had senior management positions at the state and federal level, is a native of Caribou. She had served as New England Administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), as a member of the Governor’s Cabinet in Maine, as deputy treasurer of Massachusett and as the staff director of an investigative subcommittee in the U.S. Senate.

New Eagle Scout — Paul Knowles of Presque Isle, a member of Boy Scout Troop 171, son of Beverly and Dale Knowles, Scoutmaster of Troop 171, joined the elite group known as Eagle Scouts when he earned the rank, the highest attainable achievement in Scouting. His Eagle Court of Honor was held Jan. 9 at the Opportunity Training Center in Presque Isle. Attending were friends, relatives and fellow Scouts, as well as representatives from Scouting, local and state government and the Maine Army National Guard.