Presque Isle area From our Files – Week of November 20, 2019

Compiled Yvonne Tardie, Special to The County
4 years ago

101 Years Ago – Nov. 21, 1918

The move — John McBride and his daughter, Miss Mildred, who was in training at Presque Isle General Hospital, moved from Chapman Street over E. W. Fernald’s store in the rent vacated by F. S. Wiggin.

75 Years Ago –  Nov. 23, 1944

Northeast Oil officials honored — Andrew J. Beck and Harry E. Umphrey, both businessmen of this city, were honored at a dinner in the private dining room of the Northeastland Hotel Nov. 17, given for them by the Shell Oil Company. The occasion was to present them the Award for Distinguished Service of that company in recognition of their outstanding services to their community and to the Nation at war.

Frank Hussey re-elected — About 200 farmers and homemakers attended the annual meeting of the Farm Bureau at Presque Isle High School. Dr. D. Tsou of the food Commission of China brought to the group some very interesting facts regarding China. Frank W. Hussey was re-elected president of the Farm Bureau. 

50 Years Ago –  Nov. 19, 1969

City’s first Gold Star — Members of Presque Isle’s Community Betterment Committee accepted the city’s first Gold Star in the Five Star program in ceremonies conducted at the high school. The presentation was made by Richard Kelso, representing the Department of Education and the Department of Economic Development. The star was awarded in the education category. The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Council were co-sponsors of the local Community Betterment Committee, with the chamber providing administrative personnel. 

Barbershoppers observed 20th — Presque Isle Barbershoppers celebrated their 20th anniversary as an active organization with a supper and evening of entertainment at the Presque Isle Recreation Center, for all past and present members and wives, a celebration of the Pine Tree Chapter of SPEBSQSA, Inc. The Chapter presented a “Parade of Harmony” program each year for the public. Over the years, the net proceeds of these shows had gone to various worthwhile causes, from equipment for playground and Recreation Center to furnishing a room at the A. R. Gould Hospital. Other monies had been allocated to worthy projects.

25 Years Ago –  Nov. 23, 1994

Celebrity auction raised $1,345 — United Way of Aroostook held its first celebrity auction at the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle. The event was organized by volunteer board members Erin Benson of the University of Maine at Presque Isle, Bob Tardiff of J.C. Penney, Freeman Corey of the Caribou Veterans Center, campaign chairman Athill Hebert of Peoples Heritage Bank, board president Bill Cyr of Maine Public Service, and auction chairman Alan Dunn of The Aroostook Medical Center. The Caribou High School Jazz Band and Chorus provided musical entertainment. Benson was master of ceremonies. Auctioneer Dale Folsom volunteered his services. The auction raised $1,345, which was added to the annual fundraising campaign.

Kennel club graduates — The Central Aroostook Kennel Club held its dog obedience graduation exercises at the William Haskell Community Center in Presque Isle. Eleven dogs graduated with qualifying scores, earning their obedience diplomas. Out of a possible 100 points, placements were as follows: First place, “Shemp,” a border collie, owned and handled by Steven Sines of Mapleton, with a score of 95. Second place, “Bumper,” a pug, owned and handled by Paula, Dale and Julie Chelewski of Presque Isle with a score of 88. Third place, “Clyde,” a Lhasa Apso, owned and handled by Kata Haeberlin of Presque Isle, with a score of 77. Fourth place, “Jill,” a Doberman Pinscher, owned and handled by Corinne William of Presque Isle, with a score of 76. Lucy Richard and Irene DeFonte were instructors for the classes. The judge for graduation was Roberta Barnes of Caribou.