Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Star City marked its 150th birthday in a big way on Saturday, April 4, celebrating with a huge party at Northern Maine Community College, complete with a star-shaped cake, musical entertainment, great food and a variety of activities and displays. Guests of all ages turned out for the historic occasion, including city officials, beauty queens, senior citizens and children.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
HAPPY 150TH BIRTHDAY —Presque Isle celebrated its 150th birthday April 4, with festivities taking place at the exact time the city was incorporated on April 4, 1859. City officials, state representatives, beauty queens, artisans, volunteers and numerous guests were on hand for the festivities, which took place at Northern Maine Community College — a fitting location, given April is National Community College Month.
Gathered for the cake-cutting ceremony are, from left: City Councilor G. Melvin Hovey (not pictured); Carol Bell, president of the Presque Isle Historical Society (not pictured); Tim Crowley, president of NMCC; City Councilor Ron McPherson; City Councilor Walt Elish; City Councilor Calvin Hall; City Council Chair Ed Nickerson; Sesquicentennial Committee Chair Kim Smith, wearing a period costume for the event; Rep. Mike Willette, D-Presque Isle; Rep. Pat Sutherland, D-Chapman (reaching for a cake plate); Barbara Hayslett, representing Congressman Mike Michaud’s office (in background); Phil Bosse, representing Sen. Susan Collins’ office (not pictured); Miss Presque Isle 2009 Haley Johnston; and Little Miss Presque Isle 2009 Taylor Hedrich. (More photos will run in upcoming edition of the paper.)
“The Sesquicentennial Committee did a wonderful job pulling this together,” said City Councilor Calvin Hall, as he looked over some of the displays in the campus library. “This is quite an impressive turnout.”
Like a proud mom wanting everything to go just right for a child’s birthday, Sesquicentennial Committee Chair Kim Smith said her day started with a few jitters.
“My morning started out with me being nervous — wanting things to go well,” said Smith. “But once I got here, I calmed down. Everything’s gone splendidly. I stopped by the post office before arriving at the party, where they were hand-canceling letters with a stamp in honor of the city’s birthday.”
Tim Crowley, president of NMCC, was on hand, providing opening remarks at the ceremony recognizing the city’s milestone.
“Community is not just in our name, it’s in our hearts. We’re proud to be a part of this day,” said Crowley.
Carol Bell, president of the Presque Isle Historical Society, thanked those responsible for making the day possible and noted more special events were being planned throughout the year.
“We have a year-long slate of events, including an air show in June and a parade in August,” said Bell.
Bell shared details of the city’s history and its founder, Dennis Fairbanks. She asked those present to think about the changes that have taken place in the last 150 years and consider what is to come in the years ahead.
“Let’s celebrate today and think about the people before us. Because of their hard work, we have the city we have today,” said Bell.
Sentiments and proclamations followed, with video recordings from Gov. John E. Baldacci, Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins, and Congressman Mike Michaud. Each expressed their congratulations on Presque Isle’s 150th birthday.
“Heartfelt congratulations and best wishes,” said Snowe. “What a landmark day indeed.”
Snowe expressed recognition of “all who’ve gathered and thanked them for making Presque Isle the wonderful city it is.”
“I’m pleased to join in honoring you in your vast accomplishments,” said Snowe, calling Presque Isle one of the nation’s “shining beacons.”
Collins’ recording noted that Saturday’s event “marked the precise moment in time” that the city was incorporated on April 4, 1859. She said many years that have passed since that day, “have been but a milestone in a long journey of progress.”
“Thanks to those who came before, Presque Isle has a wonderful history and one we can be proud of. And thanks to those today, we have a bright future,” said Collins.
Michaud noted in his clip that, “Presque Isle is using community spirit to move forward.” He expressed pride at having his office on Main St.
“Congratulations on your 150th birthday,” said Michaud.
Local Reps. Mike Willette and Pat Sutherland were on hand as well and shared a letter from Gov. Baldacci.
“Gov. Baldacci would like to congratulate the citizens on this historic event,” said Willette.
Baldacci noted some of the city’s firsts, including the Aroostook State Park, both campuses and the Crown of Maine Balloon Festival.
Baldacci officially proclaimed April 4, 2009, as Presque Isle Sesquicentennial Day throughout the state of Maine.
Willette and Sutherland also shared a sentiment from the entire Maine legislature.
A number of city officials were also on hand for the event, including: City Council Chair Ed Nickerson, and Councilors Walt Elish, Calvin Hall, G. Melvin Hovey and Ron McPherson.
Nickerson shared a bit of humor with those in attendance, noting that, “Contrary to popular belief, I was not here for the first birthday.”
He then added to the birthday wishes.
“It is proclaimed that City Council recognize 2009 as the year of the Sesquicentennial Celebration,” said Nickerson. “My hat goes off to NMCC for putting the event on and the Committee who’ve put in tireless hours to make it possible.”
Smith was last to speak, recognizing the Crown of Maine Quilters as the group presented a hand-made quilt featuring various images related to the Star City.
With speeches completed, it was time to cut the cake. Officials gathered around the star-shaped cake —which was baked at Colby College using 10 industrial-size mixes, according to Smith — as numerous people gathered with cameras for the historic photo op.
As the party drew to a close, Smith wished to remind everyone that the fun isn’t over.
“We’ll be celebrating all year. Our next Sesquicentennial meeting is scheduled for April 9 at 6 p.m. at the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce Office, 3 Houlton Rd. We’ll be discussing upcoming activities, including the Air Show, Arts & Crafts Show, festivities at the James School, parade, 5K run, fireworks, Ultimate ATV Event and much more,” said Smith.
