Presque Isle area From Our Files (week of April 25, 2018)

6 years ago

101 Years Ago – April 26, 1917

Combining companies — E. T. McGlauflin, secretary of the Northern Maine Fair Association, and also secretary of the various Grange fire insurance companies of The County, bought the Frank Griffin house on Judd Street. The above companies decided to combine and have a business headquarters in town in charge of Secretary McGlauflin.

Large planting — Mr. Bennie Marks, one of the hustlers from Hustleville, had a big stunt of potato planting cut out, about 250 acres. His team force comprised 24 horses, and in the lot was a team of four black horses as handsome as any in The County.

75 Years Ago –  April 29, 1943

Capt. Osborne speaks — The Presque Isle Business and Professional Women’s club met at the Normal School with Nellie Dunning as hostess. Goldie Durgin was in charge of the program entitled “Our Army,” and introduced Captain Osborne of the Presque Isle Army Airfield, who spoke very interestingly of the Army Intelligence Service, including a comparison of civil and army law courts and their procedures.

Past presidents’ program — Nathan F. Perry, who was the club’s first president, presided at the past presidents’ program staged at the Rotary Club luncheon at the Hotel. Dr. R. A. Graves made the program arrangements. President Percy R. Winslow made the announcement that the Rotary Club had participated 100 percent in the Second War Loan Drive.

50 Years Ago –  April 24, 1968

For Scout work — John Boyle, on behalf of Ray Goding Post 88 American Legion, Presque Isle, presented a letter of citation to Carlos Rodgers, Scoutmaster of Troop 188, for his diligence and devoted interest in aiding the Presque Isle Post to form a Cub Scout pack and later starting a Boy Scout troop. Rodgers had served as Cubmaster and also as Scoutmaster. Master Sergeant Rodgers, who served with the U.S. Air Force, left afterwards for duty in Thailand.

Dog school — The Star City Humane Society, in the conjunction with the City Recreation and Parks Department, held a novice dog obedience class at the indoor skating rink. Instructors were Doctor and Mrs. William H. Knight, who have held classes in dog obedience in Columbia, S.C.

Utility purchase — The Maine Public Service Company was in the final stages of purchasing the electrical distribution system at the former Presque Isle Air Force Base. According to city Clerk Dorothy Quass, the purchase included generators, circuit breakers and all of the transmission lines. The transaction between the city and Maine Public Service was approved by the Federal Aviation Agency. The purchasing price was approximately $65,000.

25 Years Ago –  April 28, 1993

Sandstrom earns bronze — The Maine Chapter of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) announced that C. Bruce Sandstrom, chief financial officer at The Aroostook Medical Center, was presented the Follmer Bronze Award. Sandstrom earned the award for service to the Maine Chapter, which had a membership of 192 members. The Follmer Bronze Award recognized Sandstrom for his outstanding contributions, which contributed to chapter growth and success, according to Bonnie Sollien, president of the 192 member Maine Chapter.

Certificate winner — Ruth James of Presque Isle was awarded a $500 Smythe’s IGA gift certificate as a prize in a fundraiser conducted by the Skating Club of Maine, Presque Isle Division. Rick Duncan, president of the club, and Bob Buckley of Smythe’s, presented her the award. The grocery store donated half of the prize.