Presque Isle area From our Files (week of March 20, 2019)

5 years ago

101 Years Ago – March 21, 1918

Supper and entertainment — The South Presque Isle Auxiliary to the Red Cross Chapter made $76 from their supper and entertainment which was held the previous week. A pleasing orchestra furnished music, and Clarence Stone played a mandolin solo and sang a song that took well. There were other pleasing features. Much credit was due Mrs. Stone, who “pushed the affair” with true womanly ability and did much to make it a success. The ladies all did their part and served a fine supper. The object was a most worthy one. Everybody should always help the Red Cross.

75 Years Ago –  March 23, 1944

New offices — Frank W. Hussey, president of Maine Potato Growers Inc. of Presque Isle, announced that the local cooperative closed to enable the office to be moved from its present location to the Gould & Smith Building on Dyer Street, Presque Isle. This building was constructed especially for Maine Potato Growers, Inc., for the consolidation of the Presque Isle operations of the local cooperative under one roof. The ground floor will be used for supplies and machinery and the second floor for the general offices.

Local Democrats — Harry Stephenson was appointed chairman of the local Democratic committee at a meeting. Nora Crawford was elected secretary and Tom Roderick treasurer.

50 Years Ago –  March 19, 1969

Wieden retires — The president of Aroostook State College, Dr. Clifford O. T. Wieden, retired from his post after 26 years of service, according to an announcement by Chancellor Donald R. McNeil. Dr. Wieden had been president of the school since 1940, except for a three-year period during the war when the college was closed.

Parlin honored — Lewis E. Parlin, Maine’s State Resource Conservationist, was honored by more than 100 friends and fellow employees in Orono. Parlin completed over 31 years of service with the United States Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service. He was born in New Sharon and attended New Sharon High School, and graduated from the University of Maine in 1931 with a B.S. in animal husbandry.

25 Years Ago –  March 23, 1994

Drama finalists advance — Presque Isle, Limestone and Madawaska high schools were named finalists in the 1993 Northern Regional Drama Festival at the March 17-18 Northern Regional Drama Festival in Caribou. The three schools advanced to the State Drama Festival Finals in Bangor and Wells High School. Presque Isle High School named finalist in Division One, performed the one-act play “Spoon River Anthology” by Edgar Lee Masters. Two schools were named in Division Two and there were, Limestone High School for their performance of “The Stolen Prince” by Dan Totheroh; and Madawaska High School, for “Aria Da Capo” by Edna St. Vincent Millay.

Artist of the month — Terri Lovewell of Ashland was artist of the month for March at The Aroostook Medical Center. Lovewell’s artwork was displayed in the main hallway in the Gould Memorial Hospital division. Her specialty was calligraphy. Lovewell utilized poems and some original inspirational verses in her work. Lovewell’s artwork was sold in retail stores and she exhibited her work at craft fairs.