Presque Isle area From Our Files – Week of July 15, 2019

Compiled Yvonne Tardie, Special to The County
5 years ago

101 Years Ago – July 18, 1918

YMCA — Professor Wilson of International Law, Harvard College, was in Presque Isle and spoke in Municipal Hall to a select audience, men who were eligible to YMCA work, or who were interested in the great work. The meeting was public by invitation and all such were requested to be present on that occasion, in the evening.

75 Years Ago –  July 20, 1944

Trucking agency has new owner — George Jordan, who had operated a trucking agency in this community for 28 years, sold the agency to Merton Libby of Presque Isle. Mr. Jordan, a native of St. Stephens, N.B., came to town in 1914 and during that year, established his Presque Isle agency.

American Legion leader — The new commander of the Ray Goding Post, American Legion, is Delbert Packard, an energetic, progressive worker, a charter member of the Ray Goding Post, past captain of the Fire Dept., and a Red Cross first aid instructor. He is keenly interested in projects dealing with the rehabilitation of the returned soldier.

Gillilan at Rotary — Strickland Gillilan, nationally famous humorist, was the guest speaker at the ladies’ night program of the Rotary Club at the Northeastland. One hundred and fourteen attended the session. Gillilan was introduced by Harold Bryant.

50 Years Ago –  July 16, 1969

Aroostook State Park received aid — Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle received funds from a $1.9 million bond issue for development of the State Park system, forestry facilities and the Marine Research Laboratory, Governor Kenneth M. Curtis announced. The funds were used for the construction of a bathhouse in the day-use area, complete with water supply and sewerage disposal system; and a boat dock at the park.

Ashland tax refunded — Governor Kenneth M. Curtis announced that the town of Ashland was to be reimbursed $1,136.31 for the property tax exemptions allowed to veterans by the town. The state, by law, reimburses towns for allowing veterans certain property tax exemptions. This reimbursement is made to the towns to prevent erosion of the property tax structure. 

25 Years Ago –  July 20, 1994

Photography seminar — Presque Isle photographer Ron Clark attended the 1994 New England Country Seminar for professional photographers in Augusta. This program was designed to bring photographers up to date with the latest in promotions, in keeping with today’s economic climate. Certificates were presented by international speaker George J. Rosa, author of “Rosa’s Road to Riches” and “Nothing Happens Until the Sale is Made.” 

National medalists — Four students at Northern Maine Technical College in Presque Isle brought home bronze medals from the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA) National Skills Olympics, held in Kansas City, Mo. Medalists were Guy Mathieu of Frenchville, medalist in cabinet making; Jeff Quimby of Waterville, carpentry; Spencer Bragan of Smyrna, promotional bulletin board; and Chad York of Jay, sheet metal fabrication.

Orientation — Bruce Rueben, president of the Maine Hospital Association, visited The Aroostook Medical Center as part of an orientation program for new TAMC board members. The program covered topics including finance, personnel issues, long-range planning, services and facility descriptions and governance. Rueben spoke of the role of the MHA and encouraged TAMC board members to be active in the state healthcare reform movement.