75 Years Ago – July 11, 1946
Harry Umphrey appointed to board — The by-laws of the Chamber of Commerce direct that the board of directors shall appoint a member to the board to fill a vacancy created by the resignation or death of a member.
At a meeting of the board on July 5, the directors voted to establish a policy of filling such vacancies by appointing the member who had the next highest number of votes at the last election prior to the creation of the vacancy. In other words, the member whom the membership at large were most desirous of having on the governing body, would be selected. Harry Umphrey had the highest number of votes according to the records of the final election of directors at the annual meeting on May 8. Therefore Harry was appointed as a member of directors and to serve the remaining two years of the late Bob Smith’s three-year term.
Auxiliary to select Potato Blossom candidate — At the last meeting of Ray Goding Unit No. 88, the president, Mrs. Orlin Bishop, presided. The regular routine of business matters was disposed of. Reports from the three delegates who attended the convention at Lewiston were given. A committee of three, Mrs. Bessie Fulton, Mrs. G. Irving Brown and Mrs Guy Hussey, was appointed by the president to select a candidate for the Potato Blossom Queen. The auxiliary had voted a sum of money to purchase a piece of equipment for the community swimming pool. Mrs. Ernest Bragdon and Mrs Clinton White were hostesses and served refreshments with favors in keeping with the patriotic holiday.
50 Years Ago – July 14, 1971
Two postal employees gained monetary awards — A total of $230 was awarded to Presque Isle Post Office employees for suggestions which helped improve the service of the department. Seven men submitted ideas on how to improve the various phases of their work and ten suggestions were accepted. Latest recognition was given to Reginald Ames, clerk, and Dana Bishop. Ames received $25 for a suggestion regarding an adjustment in the handling of registered mail and $40 for one in connection with quicker handling of stamps to the associate offices. Bishop was awarded $25 for an idea concerning elimination of equipment in conservation of space and a certificate for one pertaining to a bulletin board in the carriers section. Other employees who have received recognition during the 1971 fiscal year of the postal department included Herbert Baker, $25; Nate Wilcox, $30; Jim Maillett, $25; Dana L. Rattray, $25 and $35; and Patrick Soucier, a commendatory letter award.
Gold cane recipient — Philip Joe, 90, 43-year resident of State Road, Castle Hill, received the town’s gold-headed cane on Friday, July 9, from Town Manager Edward Gagnon. The cane, which is presented to the town’s oldest resident, was last retained by Fred Randall. The presentation took place at an open house birthday party, anniversary celebration at the Joe home. Philip and Nora (Brown) Joe were married in 1929. Their four children and some 75 other relatives and friends were present for the celebration.
25 Years Ago – July 10, 1996
Condon named new vice president — At the annual meeting of stockholders of Hayden-Perry Insurance Agency, Christopher D. Condon was named vice president of the company. He was also named as a director for the corporation. Condon graduated from Presque Isle High School and received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono. He also attended Fresno State in California. He holds a master’s degree in business from Bentley College in Waltham, Massaschusetts, where he graduated with distinction. He had also completed various insurance studies and is a graduate of Commercial Union Insurance Company’s School of Business Insurance in Boston, where he was second in the class.
Nutrite won a regional award — The Nutrite Corporation of Presque Isle won a Regional Environmental Respect Award. The business was one of eight farm supply retailers out of a pool of 250 to win this award in 1996. The award recognizes people and businesses who take environmental concerns to the highest level. In Aroostook County, potatoes rule and the local branch of Nutrite provides a complete line of products and services for potato production. With new potato diseases to overcome, local growers have relied on pesticides to protect their crops in recent years. The people of Nutrite are very concerned about prudent application of these chemicals. Every facet of this facility is carefully designed with safety as a priority. The crop protection storage facilities are double-walled; storm water is carefully managed; and all chemicals stored at the facility are reported to the Local Emergency Planning Committee and the fire department. The award program is sponsored by DuPont Agricultural Products and was in its sixth year. The search for winning businesses was conducted by “Dealer Progress” magazine.”
