Presque Isle area From our Files – Week of June 8, 2022

WASHBURN ROTARY PAST PRESIDENTS — Twenty-five past presidents of the Washburn Rotary Club attended the May 31 meeting of the group as it observed its 45th anniversary. Included with the past presidents was the first president, Andrew J. Beck, who was the guest speaker for the occasion, which was held at Nightingales Hall in Mapleton. The included, front rom, left to right, Woodbury Bearce, Lionel E. Smith, Milford Libby, Ray Carter, Irving Clark, Andrew Beck; second row, Smith McIntire, Walter Morrison, Albert Hobbs, Wayne Hughes, Earl Craig. Third row, Russell Smith, J.C. McCall, Laurel Thompson, James Carter, Carlton Barnes, H.L. Daggett, Clifford Burkett, Milford Blackstone,. Back row, Malcolm Holts, Donald Humphrey, Edmund Rollins, Frank Upton, Eugene Brown and Willis Lakey. Approximately 36 persons were present at the smorgasbord banquet. Included with dessert was a 45th anniversary cake made by Mrs. Eula Nightingale. (File photo 1972/The Star-Herald)

75 Years Ago – June 5, 1947

Named Grand Officer — Mrs. George V. Blanchard, Past Worthy Matron of Lunar chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was installed as Grand Esther at the 55th annual Grand Chapter session held at Kora Temple in Lewiston May 26, 27 and 28.

Edward Bear awarded degree — Edward J. Bear of Presque Isle was awarded the degree of Master of Arts by Teachers College, Columbia University, Dr. Milton C. Del Manzo, provost, announced. The degree was conferred on June 3 at the 193rd annual commencement exercises of Columbia University. The graduate was one of 3000 receiving this degree in June from Teachers College which the current year had students from every state and 50 foreign countries, the largest enrollment in its half century of training teachers for all grades and departments of the educational system of our country. 

50 Years Ago – June 7, 1972

Wildcats won Aroostook title — Coach Jim Dyer’s Presque Isle High baseball team won the Aroostook League Division I championship May 31 by defeating a good Houlton High club 4-0 at the Shiretown. Chuck Hilsabeck allowed only two hits, while fanning six men, and he had a big hand in the Wildcat scoring. The locals pushed across two runs in the first inning, when Boynton and Norsworthy singled, and both scored on a one-bagger by pitcher Hilsabeck. The Blue and White added two more insurance runs in the sixth frame, when Carlos Rogers and Leo Bard singled and Dave DeMerchant beat out a bunt, followed by a single by Bill Northworthy, who pushed runs number three and four across the plate.

4-H chose president — The Town & Country 4-H Club of Presque Isle elected Kathy Clair president at their May 30 meeting held at the home of Mrs. Irma Walton. Lynn Lacky was elected vice president and Sue Ayotte took the position of secretary. Filling other offices of the club were Cheryl Bates, health officer; Lisa Higgins, reporter; Tina Ayotte, treasurer; and Darcy Bither, recreation leader. Song leader for the year was Brenda Clark and Jennifer Walton was chosen safety officer.

25 Years Ago – June 4, 1997

Nason won NEPSA feature at Spud — The owner of Spud Speedway as well as Northeast Pro Stock Association Tour made it four consecutive NEPSA tour victories by winning the 150-lap feature held at Spud Speedway. Nason, a veteran racer, saw his No. 10 Ford Thunderbird run strong as he took the checkered flag, with Benji Rill of Turner placing second and Adam Friend of Detroit ending up in the third position. Four other classes of racing took place. In the Tiger division, Rick Theriault of Caribou was the winner, followed by Dave MacDougal and Mark York. The late Model category went to Therrien MacDougal of New Brunswick, with Larry Doody coming in second and Hal Stratton third.

Outstanding volunteer — Registered Nurse Mary Coffin was recognized by the American Cancer Society, Maine Division’s Aroostook Unit, as an outstanding volunteer in 1997. Coffin, a diabetes educator at The Aroostook Medical Center, was president of the unit from 1991-94, active in fundraising, coordinated the Aroostook County Cancer Conference, and remained a board member of the unit. Eleanor Reese, president of the unit and manager of TAMC’s volunteer services, presented Coffin with a plaque honoring the recognition.