Presque Isle area From our Files – Week of May 24, 2023

11 months ago

100 Years Ago – May 24, 1923

New sidewalk — Road Commissioner A. O. Green planned a new gravel sidewalk to take the place of the old plank sidewalk between Blaine and Mars Hill. The old sidewalk was in bad condition and was really dangerous, so a new sidewalk was much needed.

Late spring weather — The farmers were much hindered by the late spring, rainy weather and lack of fertilizer. Things were improving every fine day by rushing the work as much as possible.

75 Years Ago – May 20, 1948

Mrs. Orin Higgins elected head of Daughters of the American Revolution D.A.R. — At the annual meeting of Aroostook chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, held at the home of Mrs.

Perry was named to the planning board — The Presque Isle City Council at its regular meeting Monday night appointed George W. Perry to a three-year term on the City Planning Board. Perry succeeded Ralph K. Wood, who declined re-appointment to the board. Other members of the board were Wendell L. Phillips, who was appointed the previous year, and Frank W. Hussey, named several months prior to fill the unexpired term of M. S. W. Dingwall, who had resigned. 

A. W. Higgins on Dudley street extension, May 13, Mrs. Orin Higgins was elected regent; Mrs. Percy M. Porter, corresponding secretary; Mrs. Carol Hanson, recording secretary; Mrs. Fred Foster, treasurer; Mrs. Fred Wilson, chaplain; Mrs.Harry Whitney, registrar; Mrs. L. D. Bearce of Caribou, librarian; and Miss Marion Oak, historian. Mrs. Walter Christie, who attended the Continental Congress in Washington, D.C., as a delegate, gave a brief report of that meeting. 

Meeting explaining rent program — Wesley L.Whelpley of Portland, area rent director for Maine, and John S. Johnston, Aroostook rent representative, met here with the Aroostook County Rent Advisory Board, when Whelpley outlined the provisions of the new rent control regulations and explained the authority and duties of the advisory board. 

50 Years Ago – May 23, 1973

Barbershoppers contributed — Dr. Dave Marquis, president of the Presque Isle branch SPEBQSA, Inc., Pine Tree Statesman, presented a check for $75f to Jean Hamlin of Presque Isle, treasurer of the Star City Humane Society. Dr. Marquis said the amount was part of the proceeds received from their concerts presented in Caribou and Presque Isle. Other donations had been given by the Barbershoppers to several deserving organizations in both communities. Mrs. Hamlin stated the money was added to the fund for the building of an area animal shelter.

Archery champions — Members of the University of Maine at Presque Isle championship archery team included Sheila Gammon of Buckfield; Loretta Fahey, Wrentham, Massachusetts; Debbie Webb of Lewiston, and Lesley Truhel of Newcastle. All were Health, Physical Education and Recreation majors at UMPI. The coach was Mrs. Jackie Genz.

Legion Auxiliary officers — Ray Goding Unit No. 88, American Legion Auxiliary, officers were installed by Past PresidentLuella White at the May 16 meeting in the Legion Home at Skyway Park. Those present were, installing officer, Luella White; president, Anna Hunter; first vice president. Joan Michaud; second vice president, Evelyn Ashby; sergeant-at-arms, Evelyn Ames; retiring president, Connie Parker; treasurer, Virginia Packard; secretary, Wilma Cambridge; and sergeant-at-arms, Christine Allen. 

25 Years Ago – May 27, 1998

Maine Public elected officers — The annual stockholders meeting of the Maine Public Service Company was held in the company’s offices in Presque Isle Isle May 12. The following persons were elected directors to serve, Paul R. Cariani, Donald F. Collins, Richard G. Daigle and J. Gregory Freeman. Following the stockholders’ meeting, the annual organization meeting of the board of directors was held. G. Melvin Hovey was elected chairman of the board: Paul R. Cariani, president and CEO; Frederick C. Bustard, vice president, Power Supply and Environment: Larry E. LaPlante, vice president, Finance, administration and treasurer; and Stephen A. Johnson, vice president, Customer Service, secretary and clerk.

Irving took part in MDA drive — Irving Mainway Convenience Stores throughout New England sold over $92,000 in shamrocks to benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA). Irving Mainway is one of the largest sponsors in New England with the Shamrock Against Dystrophy campaign. The money raised from the event helped MDA fund research programs, patient services, clinical care and summer camping programs for children with muscular dystrophy. In almost every community where there is an Irving Mainway food store, there is a resident with neuromuscular disease served by MDA.