Presque Isle area From our Files – Week of September 25, 2024

Compiled by Yvonne Tardie, Special to The County
1 week ago

99 Years Ago – September 24, 1925

Northern Maine Fair premiums — As was noticed by the first installment of Northern Maine Fair premiums, published in this issue, an innovation had been made, the list of premiums being given under each person’s name, so that the reader could see what each contributed to the display and what he or she exhibited. For readable purposes, and for the purpose of advertising the Fair, it was a great improvement over the old method. By running over the articles, exhibited under each one’s name,one can form an intelligent judgment of who composed a list of exhibitors at the FAir and what they displayed.

50 Years Ago – September 25, 1974

Area youths named in Who’s Who — Two area students were listed in the eighth annual edition of “Who’s Who Among American High School Students”. The two were Cynthia J. Gray, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Gray of Easton, and Kevin B. King, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Peter F. King of Presque Isle. Students from over 20,000 public, private and parochial high schools throughout the nation were recognized for their leadership in academics, athletics, activities or community service in the publication. Less than three percent of the junior and senior class students nationwide were awarded this recognition. Cynthia was active in the FHA and student government at Easton High. Kevin was active in golf and volleyball and was a member of the Presque Isle High School’s chapter of the National Honor Society.

Named to Bangor bureau — A former Presque Isle man was named to serve with the Bangor Youth Aid Bureau. The appointment of Patrolman Floyd Blethen Jr. to the bureau was announced by Bangor Police Chief Francis Woodhead. A 1966 graduate of Presque Isle High School, Blethen was in his fifth year with the Bangor Police Department. He completed a course at the Juvenile Officers Institute at the University of Minnesota. As a youth aid officer, Blethen worked with young people and their families.  

Bowling League elected new officers — Leona Allen was elected chairman of the Presque Isle Women’s Recreation Bowling League at a meeting of the League. Those elected to the bowling committee along with Leona Allen were Marie Cooney and Mona Fuller for two years and Mary Hutchings, Wilma McGrath and Eula Nightingale for one year.

25 Years Ago – September 29, 1999

Presque Isle veteran received medal for participation in Elbe River link-up — More than 50 years after World War II ended, veteran Wendell Perry received the thanks of the Russian government. Perry, who served in the 651st Unit attached to the 69th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army, was at the Elbe River when the Allied and Soviet forces linked up on the river in Torgau, Germany, on April 25, 1945. Their joined forces went on to fight together until the Germans surrendered May 9, 1945. In honor of that victory and the combined effort, Perry received a bronze medal from the Russian Federation, marking the 50th anniversary of the end of the war, known as The Great Patriotic War in Russia. He received the medal in the mail. United Way received an award — United Way of Aroostook was notified that its 1997-98 Annual Report was awarded third place among all United Ways in their division. This was the first time that United Way submitted publications to the contest, which included 1,850 entries from across the country. The award was based on overall creativity in telling the United Way story, production quality and print, copy and graphics. This Annual Report was in recognition of United Way of Aroostook’s 40th anniversary and featured historical highlights with photos, as well as a wide range of information about the United Way from the campaign chairman’s report to campaign results. Also presented were the agency listing and the fund distribution report. This report was designed and written by United Way of Aroostook staff, Susanne Sandusky, Executive Director, and Mary Casey, Administrative Assistant.