In 1915, Elisha Parkhurst, one of the most successful farmers of his time in the Presque Isle area, held a dinner at his house on Church Street in Presque Isle to which he invited nine old friends.
It was during this dinner party that the Pioneer Club was essentially formed. The gentlemen present, all “older” residents, determined that they were the remaining founders or pioneers of this community.
A group photo was taken by Mary Oak of Oak Studio. The group consisted of Rev. George Park, Sidney Cook, Simon Porter, Eli Dennett, George Parson, Columbus Hayford, George Whidden, Elisha Parkhurst, Sumner Whitney and Hiram Forbes.
All of these men were certainly the movers and shakers of their day, and many of their names probably resonate with people who are somewhat familiar with Presque Isle history. Here’s a profile of one of them: Hiram Forbes.
At that time in Presque Isle, there was a strong stagecoach presence. Hiram Forbes (1835-1924) was one of the most well-known and reliable stagecoach drivers of the time period, and he was considered an important link between old-time and modern transportation.
Forbes’ business was located next to Granville Hayden’s store on Main Street, almost directly across the street from the present site of the Northeastland Hotel. In addition, he had a livery stable, located on the corner of what is now Blake Street.
Forbes drove the stage between Houlton and Bangor during the Civil War. Later, he drove the route from Houlton to Presque Isle for Johnson & Phair, who at the time owned the starch factory in town.
Incidentally, when the Johnson & Phair Starch Factory began to experience financial difficulties, it was bought out by Thomas Phair, who became known as the “Starch King” of Aroostook County. Hiram Forbes’ sister, Ada, later married Thomas Phair.
An advertisement in the 1890 Maine Register lists Forbes’ business as offering good terms and reasonable rates for a livery, boarding and feed stable. In addition, he broke colts and exercised horses.
Kimberly R. Smith is the secretary/treasurer of the Presque Isle Historical Society.
