Antique collector donates Normal School pitcher

    PRESQUE ISLE – The University of Maine at Presque Isle recently received a unique gift tied to the history of the campus from a southern Maine-based antique collector.     Harland Eastman, of Springvale, has been collecting souvenir dishes and other antiques for more than 50 years. Last year, he was on the second floor of his barn when he rediscovered a small souvenir pitcher that he had purchased more than 40 years ago. One look at the pitcher, and he knew exactly where it should go.
    The pitcher features an image of the original Aroostook State Normal School – Normal Hall and the St. John’s school building. The latter building burned down in 1923 and South Hall was erected in its place. The hand-painted pitcher was made in Germany in 1910.
    Eastman donated the pitcher during a short presentation in President Don Zillman’s office. The donation was particularly fitting as Eastman’s grandson, Eddy Hungerford, now attends the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where he is a senior majoring in physical education and took part in the presentation.
    The pitcher will be kept in a visible location so that viewers can enjoy this historical piece of the University’s past.