Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE – The city’s Sesquicentennial is fast approaching, as 2009 nears, with celebrations of all sorts scheduled for each month of the year.
“Presque Isle was first incorporated as a town on April 4, 1959. Presque Isle will be celebrating its 150th birthday, or sesquicentennial, in the year 2009,” said Kim Smith, treasurer for the Presque Isle Historical Society and chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee. The Presque Isle Historical Society plans on laying a key role in the festivities, according to Smith.
“It is our goal to have the restoration of the historic fire station completed in time for this year-long celebration. The Historical Society will be having special guest lectures every month, as well as at least one special benefit event every month,” said Smith.
Planned guest lecture activities, and some of the national events they coincide with, for the 2009 Sesquicentennial include:
• January – Native Americans in Aroostook County;
• February – The role of African Americans in Maine history (National Black History Month);
• March – The role women played in Presque Isle’s past (Women’s History Month);
• April – History of the Maysville Grange (National Grange Month);
• May – Historic etiquette (National Etiquette Week);
• June – The life and times of Vera Estey (National History Days);
• July – The art and history of blacksmithing (National Farriers Week);
• August – The history of hot air ballooning and Presque Isle’s role (Crown of Maine Balloon Fest);
• September – History of the potato industry in Aroostook (National Potato Month);
• October – The art and history of spinning and weaving (National Spinning and Weaving Week);
• November – An overview of oral history interviews (National Family Stories Month); and
• December – The history of logging in Aroostook.
Other events planned so far for the upcoming year include:
• January – Victorian Tea (National Hot Tea Month);
• February – Stew supper;
• March – Historical fashion show luncheon;
• April – Presentation of plaque to city of Presque Isle, slated for April 4 at City Hall;
• May – Tour de Graves (a bicycle event touring historic area cemeteries – in recognition of National Bicycle Month);
• June – Tours of the Vera Estey House (National History Days);
• July – Historic music concert;
• August – History of Presque Isle on display at the Northern Maine Fair, barbecue booth at Crown of Maine Balloon Fest;
• September – Dinner featuring different potato recipes (National Potato Month);
• October – Chili contest (National Chili Month);
• November – Presentation of certificate honoring one of Presque Isle’s families (National Family Stories Month); and
• December – Victorian Christmas at the Vera Estey House (National Forefathers Day).
“If anyone has information on any of the events they’d like to share, questions about the activities or suggestions, they can e-mail PI150birthday@hotmail.com,” said Smith.
To help keep track of activities your family may be interested in, Smith suggested picking up a copy of the Sesquicentennial calendar.
“The calendar features reprints of artwork by various local artists, including images of local businesses and farm life in years gone by. The calendar has large blocks suitable for noting special events and appointments and would make a wonderful keepsake when the year comes to an end,” said Smith.
Calendars are $12 and are available at the Star-Herald office, 40 North St. All proceeds benefit the Historical Society.
