Stew supper to benefit restoration of historic fire station
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Presque Isle Snowmobile Club, which recently completed its own construction project following a fire that destroyed the clubhouse last January, will be helping another non-profit in its continuing efforts to restore a local landmark, providing the setting for a fund-raising supper this Friday.
“On Friday, Feb. 5, the PISC, located on Echo Lake Rd. in Presque Isle, will be holding their weekly supper beginning at 5 p.m., with the meal put on by the Presque Isle Historical Society. Proceeds will go towards the restoration of our historic fire station,” said Kim Smith, treasurer of the Historical Society.
The event is open to the public. Some of the work has already been completed but much more needs to be done, said Smith.
“The Historical Society is in the process of restoring the fire station. The completed restoration will eventually offer a central location for cultural tourism, historical learning and educational opportunities promoting all of Aroostook County,” said Smith.
Smith said the facility will offer art displays, historic displays, cultural presentations and hands-on historical educational activities.
“In addition to saving our historic fire station, the fire station will provide a place in which to display the many treasured historical artifacts that presently have no home, an educational center for use by local civic groups and education organizations and a permanent office for the society,” Smith said.
This multi-year, multi-phase restoration project is estimated to cost over $2 million, with approximately $300,000 raised to date, according to Smith.
“There is still much work to be done to the interior including a new electrical system, a sprinkler system, new plumbing, the addition of an elevator, shoring up of all floors with steel beams and final build-out of walls,” she said.
The menu for Feb. 5 includes a variety of items.
“Food offered will include chili, chicken stew, fish chowder, hotdogs, chili dogs and grilled cheese. In addition, there will be an array of homemade desserts. Prices range from $4 for a 20-ounce bowl of chowder to $1 for a dessert,” said Smith.
For more information about the supper, the Historical Society or its efforts to restore the fire station, located on Church St. in Presque Isle, contact the Historical Society at pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com or by calling 762-1151.
