NMCC employees get a ride on Molly the Trolley
Employees at Northern Maine Community College recently had a chance to combine a fun break from their duties with a history lesson involving the campus and the former Presque Isle Air Base.
ALL ABOARD — Northern Maine Community Collge employees, from left, Cindy Albert, Kim Ferguson and Nikki McNally were among those who took part in a historical tour of the campus and industrial park on Molly the Trolley. 
Following a luncheon on August 24 recognizing employees who had reached milestones of service at the college, more than a dozen NMCC faculty and staff members enjoyed a ride around campus and the surrounding industrial park on “Molly the Trolley.” Kim Smith from the Presque Isle Historical Society shared information on the history of the former air base that was located on the land that is now home to the college, the airport, and various agencies and businesses in the industrial park.
Assisting in the tour was Hank King of Presque Isle, a liberal studies student at NMCC who has been working at the Presque Isle Historical Society through the college’s internship program.
“I’ve always wanted to ride Molly the Trolley since its acquisition by the P.I. Historical Society. The opportunity to ride the trolley while learning about the history of the PI Air Base and, more importantly, the history of the college was one I couldn’t pass up,” said Kim Ferguson, who was recognized for 25 years of service in the college’s library before taking part in the tour. “Seeing where buildings from the base were once located in relationship to our current campus was very interesting. Touring the Snark missile launch pads was most interesting as well. Kim Smith and Hank King were exceptional tour guides.”
Ferguson was so impressed by the experience that she plans to take part in other trolley tours offered by the historical society that are open to the community.
“We were pleased to be able to offer this opportunity to employees,” said NMCC President Tim Crowley. “The days leading up to the start of a new academic year are always stressful. This was a small way to give folks a little break while also celebrating this history of the college and the region.”
