Seeking information on local WW II landmark
To the editor:
The Presque Isle Air Museum Committee is requesting help from citizens of Presque Isle and the surrounding area in identifying a landmark during World War II.
From 1941 to 1945, the Presque Isle Army Air Field was a very busy place. At that same time, located approximately three miles east of Presque Isle on the Easton Road, was a “Communication Site.” This communication site was located on the former Lovely farm. Today, that land is owned and farmed by Smith Farms.
The purpose and the reason for the communication site are unknown at this time. The Committee has been unable to obtain any pictures of the Lovely Farm location probably because it was a highly secure military installation. I remember driving by the area with my parents during the war and also remember that “armed guards would not let you stop and would keep you moving.”
The site was peppered with many poles of varying heights and cables running down to the ground. The Army used the farm buildings and built another. A neighbor, Richard King, said this building had a copper mesh liner all over the interior of the building.
Several years ago I received a call from a gentleman in New Hampshire who indicated his father was the commander of the site. No follow up was made at the time but the gentleman mentioned that his father told him there was a code broken at the site which hastened the end of WW II.
Time has faded many memories but it would seem that this mysterious communication site may have historical significance to Presque Isle as well as globally. Senator King’s office requested a search of the National Archives in Washington, D.C. with no positive results. Therefore, before giving up on our quest, the Committee is asking anyone that has information and/or pictures of this military site, please contact me at 227-9111, Larry Clark at 764-2542, Richard Graves at rgraves001@maine.rr.com or anyone on the Presque Isle Air Museum Committee.
Nate Grass, chairman of PIAMC
Presque Isle
