From Our Files
Headlines from 102 years of local news.
102 Years Ago – Sept. 10, 1914
During Fair week — The dances given in the Knights of Pythias hall during Fair week, under the auspices of General Custer Lodge, were very enjoyable and largely attended, over one hundred couples being present each night.
Potato house — Will Wilcox moved his family from Presque Isle and rented Burchard Higgins’ house. He had planned on working in the potato house for Smith & Hoyt.
75 Years Ago – Sept. 11, 1941
Beck opened law office in Presque Isle — Fred Nelson Beck of Augusta opened a law office in the Star-Herald building. A former Washburn resident, the son of Andrew J. Beck of Augusta and State Banking Commissioner, he graduated from UM in 1938 and a recent graduate of Harvard Law School.
Lockhart new member of PIHS staff — Roy Lockhart of Fort Fairfield, a three-year mathematics instructor and athletic coach at FFHS, replaced walter Shaw, who was appointed principal at South Berwick. Lockhart coached varsity tennis and freshman basketball at FFHS.
50 Years Ago – Sept. 15, 1966
New man — Work Unit Conservationist John Malley welcomed Donald Harris of Esmond, R.I., to his first duty station as a new employee of the Soil Conservation Service at Presque Isle Work Unit office. The primary function of the office is to provide technical assistance to Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District. Harris graduated from the University of Rhode Island.
Helfrich elected to heart board — Dr. Harry M. Helfrich Jr. of Presque Isle was elected to the Board of Directors of the Maine Heart Association. Harold L. Osher, M.D., Portland, president elect of the association, made the announcement at the 17th annual meeting and scientific sessions, held in Portland.
25 Years Ago – Sept. 11, 1991
PIHS toasted in Augusta — Presque Isle High School was one of three National Schools of Excellence in the state honored during a ceremony at the Blaine House in Augusta. Gov. John McKernan Jr. and Education Commissioner Eve Bither hosted the reception, which honored Presque Isle, Kennebunk and Old Orchard Beach High Schools for achieving excellence in teaching environment, curriculum and instruction, student environment, parental and community support, outcome indicators and organizational vitality. Representing PIHS and SAD 1 were Superintendent, Gehrig Johnston; Curriculum Director, Bill Gerrish; Principal, Richard Durost; former Principal, Aaron Nelson; teachers Janet Allen, Molly Andrews, Barbara Frick, Pat Grant and Ken Knight; and students Iona Lee, Cheryl Nightingale and Sara Richard; as well as SAD 1 board members Jim Bubar, Linda Pelletier and Perley Dean.
Standing room only — Members of Aroostook County’s agricultural community turned out 75 strong in Houlton for an informational session hosted by the Maine Board of Pesticides Control. Industry officials, growers and others spoke in opposition of the board’s proposed groundwater protection plan, claiming that the plan would bring too many additional pesticide regulations.
