101 Years Ago – Feb. 1, 1917
Gould buys stock — Arthur R. Gould of Presque Isle, the well known capitalist and railway magnate, had shown his usual farsightedness and progressive spirit by buying $1,000 of stock in the Fort Fairfield House, in the course of construction at Fort Fairfield.
Secretary — Mrs. Sidney Graves had been reelected corresponding secretary of the Maine Charities and Correction Conference, a responsible position which she had ably filled in the past. Mrs. Graves, not only a woman of much ability, but one who willingly and cheerfully gave in the most unselfish manner her fine services for the benefit of numerous good movements.
First dentist relocate to Washburn — Dr. Wight, first dentist to relocate in Washburn three months prior, had done a rushing business, filled a much needed place and made many friends
75 Years Ago – Feb. 4, 1943
Sutter is chairman — About 50 Presque Isle farmers attended the Farm Bureau and Extension Service meeting held in the Mooseleuk Club Rooms. Harry Sutter, chairman of the local Farm Bureau, acted as chairman of the meeting. He informed the group that Presque Isle had 128 Farm Bureau members the previous year, but in 1943 had increased their total to 142 which was a fine record.
“Aroostook Spirit” — The Aroostook bomber, which was purchased through the War Bond purchasing efforts of Aroostook people, was named “Aroostook Spirit of Maine.” Lt. James R. Parker of Fort Hamilton, N.Y., sent in the winning name. The selection committee comprised George P. Findlen of Fort Fairfield, Mrs. P. J. Sullivan and M. D. McGrath of Caribou, George V. Blanchard of Presque Isle, Mrs. Denis Getchell of Limestone and Bernard Esters of Houlton.
50 Years Ago – Jan. 31, 1968
OES honor — Mrs. Gladys G. Whitney, a member of Lunor Chapter OES, was honored at a surprise party commemorating fifty years of service in Lunor Chapter. A reception was held at the Masonic Hall. She was presented a charm and colonial bouquet from Lunor Chapter. Mrs. Lawrence Goldsmith gave an original resume of Mrs. Whitney’s 50 year service to OES.
CAAP tournament winners — The Presque Isle National Guard Armory was the scene of the finals of a double elimination tourney at the conclusion of the CAAP Basketball Clinic over the past few weeks under the direction of Ray Allen. Members of the winning team, coached by Jack Ireland, received trophies. They were Greg Bishop, Eugene Hafford, James Jacques, Calvin Sawyer, Chester Jandreau, Danny Strickland, Bob Kilpatrick, David Huntley and Clair Allen.
25 Years Ago – Feb. 3, 1993
Officially open — After months of preparation, the Presque Isle Walmart store officially marked its grand opening with a special ceremony and ribbon cutting. Various speakers included national and local store executives, as well as Presque Isle City Manager Tom Stevens. The company also presented several donations to local organizations, including the Temporary Shelter for the Homeless, the SAD Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program, United Way and Boy Scouts. Assembled employees ended the ceremony with the energetic trademark “Walmart cheer.” Store manager, Chip Boyes, his wife, Kelly, and their daughter, Jennifer, cut the ribbon.
Race sponsor — Kirk Ward, chairman of Crown of Maine Racing, accepted a $3,500 check from Rod MacDougal, assistant vice president of Keybank, to help cover costs for the upcoming World Series Oval Snowmobile Races at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds. Also present were Peter Cannan, regional vice president and John Cyr, vice president. Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Presque Isle and Chandler Farms Polaris were serving as the race’s other sponsors.
