Presque Isle area From our Files (week of January 23, 2019)

Kyle Hendrickson, the 8-year-old son of Elaine and Eric Hendrickson of Washburn, attended a reception held at the Blaine House in honor of all the students winning at the state level in the national PTA Reflections Program. Hendrickson, front row, right, submitted a photograph looking at Pamola Caves at Baxter State Park for the Washburn PTA’s Reflection program the previous year. His picture was chosen as a winner for Washburn and sent to the state level, where he won for his age category. Gathered at the reception were Maine Commissioner of Education Leo Martin and all the sate winners. Also, attending the reception were Hendrickson’s parents; his sister, Melissa; and his grandmother, Ruth Webber of Belfast. (File photo 1994)

101 Years Ago – Jan. 24, 1918

Pomona Grange — At the annual meeting of the Aroostook Pomona Grange, held at Caribou, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year, and installed: Master, George R. Estes, Presque Isle; Overseer, Ray D. Hews, Easton; Lecturer, Mrs. Esther Hews; Steward, Ross Allen, Westfield; Assistant Steward, Geo. Findlen, Fort Fairfield; Lady Assistant Steward, Maxa Griffin, Caribou; Chaplain, Mrs. L.E. Tuttle, Caribou; Treasurer, L. E. Tuttle, Caribou; Secretary, Mrs. Annie Stetson; Gatekeeper, Chas. Stetson, Caribou; Pomona, Mrs. Ruth Stevens; Ceres, Florence Pierce; Flora, Mrs. Herbert Cambridge; and Member Ex. Com., O. B. Griffin, Caribou.

75 Years Ago –  Jan. 27, 1944

Guest in Cincinnati — Miss Sue Valentine Thompson, District Manager for Aroostook County for The Union Central Life Insurance Co., was an honored guest of the company at the home office. She was honored by the president and the officials of the company at a banquet held in her honor at Hotel Gibson in Cincinnati.

Commercial Club fundraiser — The sale of War Stamps to aid in the 4th War Loan, sponsored by the Commercial Club at Presque Isle High School, reached $973.80 for the week of Jan. 17 to 21. The Junior High School stated a total sale of $2,312.50 thus far this term, and the Senior High School was proud to announce their sales amount to $2,535.65 since Nov. 1.

50 Years Ago –  Jan. 22, 1969

Walsh heads group — Verlane Walsh was named president of the Presque Isle United Fund to fill the unexpired term of Daryl Gaiennie. Gaiennie filed his resignation to the board of directors and it was accepted ‘with regret.’ Gaiennie left Presque Isle for another position in Atlanta, Ga. In other action, Clement Thorne was elected vice president of the UF and Robert Andrews was named to the board for a three-year term.

25 Years Ago –  Jan. 26, 1994

Girls win — The Lady Wildcats won their third game of the season as they avenged an early season loss to Houlton by coming up with a 50-45 decision. It was Presque Isle’s first road to victory of the season, and they were 3-7 entering a confrontation at Fort Kent. Coach Dick Barstow said consistency was the key in the triumph. Freshman Kim Condon was the top scorer with 16 points, while classmate Rachel Underwood had 13. Monique White chipped in with nine as Presque Isle defeated the Lady Shires on their home floor for the first time in Barstow’s seven-year tenure with PI.

Weeks retires — Alta M. Weeks, payroll and personnel administrator at Maine Public Service Company, retired after more than 45 years with the company. Born and raised in Mars Hill, Weeks attended Mars Hill Consolidated Grammar School and graduated from Aroostook Central Institute. Prior to joining MPS, she was employed at J.J. Newberry Company in Mars Hill, Presque Isle Air Force Base during World War II, was an operator at New England Telephone Company and a clerk for the National Biscuit Company in Presque Isle.