101 Years Ago – April 25, 1918
State librarian speaks — Hon. H. E. Dunnack, the State Librarian, and well known as one of the most eloquent speakers in the state, spoke at a rally in the Perry Theatre in the interest of the Liberty Loan. This was a notably interesting and successful Liberty Loan rally. Prior to the beginning of the address, there was a picture show free to all. The church choirs sat in a body and sang.
75 Years Ago – April 27, 1944
Forum on wool — Nearly 75 farmers attended a meeting at the Northeastland Hotel to listen to an open forum discussion on the value of wool insulation for potato houses. The session was arranged by Manton Porter, president of the Aroostook Insulation Company. Among the speakers were H.G. Cover of Boston, a representative of the National Gypsum Co., R. Q. Soldati of Bangor and Allan Spruce of Orono. Cover especially emphasized the need of ventilation in the insulating process.
50 Years Ago – April 23, 1969
Hews takes fed job — A 42-year-old Presque Isle farmer accepted an appointment as Northeast Area Director for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service, according to Secretary of Agriculture Clifford M. Hardin. Edward D. Hews went to headquarters in Washington, D.C., and got a general supervision of farm programs administered by ASCS in 12 states from Maine to West Virginia. The service’s programs included production adjustment conservation assistance, price market and farm income. The agency’s work was conducted with the aid of state, county and community committees of farmers. It included much of the Commodity Credit Corp.’s operation.
DED touts conservation — The Maine Department of Economic Development’s policy of “Development Through Conservation,” first of its kind to be adopted by any state, seemed to be in tune with the times, a DED spokesman said. Just announced, he explained, was the theme of the 44th annual conference of the American Industrial Development Council in Miami Beach, May 11-14, which was “Physical Environment and Industrial Development.” DED Commissioner James K. Keefe participated in the conference by outlining his Department’s new policy, which insisted on proper safeguards of air, water and land use in Maine before industrial development is encouraged.
25 Years Ago – April 24, 1994
Triple their goal — Aroostook County Habitat for Humanity’s first Good Friday Walk-a-Thon drew in three times the proceeds the group wished for. Gathered at the starting line were some of the more than 30 walkers who participated in the event, held at the Aroostook Centre Mall. A total of $3,000 was raised, to benefit housing projects for those in need in The County.
Studying potatoes abroad — Thanks to Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance (VOCA), an exchange program of sorts developed between Maine and the former Yugoslavian republic of Macedonia. Dr. Steven B. Johnson of Presque Isle, area crops specialist with the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, returned from a two-week visit to the country to examine their potato production practices; in return, a team from Macedonia had planned to visit the U.S.
Top in the state — Joshua Rand, a student at Gouldville Elementary School, captured first place in the state for first-graders in a poster contest sponsored by the Maine Forest Service. For his winning poster, Joshua received and engraved plaque, a framed certificate and a $50 savings bond. Forest rangers Gary Sweetser, Dana Beals and Smokey the Bear, presented Joshua with the awards. Joshua and the other Gouldville students also helped Smokey celebrate his 50th birthday with a birthday cake the rangers brought as part of their presentation.
