100 Years Ago – May 3, 1923
High School prize essay contest — In the prize essay contest, conducted by the Merchants’ association of Presque Isle, in connection with which a prize was offered for the best essay on the advantages of trading at home, the following schools participated: Washburn High, Mapleton, Easton, Westfield, Presque Isle, Normal Training and Presque Isle rural schools.
75 Years Ago – April 29, 1948
Walter Cassidy elected head 40-8 Unit — Walter Cassidy of this city was elected chef de gare of Aroostook Voiture , 40 and 8, at the annual meeting and “wreck” held at the new Legion Home on the Caribou Road. Other officers named were George Thomas, chef de train; Herman Kirk, correspondent; Percy Winslow, commissaire intendant; Clinton White, conductor; and Ray Smith and James Cooney, commissaire voyageur. Fourteen new members of the organization were initiated at the session at which Silas Hanson, retiring chef de gare, presided. Owen Harding of Dixfield, head of the State Department 40 and 8, and John Sommer of Farmington, state secretary, were present at the meeting.
Packard Company in new location — Delbert M. Packard announced that the Packard Electric Service moved into new quarters in the Bean Block, 197 State street, in the store formerly occupied by the Chain Apparel Shops. Conveniently located and completely redecorated, the new store provided adequate floor space and an attractive setting for the display of a complete line of ranges, refrigerators, and other electrical appliances. Packard Electric Service had one of the most modern, attractive and fully stocked electrical equipment shops in northern Maine. The store was formerly located at 242 Main street, next to the old Opera House entrance.
50 Years Ago – May 2, 1973
Birthday celebration — Six residents at the Aroostook Convalescent Center, Inc., celebrated their birthdays at a party given by the Loring AFB Catholic Chapel women April 23. They were, Mrs. Eva Zippel of Presque Isle, Mrs. Laura Bell of Bridgewater, William Kearney of Fort Fairfield, Mrs. Bessie Larlee of Fort Fairfield, Mrs. Mary Pelletier of Presque Isle and Mrs. Annabelle Oakes of Fort Fairfield. Corsages were donated by Cook Florist of Presque Isle. Mrs. Dena Grant was the pianist for a community sing.
Presque Isle man graduated from Maine Maritime Academy — A Presque Isle man was one of 110 graduates to throw his white hat into the air in celebration as Maine Maritime Academy’s 30th graduating class marked the end of four years of intensive study Saturday, April 28. In addition to receiving their Bachelor of Science degrees, graduates qualified as licensed officers in the U.S. Merchant Marine. The majority also received commissions as Ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve or in the U.S. Coast Guard. George R. Benson was presented the $50 award by the Ladies Auxiliary, Department of Maine, Veterans of Foreign Wars, as an outstanding member of the graduating class.
25 Years Ago – May 6, 1998
Diabetes update — A lecture was hosted by Gould Memorial Hospital, Presque Isle, to update the community on the latest information on diabetes risk factors, treatments, and management. Free blood sugar screenings were also available for the 100 people attending. Internist George Karagory MD, and Certified Diabetes Educator Mary Coffin RN, presented the information. The program was sponsored by TAMC’s educational services department.
Building benefit run — The Bridgewater Historical Association and Katahdin Trust Company, Mars Hill, co-sponsored a 5K run and walk in Bridgewater, benefiting the restoration of the Old Town Hall in Bridgewater. This event was the second run/walk organized by The Bridgewater Historical Association supporting renovation of the historic Bridgewater Town Hall. The run was open to all age groups and divisions, based on age, 14 and under; 15 to 19; 20 to 29; 30 to 39; 40 to 49; 50 to 59; and 60 and over. There was one walker division. Prizes were awarded to the male and female winners within each group and also to the overall male group and also to the overall male and female winners. The Bridgewater Historical Association’s goal was to restore the 104-old Bridgewater Town Hall, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, in accordance with the guidelines of the Maine Historic Preservation Society.
