Presque Isle area From our Files – Week of November 22, 2023

Compiled by Yvonne Tardie, Special to The County
11 months ago

100 Years Ago – Nov. 22, 1923

The Washburn House — Mr. W. E. Vance of Caribou opened up the Washburn House and was prepared to do a regular hotel business. Meals were served at all hours at popular prices. It was a great convenience to the townspeople to have a place in town where one may be assured of cleanliness and quality.

75 Years Ago – Nov. 18, 1948

Two named to Chamber of Commerce posts — Frank W. Hussey was elected vice president and Philip H. Brown a director of the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce to succeed Homer E. Cyr, who resigned because of business pressure. The directors selected Hussey, recently elected  director, to succeed Cyr as vice president, and Brown to serve the balance of Cyr’s term as director. 

Mrs. Opal Gray named city clerk — Mrs. Opal Gray was appointed city clerk to succeed Miss Mable Hughes, at the regular meeting of the Presque Isle City Council. Miss Hughes submitted her resignation two weeks prior because of ill health. The new city clerk was employed by George H. Nightingale Co. for about two years, and prior to that, was for some time employed by Maine Potato Growers, Inc.

Green’s honored Veteran employees at dinner dance — H. B. Green & Sons, Inc., held a dinner party and dance in the Northeastland hotel honoring Mae Brewer and Roseanna Mitchell, who had completed 25 years’ service with the firm, Arnold Green announced.

50 Years Ago – Nov. 21, 1973

Women’s Home and Foreign Mission Society officers — The Women’s Home and Foreign Mission Society of the West Chapman Advent Christian Church met Nov. 8 to elect officers and committees for the ensuing year. Those present were Mrs. Edith Grendel, vice president; Mrs. Ferne Cook, card committee-sick; Mrs. Climena Elliott, work committee member; Mrs. Hazel Giggey, supper committee chairman; Miss Carolyn Gardiner, secretary; Mrs. Alma McLellan, president; Mrs. Audrey Frailex, treasurer; and Mrs. Verdella Fox, intercessory prayer leader. Miss Gardiner was church librarian and Miss Dawne McLellan was Young Women’s Auxiliary advisor and in charge of sending birthday cards to the missionaries.

Large deer — Sixteen-year-old Bill Wilcox of Wade was one of the more fortunate hunters to “bring home the bacon” Saturday after only two hours in the woods. The young man got his seven-point buck at approximately 8 a.m. Nov. 10 in the Realty Road area of Ashland. Live weight was 278; dressed weight was 215 pounds. This was Bill’s first deer, brought down with a 30-30 gauge rifle. Bill stated that he and his brother, Sheldon of Presque Isle, did not have to drag the deer any distance as it fell into the ditch right beside the road. Game warden Robert Bribou reported that about 100 deer had been tagged in the Ashland area since the season opened Oct. 29.

25 Years Ago – Nov. 25, 1998

Donation — Pastor Rick Kavanaugh of the Presque Isle Wesleyan Church presented Presque Isle DARE office Tim McCue with a check for $1,400 to help fund the drug-awareness program. The donation was raised as part of the proceeds from the church’s Halloween drama, “Judgement Day.” All of the people who worked on Judgment Day were at the presentation.

Top retailers — Bill and Patty Smythe were honored with the 1998 IGA Retailer of the Year award. Joe Jones of Miller Brewing Company and Rudy Dory of IGA Inc. presented them the award. To become eligible for the International Retailer of the Year Award, a retailer must be nominated by an IGA licensed distribution center. Smythe was nominated by his supplier, SUPERVALU Inc.-Maine Division. As part of the award, Smythe received a Waterford crystal trophy, an engraved ring and a special blue blazer.

Appreciation — Kevin Robinson of Aroostook Communications accepted an award of appreciation from Mary Coffin, representing the American Diabetes Association. The award was given for continued support of the diabetes association’s annual walk for diabetes held yearly in October. The company’s help makes for a safe and efficient Walktoberfest.