Presque Isle area From Our Files (week of October 4, 2017)

7 years ago

102 Years Ago – Oct. 7, 1915

A survey in blueprint — Fire Chief Pipes received from the Chief Engineer of the New England Insurance Exchange a survey in blueprint of the Presque Isle Fire District, which Mr. Pipes framed and hung up in the engine room.

Parishioners visit — Rev. and Mrs. Melville E. Osborne were pleasantly surprised by a visit from about 50 of their parishioners, who brought with them a large collection of fine enamel ware, for use in the parsonage kitchen. An entertaining program was given, consisting of a reading by Mrs. Ernest Rogers; piano solos by Miss Evelyn Whidden, vocal solos by Mr. Osborne, and a duet by Mr. and Mrs. Osborne.

75 Years Ago – Oct. 1, 1942

Victory banquet — The Presque Isle Army Air Field baseball team, winner of the Northern Maine League title, were feted at a victory banquet at the Congregational Church. The event was arranged by the U. S. O. club under the direction of Captain George L. Forrester, who presided at the banquet. Members of the team present were: Pfc. Tommy Tighe, Catcher, Mgr.; Cpl. Samuel Stewart, 2nd Base; Pvt. Nelson Trout, Pitcher; Cpl. Leslie McDaniels, Outfielder; Pfc. Joseph Hawkins, Outfielder; Pfc. Paul Peyton, 3rd Base; Pfc. Harvey Oestreich, Outfielder; Pfc. Charles Reed, Outfielder; Pfc. Woodrow George, Pitcher; Pfc. Elmer Taylor, Shortstop; Cpl. John Polinchak, S. S. and P.; Pvt. Albert Gomez, 1st Base; Sgt. Richard Nolan, Pitcher; Pvt. Herbert Smith, Pitcher; and Pvt. Frank Polasek, Business Mgr.

Legion certificate — Hugh M. Friedman, member of the Ray Goding Post, American Legion, was awarded a continuous member certificate for having been affiliated with the American Legion the part 25 years. He attended the first Legion session in Paris in 1919.

50 Years Ago – Oct. 4, 1967

New partnership — George V. Blanchard and Peter A. Anderson announced the formation of their law partnership with offices in Presque Isle. Blanchard had practiced law in Presque Isle since 1935. A graduate of the University of Maine and Boston University Law School. He had served in the Maine House of Representatives and the State Senate as well as having been Aroostook County Attorney and judge of the Presque Isle Municipal Court. Anderson, a native of Bangor, a graduate of Bowdoin College and Boston University Law School where he was an editor of the Law Review. He was released from active duty as a Captain in the Army Judge Advocate General Corps, having served for four years.

Purple Heart — Lance Corporal Preston R. Hudson, son of Beatrice Allen of Presque Isle, received the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat in Vietnam June 2. Cpl. Hudson, who had been in Vietnam for ten months, was wounded in the neck.

25 Years Ago – Sept. 30, 1992

Honor for Hamel — Kevin Hamel of the University of Maine at Presque Isle had been named player of the week in the Northeast College Conference for men’s soccer. Hamel’s two goals against the University of Maine at Fort Kent propelled the Owls to a 2-0 victory. The win gave UMPI the outright lead in the chase for the conference championship.

Walk-a-thon raises $6,200 Participants in the Presque Isle area Walk America walk-a-thon, held to benefit the March of Dimes, raised more than $6,200 for the Maine chapter of the organization. Proceeds to benefit March of Dimes program of research, service and public, and professional health education, all aimed at preventing birth defect, low birth weight and infant mortality.