101 Years Ago – August 16, 1917
Free Library donations — Rev. George M. Park donated to the Presque Isle Free Library fifty-seven volumes, including histories, biographies, a Greek English Lexicon, theological works and state reports.
Matched race — One of the big attractions at the Circuit Races in Caribou was the matched race for $1,200 between Dr. Hall, owned by E. W. McBurnie, 2.12 and a half, and Woodcliff King, owned by C. J. Hanson, 2.09 and a quarter. In the first heat, Woodcliff King did not measure up to his standard, being apparently sore. In the second heat, he got into his swing and led Dr. Hall on the home stretch, but the latter forged ahead near the wire and came in ahead. The third heat which was trotted in the mud after a smart shower was also won by Dr. Hall. The first heat was in 2.15 and three-quarters, the second 2.15 and a quarter and the third round 2.23.
75 Years Ago – August 19, 1943
400 acres — An important post-war planning program session of the State Park Commission was held in Augusta, announced by Harry Green, a member of the Commission. Many items of vital interest to Aroostook State Park was considered. In line with the proposed expansion program of Aroostook State Park, Mr. Green stated that a local resident had offered to present the Commission over 400 acres of land to be included in the Aroostook Park. Further details of this generous offer would be announced at a later time, Green said.
Town honors officer — Lt. Dana Dudley and his wife were honored guests at a special reception held by the Mapleton townspeople in the Mapleton High school gym. Lt. Dudley, Air Corps officer had just returned from North Africa, was presented a purse of money. A dance followed an enjoyable entertainment program.
50 Years Ago – August 14, 1968
Taterstate project — Plans for major expansion of its Washburn facilities were announced by Taterstate Frozen Foods and the expected $1.5 million project could easily hike major construction costs in the area to well over $10 million. The Washburn project included three new processing and storage buildings, designed to increase the plant’s annual production capacity by well over 50 per cent. Presque Isle alone had an estimated $8 million construction program, although some projects had not yet started. However, included in this program was the new vocational wing at the high school, a nearly $3 million complex.
Portage manager — Former M/Sgt. Leo P. Cormier, a Portage native and Air Force veteran of 22 years service, assumed his new duties as town manager of Portage. Cormier, married to the former Beatrice Levesque of Portage, and their six children, took the former John J. Cormier residence as their home. David Stevens of Garfield had been substitute town manager after Edgar Searway retired.
25 Years Ago – August 18, 1993
Golf tourney — The second annual Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament was rated a great success by members of the committee as 284 golfers from throughout the County, around the state and from Canada participated with over $4,000 raised. The tournament was played July 31 and Aug. 1 at the Mars Hill Country Club. The tournament was dedicated in memory of the late Reg Walton. Walton was a charter member of the organization which began in 1987. He served continuously as a director until his death.
Scouts go national — Four Presque Isle Cadette Girl Scouts appeared on the “CBS This Morning” television show. Weather announcer Mark McEwen did a remote broadcast from a Girl Scout Day Camp at Camp Mary Lou, near Brewer, on Aug. 2. The girls, all members of Cadette Girl Scout Troop 227, were Sloan Zettergren, Prathima Prasanna, Samantha Lecaroz and Nicole Handren. They had traveled to Brewer to help assemble a mailing and they spent the night at the Carriage House of Abnaki Girl Scout Council before spending the day at the camp. McEwen interviewed the girls on the air, and Troop 227 members served him a traditional camp beverage. All girls at the camp appeared in more than a dozen brief segments during the two hour show, including swimming, singing, pitching tents, cooking s’mores and other camp activities.
