75 Years Ago — Aug. 1, 1946
Local man serving at Nippon capital — With the Eighth Army in Japan, Private Robert MacPherson of Presque Isle was serving with the famous 1st Cavalry Division in the occupation of the Nippon capital. Overseas 1 month, he served with D Troop, 12th Cavalry Regiment, as an ammunition bearer.
As a civilian, MacPherson attended the local schools and later was a farmer. He entered the Army on Jan. 29, 1946, and received his basic training at Fort McClellan, Alabama. MacPherson returned to his former occupation after discharge.
Visited Aroostook County — Raymond Randall of Augusta, Forest Commissioner, landed by plane on Echo Lake on a routine inspection tour of Aroostook State Park. While in The County, he held consultations with Park Commissioner Harry B. Green.
50 Years Ago – Aug. 4, 1971
‘Doc’ started second 50 — Dr. H.B. Keirstead commenced his 51st year of dentistry in the Forgie Block. No special occasion was planned for this golden anniversary; “Doc” had a full schedule before him for the day. Keirstead, a native of Presque Isle, was brought up on the Keirstead farm on the Maysville Road and attended Hayford Elementary School before his family moved into town. He attended Presque Isle High School, graduating in 1917, and then went on to Tufts University where he graduated in 1921. “Doc” was a member of the Pierre Bouchard Academy and a fellow of the Academy Internationale of Dentistry. He received the Award of Merit from Tufts for his 50 years of service in dentistry, plus a life membership from the American Dental Association and the Maine Dental Association. He was also presented with a life membership in the American Legion.
Utility man retired — Almon A. McPherson, an employee of the Maine Public Service Company for 34 years, retired. “Mac,” to everyone who knew him, joined the company in 1937 as a serviceman. In 1953, he transferred to the Meter Department, as a meter man. In 1957, McPherson became a sub-foreman and in 1962 a meter foreman, which job he held at retirement. At a retirement party held in his honor, “Mac’s” fellow employees wished him all happiness in his retirement and cautioned him that East Chapman Road, where “Mac” and his wife, Bernice, resided, ranked high on their visiting list.
Coronary care unit — Ellis E. Survant, president of the Board of Trustees of the Arthur R. Gould Memorial Hospital, announced the reopening of the newly equipped Coronary Care Unit designed to take care of heart patients. Survant said the occasion marked “the completion of changes made possible by a memorial in memory of Fred J. Warman by his wife, Marion Warman.” Fred Warman was a leading voice in the potato industry and active on committees over a period of years. He came to Presque Isle in 1950, and at the time of the original hospital contributed to the Building Fund, and at the next drive also gave a room. The Gold Brick plaque in the hospital lobby carries his name. As a member of the community, he served during two terms as chairman of the City Council and also was a member of the City Housing Authority.
25 Years Ago – July 31, 1996
Accountant honored — Jed Desmond, certified public accountant of Presque Isle, received a plaque from Lindy Duval for his five years of service to “Helping Hands,” a local information and support resource for families. Duval, president of the organization, presented Desmond with the plaque during the annual board of directors meeting.
Washburn Mill Pond update — The new sign denoting the dedication of the Mill Pond Recreational Park was in place. The sign was done by Wayne Crouse and signifies the fact that the park is in memory of Milford Blackstone, a former Washburn town manager. The sign had posts higher than what was in use then, in order to put future signs explaining rules, and available facilities of the park.
Computer donations — KeyBank of Maine donated 14 computers to area agencies and private individuals as part of an equipment replacement program. The organizations are selected by a group of banking officials based on individual need. Those receiving computers or participating in the presentation were Deb Madore of Health 1st, Gladys Craig of the Ashland Library, Jim Donnelly of KeyBank, Philip Orser of the Francis Malcolm Science Center, Steve Richard of the Opportunity Training Center, Roch Dupre of the St. Louis Parish in Limestone, Julie French of ABC Academy, Matt McHatten of KeyBank, Ned LaBelle of the Ashland Fire Department, Jennifer Sylvester of Maine Adoption Placement, Wilbur Hersey of KeyBank, Penny McHatten of KeyBank and David and Daniel Churchill.
