75 Years Ago – May 15, 1947
Umphrey named head of Colby Alumni — Harry Umphrey was named president of the Northern Aroostook Colby Alumni Association at the annual spring meeting of the organization at the Northeastland hotel.
Other officers named were Mrs. Clara Piper, Caribou, vice president, and Miss Marion Conant, Presque Isle, secretary-treasurer. Clifford McGaughey of Washburn appointed a representative to the Alumni Council. Named to the executive committee were Edward Perrier, chairman; Thomas Vose, Easton; M. P. Roberts, Fort Fairfield; Margaret Hatch, Caribou; and Mrs. Rose Tilley, Ashland.
Cook elected head of Aroostook Garden Clubs — Mrs. Arthur Cook of Presque Isle was elected regional director at the annual luncheon and meeting of Aroostook Garden Clubs held at the Community REcreation Center with the garden group of the Pierian Club entertaining. Other officers elected were: Mrs. A.L. Robinson, Houlton, assistant director; Mrs. Percy M.Porter, Presque Isle, secretary; and Mrs. Herrick C. Kimball, Fort Fairfield, treasurer.
50 Years Ago – May 17, 1972
Student Chapter honored — Officials of the Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, Presque Isle, announced that the NMVTI Student Chapter of the American Institute of Drafting was selected to receive the Achievement Award as an outstanding chapter promoting the drafting profession and the aims of the American Institute for Design and Drafting. In order for a representative of the chapter to attend the national seminar in Chicago May 9 and accept the award, the students organized two car washes, which left $200 to be raised for the trip. The Student Senate came to the rescue, however, and allocated the monies necessary to enable Chaster Ringdahl, construction drafting instructor and student adviser of the local chapter, to travel to Chicago to get the award.
Lions raise $2,159.50 — The Lions Club Auction, held Saturday evening, May 6, at the Mapleton Community Hall, neeted $2,159.50. A large crowd of approximately 400 listened to three auctioneers auction away some 359 items that were donated by merchants, clubs and interested people. Auctioneers were Henry Rackliffe, Paul Mullen and Darrel Shibles of Easton. The Lions Club thanked the merchants from Presque Isle and surrounding towns and all persons who donated items to make the event successful. The proceeds helped finance the summer recreation program for the children of Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman.
25 Years Ago – May 14, 1997
Durost joins education committee — Easton Superintendent Dick Durost was chosen to represent Aroostook County on a statewide education commission. Commissioner of Education Duke Albanese assembled the Commission on Secondary Education, comprising approximately 25 members, to give a comprehensive analysis of high schools, who they served, how they worked, and how they can be improved. Durost made the announcement of his selection at the Easton School Board meeting.
All-American runner — Katherine Chabot accepted her certification from Reis Hagerman, commissioner of the Maine Athletic conference, and W. Michael Easton, president of the university, for being the first All-American selection from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Chabot earned the honor for her performance on the Lady Owls’ cross country team during the previous fall’s national meet in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Freshway named plant manager — Freshway Inc. welcomed Patrick K. Fitzpatrick as the new plant manager of its facility in Mars Hill. Originally from Houlton, Fitzpatrick was raised on his parent’s family farm and graduated from the University of Maine at Orono in 1987 with a B.S. in Agricultural Engineering. A licensed Professional Engineer, Fitzpatrick had over 10 years of mechanical engineering and project management experience. He had worked for several large international companies, including Clark Material Handling Company, a fork lift truck manufacturer and Blount Inc. a leader in the forestry equipment industry.
