75 Years Ago – July 24, 1947
John Whitten named Aroostook 4-H Club agent — John Whitten, a graduate of the University of Maine, accepted the job of 4-H Club Agent for Aroostook County and began work July 1, working throughout The County. Mr. Whitten was well known in Aroostook.
A former resident of Mars Hill and Fort Kent, he established a reputation as a baseball player. At the University of Maine, he majored in agricultural economics. He was prominent in baseball and basketball, a member of the “M” Club, Agricultural Club, Scabbard and Blade, Student Senate and president of his fraternity for two years. He served three years in the Army and returned to college in 1946. Mr. Whitten’s headquarters was in the Farm Bureau and Extension Office, Post Office Building, Presque Isle.
Aroostook County led in sales of Savings Bonds — Aroostook County still led other counties of Maine in sales of U.S. Savings Bonds on the basis of percentage of yearly quota, just as it did at the end of May, according to figures released by Harvey M. Fickett, state director of U.S. Savings Bonds Division. Aroostook had reached 56.5 percent in the first six months of the current year, 1947. The quota was $1,800,000 sales, the first six months sales $1,017,402. Oxford County had moved into second place from fourth, and York County still held third position.
50 Years Ago – July 26, 1972
Salwak won golf tourney — Presque Isle’s own Glenn Salwak, 20, topped the New Brunswick Amateur Golf Tournament Sunday, July 23, to emerge as a player for the mighty Willingdon Cup Team in Calgary, Alberta. Salwak was possibly the second American to qualify for the coveted team title, which also thrust him into competition for the Canadian Amateur Championship playoffs in Calgary. The three-day, 54-hole tournament played at the Aroostook Valley Country Club near here drew 53 golfers into final action for the championship title and Willington Cup Challenge.
Grass visited D.C. — Warren Grass, 15, son of Mr. and Mrs. Kendall Grass of Mars Hill, spent the week of July 17 at the National Future Farmers of America Conference in Washington, D.C. While staying at the National FFA Center, near the nation’s capital, he participated in conference workshops and visited many of the historic monuments and memorials in and around Washington. One of the highlights of the week was visiting with Congressman William D. Hathaway of Maine’s Second District.
25 Years Ago – July 23, 1997
Presque Isle musician received national award — The National Alliance for Excellence bestowed its highest award in performing arts to Tyler Wood of Presque Isle. Wood received the prestigious ALEX Award at a ceremony in New York City at historic Steinway Hall. Wood was honored by the National Alliance for Excellence after successfully competing in the organization’s national competition, in which he was selected as the No. 1 student in America in the Performing Arts category. While many gifted musicians excel in one specific instrument of choice, Wood demonstrated near-professional musicianship in three different instruments — piano, trumpet and drums. Among his numerous honors, he was named principal trumpet of the All-State Orchestra, outstanding soloist on piano at the state Jazz Festival, and he was awarded first place honors on drumset with his jazz combo at the state Jazz Festival.
Another trophy — Russ Woodman of Presque Isle had a solid year in the Sport 4 division at Spud Speedway in Caribou. He placed first in each of the previous two weeks, besting fellow competitors Smokin’ Jim McCordic of Houlton and Everett Merchant of Caribou.
Successful martial artists — Students from the Presque Isle branch of Graves Institute of Self Defense competed in Tracy’s Annual Karat-Jiu Jitsu Tournament in Ellsworth. Bringing home trophies from the event were Jerry Hammond, Sally Henderson, D. J. Bell, Sensei Dave Ash and Sensei Bill Graves.
