100 Years Ago – September 6, 1923
Presque Isle boy made good — Howard Cook, son of Mr. Will Cook, a native of Presque Isle, was among the boys from this town who had achieved marked success in the way of a business career in Bridgeport, CT. Young Mr. Cook, the guest of his cousin Mr. N. P. Cook had been for the previous nine years associated with the Columbia Nut & Bolt Co., which figured as one of the most solid and substantial industries of Bridgeport. Entering the employment of this concern as a salesman, he became Vice-President and General Manager of the company. He was also connected with another large manufacturing concern in Mildord, eight miles from Bridgeport, in which company he was also Vice-President and active in the management of its interests.
75 Years Ago – September 2, 1948
DeLong Company received an award — Nash Motors announced the second consecutive Nash 10-Point Select Dealer award to C. C. DeLong & Son, Inc., of Presque Isle, signifying that the local firm had “met the highest standards of customer service in the automotive industry.” The DeLong firm received the award in 1947, and the addition of the 1948 bar to the company’s “select dealer plaque” had maintained the manufacturer’s dealer service standards throughout the previous year. The standards included factory-trained mechanics, modern tools and equipment, financial integrity, adequate floor space, proper shop facilities, convenient location, and sound accounting methods.
Highway commissioner — The appointment of State Senator Harley D. Welch as a member of the State Highway Commission was unanimously confirmed by the governor’s executive council. Sen. Welch was the first Aroostook resident to serve on the highway commission in many years.
ASNS coach — Albert J. Dona, a graduate of Boston University and at one time a teacher and coach in Washburn, was appointed instructor in physical education and social studies and coach of men’s athletics at Aroostook State Normal school succeeding Thomas Corrigan.
50 Years Ago – September 5, 1973
Betty Ann Nightingale won Miss National Teenager crown — Fort Fairfield rolled out the red carpet for Miss Betty Ann Nightingale when she returned Sept. 4 with the crown of Miss National Teenager, which she won at an Atlanta, GA, pageant Sept. 1. Miss Nightingale, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Herbert I. Nightingale of Fort Fairfield, received the title Miss Maine Teenager in Portland June 30. Miss Nightingale was met at the Presque Isle Municipal Airport Tuesday evening by a welcoming committee which included the Fort Fairfield High School band. A motorcycle escorted her to Fort Fairfield and a reception at the high school, which was organized by local clubs and organizations. As one of her prizes, Miss Nightingale received a jet cruise to the Holy Land and five countries. She was a runner-up in the pageant’s 100-word essay contest on “What’s Right About America,” the pageant’s theme.
A trophy for the champs — Trophies were awarded during a cookout for the boys participating in the Mapleton/Castle Hill/Chapman baseball program. The winning team of the summer recreation program sponsored by the Mapleton Lions Club was the Advent Wildcats. Coach Roger McLaughlin was presented the trophy by Merlyn Buck, King Lion, while Duane Smith, summer baseball director, offered his congratulations. The team was sponsored by the West Chapman Advent Christian Church. The cookout was held Aug. 25 at the Haystack Picnic Grounds.
25 Years Ago – September 9, 1998
Graves received leadership award — Roberts, Greg and Mike Graves, owners of Graves Shop ’N Save, were selected to receive the 1998 Sam Walton Business Leader Award, sponsored by the Wal-Mart Foundation and the Wal-Mart store in Presque Isle. Mike Graves was chosen as the award recipient by the Presque Isle Area Chamber, which received a $500 grant in the honoree’s name. Mike Graves was one of more than 1,000 business people in Wal-Mart and SAM’S Club communities around the country who were selected by their local Chambers of Commerce to receive the award,
Crystal was appointed to the state board — The Aroostook Medical Center announced the reappointment ofLawrence Crystal to the Maine Board of Licensure of Podiatric Medicine. Crystal had served on the board since 1994, completing his first four-year term in 1998. The appointment for a second term extended through 202. Since 1995, Crystal had served as chairman of the board, a position to which he was elected by fellow board members. The Board of Licensure of Podiatric Medicine included four podiatrists and one public member, all appointed by the governor. They serve 75 licensed podiatrists in the state by offering and sharing their many combined years of experience and expertise in the field.
