100 Years Ago – September 27, 1923
The quality of Aroostook potato crop — There was quite a free movement of potatoes which were quoted at different prices, some points in the County as low as $1.50 and at others run $1.75, the latter being the price named in Presque Isle. On account of the grain harvest and the backward season, people were behind with their digging, and in some cases large fields of potatoes had been hardly touched. The quality of the Aroostook potato crop went on record as one of the finest ever raised during the season in the history of the industry here, a fact that was quite favorable to finding a place for them in the market at a fair price.
75 Years Ago – September 23, 1948
Over $2,500 in radio auction goods donated — More than $2,500 in merchandise for the radio auction, sponsored by the Presque Isle Rotary club to raise funds for a new heating plant at the Presque Isle General hospital had been donated up to Wednesday afternoon, club officials said. Teams 8, 9 and 10, headed by Robert Whatley, Clyde Johnston, and Herman Kirk, were tied for first place in the contest among the club’s solicitation teams.
Berry elected head of auto dealers — Olin L. Berry of Presque Isle was elected president of the Maine Automobile Dealers Association at the organization’s fourth annual convention at Poland Spring. Berry, who had been in the automobile business in Aroostook County for more than 25 years, had operated the Ford agency in Presque Isle for the previous ten years. He was immediate past president of the Chamber of Commerce here.
50 Years Ago – September 26, 1973
Voscar was accepted — Oscar Nelder, better known as Voscar The Maine Photographer, was accepted as a member of the American Society of Magazine Photographers in Communications. The ASMP was composed of only about 700 members throughout the world, and included some of the finest photographers. The Society is the professional association for photographers who work for magazines, advertising, public relations, industry or any printed, filmed or taped medium. Voscar had his own photography studio in Presque Isle, was the director of Polar Star Associates, a creative services group, and publisher of “The Mainstreeter” magazine. He was with the Bangor Daily News for 12 years as a reporter photographe, and for three years, was news editor for WAGM radio and television. Voscar’s work was published throughout the United States and Canada, as well as Great Britain and a number of European Countries.
Mary Rice elected Rebekah Noble Grand — Mrs. Mary Rice was elected noble grand of Aroostook Rebekah Lodge Sept. 18, at the Blake Street Recreation Building. Other officers elected were Mrs. Mary Magnusson, vice grand; Mrs. Mary Williams, recording secretary; Mrs. Madeline Pomeroy, financial secretary; and Miss Florence Bibber, treasurer. Trustees elected were Mrs. Nora Crawford, Mrs. Josephine Graham, and Miss Florence Bibber.
25 Years Ago – September 30, 1998
New inductee — Royal Goheen was the newest inductee to the University of Maine at Presque Isle Hall of Fame. Goheen was a long-time teacher and athletic director at UMPI who retired in 1997. The ceremony took place Saturday during homecoming festivities at the university. A framed drawing of Goheen was displayed in the Hall of Fame Room at Wieden Hall.Mapleton pair finished waterway adventure — Jesse Powers and Marshal Dyer, both of Mapleton, completed a week-long canoe trip through Maine Waterways Adventures. The weeklong trip explored the Machias Chain of Lakes in Washington County. Maine Waterways Adventures focuses on conserving our wilderness waterways, low-impact camping, developing canoeing skills, and acquiring a working knowledge of water safety. The program is designed to increase self-confidence, renewed spirit, sense of adventure and respect for the outdoors. Leadership, decision making and teamwork skills grow during the camp experience. Powers and Dyer were both freshmen at Presque Isle High School. Powers was sponsored to attend MWA by the Fort Fairfield Pistol and Rifle Club and Dyer was sponsored by the Maine Trappers Association.
