100 Years Ago – Nov. 15, 1923
Annual Thanksgiving Ball — Miss Elizabeth Smart, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Smart, who was a junior in Simmons College, Boston, was selected to take charge of the costuming for the annual Thanksgiving Ball at that institution. That was one of the big social events of the year in that college and Miss Smart’s selection for the work mentioned was complimentary to her standing in the college, and her artistic skill.
75 Years Ago – Nov. 11, 1948
J. Fred Smith appointed B. & A. Publicity Chief — President Curtis M. Hutchins announced the appointment of J. Fred Smith to the position of Director of Publicity in addition to his other duties as Passenger Traffic Manager. Smith became associated with the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad in 1936 as General Passenger Agent and was appointed Passenger Traffic Manager in 1946. Previous to joining the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, he served as District Passenger Agent of the Boston and Maine Railroad at Portland, Maine, and Boston, Massachusetts. Mr. Smith was a member of the Bangor Chamber of Commerce Tarratine Club and the Anah Temple Shrine.
Katahdin seed acreage jumped — The Maine Department of Agriculture said that Certified Seed potato acreage passed in 1948 was substantially the same as that for 1947 except for shifts between varieties. In 1948, the acreage passed was 51,958 1/4, against 52,506 of the previous year. In 1948, 28,861 ½ acres of Katahdins were certified, as against 25,935 acres in 1947. The only substantial reduction in acreage came in the Cobbler variety where only 6,126 acres were passed, as against 10,203 ¼ in 1947. Chippewas and Sebagos registered slight gains in acreage passed. Fifteen varieties were represented in the 1948 list, but only five Katahdins, Green Mountains, Chippewas, Cobblers and Sebagos had more than a few hundred acres listed.
50 Years Ago – Nov. 14, 1973
Westfield teacher retirement honored — Approximately 100 friends and former pupils of Mrs. Alda E. Day met at the Westfield School to honor her for her 38 years in the teaching profession, 30 of which were in the Westfield schools, and to wish her happiness in her retirement years. Ralph Wilcox, president of the local PTA, was the master of ceremonies. Prayer was offered by Mrs. Day’s pastor, Norman Keakin of Presque Isle. Felicitations were extended by Dr. Louis J. Taris,, superintendent of MSAD 1; Mrs. Dories Lamont, Elementary Supervisor; Ralph Lamont, former Westrfiled Selectmen; Robert tweedie, School Director; Mrs. Mary Irvine, principal of Westfield Elementary School; and Ronald Fitzgerald, a teacher at Skyway Junior High and a former pupil of Mrs. Day.
Paper drive raised $450 — Girl Scouts in Association No. 4 Presque Isle thanked the residents of the city for their help in the newspaper drive. A special thanks to Mrs. Jean Hamlin for all her efforts and the use of her garage, also Mrs. Martha Marston for her many contributions. Many thanks and appreciation to the Presque Isle National Guard for delivering the papers, without whose help this drive could not have been held. The total weight of paper collected was 18 tons for which the Great Northern Paper Company paid them $25 per ton, totalling $450 contributed towards a truck for Girl Scout Camp Natarswi.
25 Years Ago – Nov. 18, 1998
Donation — Gloria LeGassie, representing the Mary O’Donnell Homeless Shelter, accepted a check from UM-Presque Isle men’s basketball team captain Matt Townsend after the Owl team donated proceeds from their recent shooting clinic to the shelter.
In recognition — Barry Donnelly, an eight year employee of The Aroostook Medical Center Health Group, was recognized by Lifeline for his outstanding service at a dinner for Lifeline subscribers and their first responders. He accepted the Certificate of Appreciation and gift from Susan Grove-Markwood, Chair of the TAMC Health Group.
