Historical society talk to feature story of The Pioneer Club

   PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Presque Isle Historical Society and TAMC invite local historians, enthusiasts and the general public to an exciting opportunity to learn about the history of the Presque Isle region as they offer their third quarterly presentation of 2014 on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 5:30 p.m.
For the past few years, the Presque Isle Historical Society has offered quarterly presentations on various topics of historical interest, sometimes with guest speakers or with historical artifacts and documentation. Kimberly R. Smith, secretary and treasurer of the historical society, will present this quarter’s topic, “The Pioneer Club,” at the McCain Conference Rooms at TAMC. The presentation is free and open to the public.
“These free presentations are designed to give the general public an opportunity to learn more about topics of local historic interest and interact with members of the historical society,” said Smith. “In addition, many of these presentations have artifacts that may be viewed up close by attendees. While this one does not, it provides the historical society with a means of showcasing its wide variety of historic collections, as we do not, at present, have a museum open to the public other than the 1875 Vera Estey House Museum, which showcases only items related to the house or the Esteys.”
The story of The Pioneer Club begins in 1915 at the home of Elisha Parkhurst, a well-to-do local farmer. Parkhurst was hosting a dinner at his home for several of his contemporaries. The 10 gentlemen, of quite diverse backgrounds, determined that they were the last living pioneers of the community and dubbed themselves “The Pioneer Club.” Each contributed to the community in a meaningful way. Smith will tell the story of how the club formed and discuss contributions the members made to the community throughout their lives.
Smith hopes attendees will walk away from the presentation with a better understanding of the rich history Presque Isle has and how it directly ties to both national and international history. She wants people to know that they do not have to travel far away to see and experience interesting history.
“Studies show that individuals engaged in local history have a greater sense of community pride. Winston Churchill once said, ‘The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.’ We can all learn from history, even if it is nothing more than to see our own community and every day sights through new eyes,” said Smith.
For more information, contact the Presque Isle Historical Society on the web at www.pihistory.org, by phone at 762-1151, or by email at pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com.