99 Years Ago – July 30, 1925
Dr. Thomas of Maine reelected head of World Educational Association — Dr. A. O. Thomas, state superintendent of public schools in Maine, was re-elected president of the World’s Federation of Educational Associations which closed its biennial conference here. The leaders of the delegation in Edinburgh, Scotland, pronounced the conference as having been unusually successful. President Thomas said it was increasingly evident that the world’s educational forces were determined to develop closer union. Toronto had asked for the next conference. Late in the evening, the board of directors appointed trustees to carry out arrangements for making effective the Herman-Jordan Educational plan, which the Federation adopted, same day, as its official program.
50 Years Ago – July 31, 1974
Herm’s barbershop saluted by Chamber — The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce proudly presented a service business in the week’s “Salute”. Every business required its own expertise, barbering certainly was no exception. Herm’s Barbershop on State Street in Presque Isle had been operated by its owner, Herman Daigle, for the previous 13 years, and offered all of the latest hair styling and hair care products for men, as well as hair pieces. Herman Daigle spent his boyhood in Limestone, where he completed his education in the local school system, graduating in 1930. He had been barbering for 44 years, starting immediately after graduating from high school. He came to Presque Isle in 1943 and opened his own shop. He was a graduate of the Roffler method.
Bond sales increased — Aroostook County residents invested $98,925 in the U.S. Saving Bonds during May, a gain of $16,439 over sales for the same month a year prior, reported Irwin F. Porter, vice president and cashier of the Northern National Bank in Presque Isle. Savings Bond sales in Aroostook County, in 1974, totalled $621,417 as against $$568,487 for the period of January through May the year prior. The increase in sales was reflected statewide, Porter reported. Series E and H bond sales in Maine during May amounted to $1,788,644, as compared with $1,751,307 for the same month a year prior.
Soil district won two awards — The Central Aroostook Soil and Water Conservation District received two coveted awards at the summer meeting of the Maine Association of Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisors held July 18 – 19 at the swamp Fox Motor Inn in Presque Isle. The Goodyear Award for the outstanding conservation district was presented to each district supervisor by Goodyear representative Calvin Tupper. The Grange Herald Award was presented to Harold Anderson, chairman of the Central Aroostook Board, by Ronald Bagley, headmaster of the Maine State Grange.
25 Years Ago – August 4, 1999
Micmacs celebrated their building opening — The Aroostook Band of Micmacs, which included members from Island Falls to Van Buren, celebrated the opening of their new health facility. About 150 people, including tribal members, employees and local, state and federal dignitaries, attended the ceremony, despite the heat. Health Director John Ouellette said the new facility brought the Micmac Health Department onto a new level. Planning for the $600,000 building began in 1994 when tribal officials began applying for federal grants. Final funding for the project came in 1997 and construction began in October 1998. MDS Construction of Presque Isle finished the 7,096 square foot building in May near the Bon Aire housing complex at the Skyway Industrial Park.
Bagley won the 5K race — Despite the rainy weather, the sixth annualIsland Falls 5K Road Race was held Sunday Morning with 41 runners and five walkers participating. The race served as the sixth of seven legs in the County Challenge Road Racing Series. Presque Isle’s Matt Bagley was 34 seconds faster than his closest competitor, crossing the finish line in a time of 17 minutes and 17 seconds. In the process, Bagley established a new course record. KeyBank donates $3,000 — Dana Swett received a check of $3,000 from Matthew McHatten of KeyBank. This donation helped in the construction of a Forestry Council Building on the Northern Maine Fairgrounds, completing the fair’s dedication to all Northern Maine’s agricultural industries.
