From Our Files
Headlines from 102 years of local news.
102 Years Ago – September 3, 1914
A pleasing entertainment — A pleased and attentive audience listened with much enjoyment to the oratorio “The Eternal City,” which was presented by a chorus from New Sweden in Perry Theatre. The oratorio was given under the direction of Mr. Strobeck, who for the past two years has made such an entertainment an annual affair in New Sweden. It was decided to present it for a second time, and to give it here for the benefit of the Presque Isle General Hospital.
Principal position — Miss Emily Moreau, a graduate of Presque Isle High School’s Class of ’11 who had attended Bates College for two years, accepted a position as principal of the Exeter High School.
75 Years Ago – September 4, 1941
Superior Court Bench — Nathaniel Tompkins, 61, Houlton attorney and president of the Maine Senate, was named by Governor Sewall to the Superior Court bench. He succeeded the place vacated by the retirement of Herbert Powers of Fort Fairfield. Born in Bridgewater, he is a Republican and was a speaker of the House, in which he served three terms before going to the Senate.
Findlen named chairman — George P. Findlen of Fort Fairfield was chosen chairman and W. B. Oliver of Orono, secretary of the Maine Soil Conservation committee at the initial meeting held at the University of Maine. Members of the committee are Fred P. Hagan, Houlton; Elmer Leland, Sangerville; Arthur L. Deering and Fred Griffee, Orono; and Mr. Findlen.
50 Years Ago – September 8, 1966
Music on tap — The Northeast Chamber Orchestra, a professional resident group, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce Live Wire Club under program called Music in Maine, toured Aroostook County primary schools and gave children a chance to hear good music live, performed for everyone at the Presque Isle High School Auditorium.
President writes woman — Born on the same day and in the same year as President Lyndon Baines Johnson, Mrs. Marie Cooney of Presque Isle had received for the second time birthday wishes from the president. A Civil Service worker at Loring AFB, she had also received Christmas greetings from the first family. Stamped with the presidential gold seal, the Aug. 27 birthday greeting read: “On the occasion of your birthday and mine, I deeply appreciate your kind greeting and ask you to accept my friendly good wishes.”
25 Years Ago – September 4, 1991
Collins retired as lumber boss — S.W. Collins Co., northern Maine’s oldest family-owned business, announced changes in its corporate leadership. Donald F. Collins retired as president of the company and was succeeded by Sam W. Collins, who retained the title of general manager. D. Gregg Collins became treasurer and store manager. The company, which was founded by the first Samuel W. Collins in 1884 in Caribou, had been engaged in some form of the lumber business since that time. Sam and Gregg Collins were the fifth generation to operate the business.
Wildcat golf stands at 6-0 — The PIHS varsity golf team remained undefeated on the season with a 164-196 win over the Central Aroostook Panthers in Aroostook County golf action at the Presque Isle Country Club. ‘Cat Matt Madore shot a 37 for the nine-hole event, the lowest score recorded in County high school play. John Hersey and Scott Bernard both shot a 41 while Trent Tompkins added a 45 to the PI team score. Scott Saucier rounded out the top five PI golfers with a 47.
