In my last column I urged readers to rejoin the genealogical world. Unfortunately the delta variant of COVID-19 is making that difficult as it spreads across our state. The Maine Genealogical Society’s half-day fall conference has been canceled, and I imagine some openings of archives and libraries will be further delayed.
Most parents want their children to work hard, pay attention in school, graduate and create a life for themselves not too far from home. However, it’s becoming more difficult to make that dream a reality in Aroostook County.
Much is happening in the genealogical world as libraries begin to re-open. I’m writing in July so things may change again by the time you read this. Let’s take a brief look at what’s new.
In recent years, we’ve been reminded that gathering spaces are critical to the well-being of our citizens. While we didn’t know that we’d experience a pandemic together in our lifetime, we did prepare by creating a space perfectly suited for our recovery: our public library.
Anyone who has lived in a small town for any length of time can pretty much assure you that everyone knows everyone else’s business. But, I bet there are still a few things about Presque Isle that today’s residents don’t know.
Initially, the United States wanted no part of what we now call World War I. But as war became inevitable the U.S. instituted a draft. All men, young and old, were legally obligated to register with their local draft boards.
Northern Maine has a distinct legacy in the history of ballooning. Ballooning itself, the concept of making an object float on air by means of hot air, was discussed as early as the 11th century.
The intriguing thing about fishing for landlocked salmon in Maine as opposed to trawling from a canoe or river fishing is that it is the closest one gets to Western-style trout fly-fishing. Though we are on a closed freshwater stream — a dam farther downstream forms East Grand Lake — we use the same lightweight tackle and similar small lures.
The day could not have been more beckoning. Conditions were ideal for a boat ride, I was told. So, with a lifejacket over my shoulders and a heart full of anticipation, I climbed aboard the lovely pontoon boat there before me.
Fifty years ago this weekend, in 1971, a splendid adventure greeted worldwide watchers, as David Scott and Jim Irwin powered down their Falcon lunar module to a dusty and hard landing near the ancient site of Hadley Rille.
