Author recalls life ‘events’ in his first book
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
MARS HILL — Robert D. Tweedie’s first book, “Events,” reflects on a lifetime of memories, including those of life in Aroostook County, state, national and international occurrences that garnered his attention and now have found their way into the pages of his first publication.
Image courtesy of Print Works
ROBERT TWEEDIE has published his first book, “Events,” based on his own life experiences in Aroostook County. 
“I started working on my book, ‘Events,” several years ago, always planning to finish it someday. After a heart attack, I decided it was time to get serious and get the book published,” said Tweedie, better known as “Bob” to friends and family.
Tweedie said he’s always had an interest in history, people and events — thus the name of the book. He’s found inspiration from a variety of individuals over the years and credits them for creating some of the more memorable topics covered in his publication.
“The late Ted Hussey was a lawyer in Mars Hill for approximately 6 years and a good friend. He was one of the combat vets and heroes of World War II and we talked frequently. Ted mentioned a few times that I should write a book. Seven years ago I decided to start writing down some of the events I, my family and friends have experienced on the road of life,” said Tweedie, noting although he always intended to finish the work, it was the heart attack that provided his wake-up call. “I published the ‘Events’ in March of this year.”
Tweedie said the book contains stories from Aroostook County, the state, national and international works dating from the 1800s to 2013.
“I’ve always been interested in WWII and write about the conflict. I became friends with several veterans including Ed Dahlgren, a Congressional Medal of Honor winner. My daughter’s late father-in-law, Gene Pietkiewicz, was taken from his home in Poland at age 14 and put in a concentration camp in Germany. He never saw his family again,” said the author.
He also discusses the Presque Isle Army Air Force base and Loring Air Force Base, as well as other war-related stories involving The County and the state.
“I mention the German spies landing on the Maine coast and the German POWs who picked potatoes on my uncle’s farm,” said Tweedie.
And what book written by a County native would be complete without a reference to the area’s long history of farming.
“I write about potato farming, Christmas tree farming and hunting and fishing. I mention the four seasons in a potato sales office and the 43 years I spent with my company, Mars Hill Shippers, in which we booked, dispatched and cut delivery papers for approximately 65,000 truckloads of produce and commodities going all over the country,” he said.
Tweedie’s life has been ‘eventful,’ to say the least, with several notable figures crossing his path over the years.
“I mention some of the people I’ve met over the years, including Chief Big Eagle, Joe Dimaggio and the day I shook hands with President John Kennedy. Several of the characters I’ve met in my lifetime are mentioned in this book,” Tweedie said.
He also covers some rather momentous local incidents as well.
“I write about the largest bank robbery in Maine history and raising the first 50-star flag – both in Mars Hill,” said Tweedie.
Tweedie said this is his “first and only book.” To date, he’s sold copies in Canada, California, Florida, Maine and several other states.
It’s available from me and can be ordered by calling 227-1509 or 425-2721 or e-mailing bobtweedie1@aol.com. The book, printed at Print Works in Presque Isle, is also available at the local IGA stores in Presque Isle, Fort Fairfield and Mars Hill,” said Tweedie.
