Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Sesquicentennial events in the Star City may only last a year, but Presque Isle High School’s Class of 1975 believes their contribution to the celebration will be enjoyed by many generations to come.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
CLASS GIVES BACK TO STAR CITY — It may take a village to raise a child, but in this case, it took members of PIHS’s Class of ’75 and city officials to plant a tree in honor of Presque Isle’s Sesquicentennial. Pictured getting their hands dirty as they pack mulch around the base of a Honey Locust tree at Downing Park, just of State St. along the bike path, are, from left, clockwise: Randy Martin, Class of ’75, of The King’s Gardener; Chris Smith, Class of ’75; and City Manager Tom Stevens.
“We dedicated a tree in honor of Presque Isle’s Sesquicentennial and the Class of 1975, courtesy of King’s Gardener and the Class of ’75,” said Kim Smith, chair of the Sesquicentennial Committee and a member of the Class of ’75.
Members of the class joined city officials August 11 at Downing Park — the park located between Academy and State streets, along the bike path — for a tree-planting ceremony.
A shade tree was selected for the location. Once fully-grown, it will provide shade for visitors enjoying the park.
“It’s a Honey Locust. There’re a couple at Riverside Park. It’s a big shade tree — more of a park tree — a big, sprawling tree. It’s about 12 years old and not native to the area,” explained Randy Martin, of The King’s Gardener and also a member of the Class of ’75.
Smith said the decision for the class to donate a tree was a logical one.
“We were born here, grew up here, now are raising kids here. What better gift to give to the city than a tree that will be enjoyed by not only our class, but our children and grandchildren,” said Smith.
City Manager Tom Stevens expressed appreciation for all involved in planning the Sesquicentennial activities.
“Thanks to Kim, Randy and all who’ve been responsible for the Sesquicentennial events,” said Stevens.
The site selected holds its own significance in the history of Presque Isle.
“This is the former site of potato houses. The bike path is now located on what once was the Canadian Pacific Railroad tracks,” noted Smith.
“We hope folks will enjoy our gift for many years to come,” Smith said.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
TREE GIFT A CLASS ACT — Presque Isle High School’s Class of 1975 celebrated the Sesquicentennial by donating a Honey Locust to the city. The tree was planted in Downing Park, just off State St. along the bike path, during a ceremony held Aug. 11. In attendance were, from left: Chris Smith, Class of ’75; Randy Martin, Class of ’75, of The King’s Gardner ; Kim (Martin) Smith, Class of ’75; Mary (McKay) Mooney, Class of ’75, kneeling; Dorothy Henderson, Class of ’75; Anna Marie (Parker) Saucier, Class of ’75; Doug McKenna, Class of ’75; Ed Nickerson, City Council chair; Calvin Hall, city councilor, holding his granddaughter, Ella Hall; City Manager Tom Stevens; Theresa Fowler, executive director, Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce; and Billie Brodsky, PIACC Board member.
