public restrooms. The membership fee was $3 with
an annual assessment of $6 per capita per year.
In 1929, one item of discussion at the July
18 meeting was to see if it was possible to have two
parcel post deliveries in town. Postmaster Waddell
was “willing to have such deliveries made providing
that the expense could be met.” Automatic traffic
signals were also discussed.
In 1930, at the January 10 meeting, discussion
took place on the need for a town manager. The
Merchants’ Association became the Presque Isle
Chamber of Commerce in 1945.
Chambers of Commerce, as associations of
local businessmen, have been around since Roman
times. The actual term “chamber of commerce” was
first used in Marseilles, France in 1599. In the United
States, the first Chamber of Commerce was that of
the State of New York founded in 1768.
The building at 3 Houlton Road was
constructed in 1990 (Star Herald photo, August 1,
1990). The atrium, which houses 24-hour access to
area information, was added in 2000.
The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce
was formed in 1991. In May of 2011, the board
of directors of the Chamber voted to change the
name of the organization to “Central Aroostook
Chamber of Commerce” to better reflect its service
area encompassing thirteen communities in Central
Aroostook County.
These thirteen communities
consist of Ashland, Blaine, Castle Hill, Chapman,
Easton, Mars Hill, Mapleton, Masardis, Oxbow,
Portage, Presque Isle, Washburn, and Westfield.
Its mission is to serve, advance, and publicize
the commercial, agricultural, civic, and general
interests of the member communities.
Over the years several annual signature events
have been born and continue to bring entertainment
and excitement to the area. These include, but are
not limited to: The annual Strawberry Shortcake Sale
started in June 1989 - Area-wide yard sale held twice
a year - Haunted Woods Walk in conjunction with
Aroostook State Park in October - Crown of Ma