History of Skyway Industrial Park
HISTORY OF SKYWAY INDUSTRIAL PARK
Following the closure of the Presque Isle Air Force Base in 1961, the Presque Isle Industrial Council began a marketing campaign to develop the Skyway Industrial Park. The first two tenants in 1962 were International Paper Company and Indian Head Plywood which is known today as “Columbia Forest Products – Veneer Division” and employs between 220 and 230 people.
History Snapshot
-
Dec 13, 2018
1800’s
In the early 1800’s, Maliseet & Micmac Native Americans frequently traveled the area and early settlers established farms along the Aroostook River as early as 1820 which was the same time that Maine separated from Massachusetts to become a state.
Learn More -
Dec 13, 2018
1900 to 1940
In the early 1900’s, a group of pioneering small business entrepreneurs got together to raise funds by selling stock in enterprises which would benefit the entire community. In 1914, this group officially formed the “Presque Isle Merchants Association”. In 1945, the association became the “Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce”.
-
Dec 13, 2018
1940 to 1961
With war clouds looming over Europe, and because of Northern Maine being the closest United States land area to Europe, the Presque Isle airfield was acquired by the US Defense Department in 1940 for the future defense of the country.The Presque Isle Airport continued to operate commercial air service with Boston & Maine Airways until the company changed their name to “Northeast Airlines” in 1940. Northeast Airlines continued to provide commercial travel to and from Presque Isle during the 1940’s and was contracted to run regular air service to a number of destinations in Canada.
-
Dec 13, 2018
1962 to Present
In 1962, the Presque Isle Industrial Council was successful in attracting two major businesses to locate on the Industrial Park. Today, the park is home to 50 plus businesses and organizations.
In 1963, the State opened the “Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute” (NMVTI) and MSAD#1 opened the “Skyway Middle School” both which were constructed on the land acquired from the former Presque Isle Air Force Base. Today, “NMVTI” has developed into what is known as “Northern Maine Community College” and “Skyway Middle School” has expanded into the “Presque Isle Middle School”.