[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 6]
[Senate]
[Page 8263]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        AROOSTOOK COUNTY, MAINE

 Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, Aroostook County in far northern 
Maine has long been a thriving center of farming and logging. In the 
early years of the 20th century, it seemed that the only barrier to 
growth and prosperity was a shortage of modern health care facilities 
and trained medical professionals.
  Two local citizens took it upon themselves to remove this barrier. By 
horse and wagon, Frank White, an attorney, and Charles E. Hussey, a 
farmer, traveled through the countryside calling on their neighbors and 
collected $2,500 to establish a center for health care. In the spring 
of 1912, Presque Isle General Hospital opened with 20 beds, an 
operating theater with the latest equipment, four physicians, and a 
training school for nurses.
  Much has changed during the past 100 years. What began in one three-
story converted house as Presque Isle General is known today as the 
Aroostook Medical Center, TAMC, with facilities in Presque Isle, Mars 
Hill, and Fort Fairfield, an ambulance service, and outreach services, 
such as a dialysis center and primary care clinics, throughout the 
northern part of the largest county east of the Mississippi. It has a 
medical staff of more than 60 trained professionals and a workforce of 
more than 1,000, making it the region's largest employer.
  What has not changed is the spirit of service that is the foundation 
of this remarkable organization. As one who was born and raised in 
Aroostook County, I am proud of what has been accomplished there and 
grateful for the contributions and dedication over the generations that 
have made this invaluable community resource possible.
  The commitment that established the region's first public hospital in 
1912 was not a one-time event. Less than a decade later, the growing 
population created the need for a larger hospital. Another, even more 
successful fund drive led to the opening in 1921 of a facility with 
more than twice the beds and vastly expanded services. In 1960, a 
capital campaign of unprecedented size for this area established the 
A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital that continues to grow and serve Aroostook 
residents.
  The namesake of today's hospital is of special significance to my 
Senate colleagues. Arthur Robinson Gould was a Presque Isle 
entrepreneur who built a lumber mill, powerplants, and an electric 
railroad. In 1926, he was elected to the U.S. Senate to fill the term 
of Senator Bert M. Fernald, who died in office. Senator Gould is best 
remembered for the courageous stand he took against the Ku Klux Klan at 
a time when that hateful group was gaining prominence in American 
politics. Despite the esteem in which he was held, Senator Gould chose 
not to run for reelection in 1930, saying, ``I want to get back to my 
railroad and the pine forests of Maine.''
  That simple statement describes the affection the people of Aroostook 
County have for their home and helps to explain how they could join 
together to create, sustain, and grow a modern health care 
organization. By proclamation of the Governor of Maine and the city of 
Presque Isle, June 9, 2012, is the official day of celebration for this 
great centennial. I am honored to commemorate the occasion by 
congratulating the men and women of the Aroostook Medical Center and 
the people of Aroostook County for 100 years of accomplishment, and I 
wish them the best in the years to come.

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